Life Updates and Campus Statistic - June Newsletter 2013

 








"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things…”

Acts 17:24-25

Malcolm with our niece, Abigail

Life Updates and Campus Statistics

First, we want to thank all of you for praying for me (Leah) and the surgery I had on June 12^th to remove the cysts on my ovaries! Everything went well, and I recovered without any hitches or hiccups. It was confirmed that I have endometriosis for sure, which means that this will be something I will have for the rest of my life and will get worse over time. The doctor has given me some options to help the condition for the long run, so we would appreciate your continued prayers for the next step and God’s will for us.

After surgery, we have hoped from place to place spending every day for almost a month with our family. We spent quite of bit of time with our nieces and nephews who live in Ft. Lupton, Montana and Haiti (to see how to pray for them and their ministry, please visit samaberle.blogspot.com). We haven’t seen a majority of them in over a year, so we had lots of fun catching up! My sister spent time with Malcolm and I in Durango, then the three of us spent the 4^th of July with my parents. Lots of traveling, but lots of fun and memories made!!

This past month, Russ Akins (president and founder of MPM) collected stats from all three campuses over the preceding year, and he sent us the results. Though they aren’t as complete as they could be (we were developing our weekly review system this past year), they show a majority of what God did at Fort Lewis College, Colorado Mesa University, and the Auraria campus in downtown Denver.

- 680 evangelistic one-on-one conversations took place.
- 550 new students were exposed to the Gospel through outreach events.
- 40 students indicated that they made a decision to become a Christian.
- 852 on-on-one discipleship appointments took place.
- 23 small groups involving 110 students happened each week

We hope these stats encourage you as much as they encourage us!! Please continue to pray for more evangelism and discipleship to happen on campus this following school year. Continue to pray for the students this summer as they are off doing all sorts of things around the country. Also keep the incoming freshmen in your prayers!! Pray that we can reach the freshmen class with the Gospel and as early as possible in the school year.

 

Leah with her sister, Chelsea

Our Current Need

 

We have been fortunate on benefiting from our parent’s insurance our first 2 years of marriage. Especially with our health being all over the place this past year, it has been a big blessing to still have health benefits without having to take out extra from our paychecks. This year we turn 26, and will no longer have these benefits after our next birthday.

It is also very common to have some finances to drop off over time, and we are at a place where we need $700 per month to see our financial support return to 100% of our original budget. In order for us to make sure we can get health insurance and take care of our other month-to-month needs, we are looking for more people to partner with us in the ministry at Fort Lewis College.

Here are two ways you can help with this need:

1. Prayerfully ask the Lord if you can increase your monthly commitment.

(If you would like to give online, click here.)

2. Prayerfully ask the Lord who of your family and friends would be interested in hearing about our ministry at FLC, and send their phone number to us so we can 

contact them.

Thank you for keeping us and our financial needs in your prayers!! Please let us know how we can pray for you.

CRUSH FEAR - May Newsletter 2013

 

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”

Psalm 56:3-4

 

  CRUSH FEAR 2013

 

This year God presented us with a new challenge: to direct our first summer project! Though we faced many challenges leading up to Crush Fear (including whether or not to even do it) May 19^th arrived with 6 students at Cascade Lodge for 2 weeks of fear crushing adventures!! The students got to face physical challenges (like rappelling, rock climbing, backpacking, rafting, zip lining and others) along with personal and ministry challenges (confronting a store manager about inappropriate magazines, street evangelism, sharing their testimony in front of a church and on the radio and MANY more). Needless to say that when June 2^nd came for them to go home, they were EXHAUSTED (along with the staff)!!! Though we as staff learned so much from the experience, we thought we would let the students share what they got from the project.

“God [these] past 2 weeks has shown me that with him he makes me stronger physically, mentally and spiritually.”

“God has worked in me a lot during this and shown me things I didn’t realize I had trouble with before. I was also forced to step out of my comfort zone during a lot of the activities, which was really awesome and necessary. It’s been so fun and challenging and I hope we can do a Crush Fear 2 or something else that we can all get back together to crush some more fear!”

“This was such an incredible experience and I was blessed in so many ways by it. I feel like my walk has been strengthened and like I have grown a ton.”

“I feel more at peace with my life, and feel as though I can conquer any trial I face if I let Christ have the throne.”

“I’ve realized my value in Him exists because of His grace and not my actions. I am less afraid to pursue what He calls me to because I know I can trust Him.”

“Before coming to Crush Fear, I was continually doubting myself and running away from who God wanted me to be. By confronting my fears and weaknesses, I feel as though I am more willing to step out in faith and take action to be where God is leading me.”

“Going into town to share the gospel and telling cashiers Jesus loves them helped me conquer my fears in that there is no reason to be afraid to share your faith.”

“Before, I wasn’t sure who God has made me to be… He has revealed [who I am] to me and how I am called to share God with others and to be His faithful servant.”

We can’t help but thank God for all that He did these two weeks!!! He has been so faithful to show up when we needed, to provide the energy and strength to keep going, and to help each person walk away more confident and courageous to live the life that He has called them to. We’re excited to see what He will do next in each of their lives!! Thank you so much for praying for us, the rest of the staff, and the students. Please continue to pray that these students will live the rest of their lives dedicated to the Great Commission without fear holding them back!!!

 

Prayer Requests

 

-       Please pray for healing for Leah: This semester we discovered that I (Leah) have a large cyst on my left ovary and a couple smaller ones on my right – all of which are due to endometriosis. We decided to go ahead and get them surgically removed June 12^th. Pray that God would bring healing in His timing and way!

-       We desire to raise an additional $700 in monthly support – prayer for the funds to be met and the time to ask people to partner with us would be greatly appreciated.

-       Continue to pray for Fort Lewis College to be won for Christ, and the students to have a summer glorifying to Him  and encouraging to their spiritual growth.

-       We are SO SO SO thankful for each and every one of you!! Thank you for your faithfulness to pray, serve and give. Let us know how we can be praying for you as well!!

 

Crush Fear Staff 2013

Eating Crickets and Mealworms (Don't worry, they ARE FDA approved!)

White Water Rafting

Setting out on the 6 hrs + of hiking

Tired, but none the worse

24 hour solo

Evagelism downtown Durango

The Ladies

The men

Our fearless students (From left to right): Casey, Lori, Kensey, Alex, Rachael (also our intern) and Shawnee

Semester Highlights - March/April Newsletter 2013

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

 

Semester Highlights

 

We just wrapped up another school year at Fort Lewis College, and this semester has definitely been eventful!!

         -  At our Mustache March Competition, we had 5 new people show up, 4 of which  were interested in talking to someone more about Jesus.

-       Russ and Linda Akins, the founders of Master Plan Ministries, celebrated their 45^th wedding anniversary with the college students at our Thursday dinner, where the students got to pick their brains about having healthy relationships.

-       Our last retreat of the year was a great success where some of our students took big steps of faith by sharing their testimonies and presenting a talk for the first time.

-       We got to take a fun weekend trip with the students to Moab, UT. We had one student come who we’ve seen on and off throughout the year, and now wants to be discipled next year.

-       We accepted 3 of our students (who are graduating this weekend) onto our staff team! Brandon Cox and Dakota Woodie came in as freshmen, and Anne Barby (almost Anne Cox) came in 2 years ago. All three have been excellent students to work with, and we are thrilled to have them on our team in Durango.

-       This semester alone, we know of at least  6 people who have indicated a decision to follow Christ on campus!! Praise God for changing the policy by this second semester so we can share openly the Gospel. Lives were changed for eternity this semester!!

 

Prayer Requests

-       Pray for the students to have fruitful walks with God over the summer, and to continue to take good steps of faith.

-       Pray for those who have heard the Gospel this year to receive Christ sooner rather than later, and that more people will share with them over the summer

-       Pray for Crush Fear, which is May 19^th- June 2^nd. Pray that the staff will finish all that we need to before hand, that the students coming will have all there funds raised in time, and that they will crush fear during the project that will help them live bold lives for Christ!

-       Pray for us to rest this summer, and also be able to boost our monthly monetary needs by asking others to partner with us.

-       Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and financial support this school year!! We thank God for you and your partnership in our work on campus.

God Can Do WAY MORE - December 2012 Newsletter

 

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20-21

 

God Can Do WAY MORE!

 

 

I (Leah) was reminded of this verse halfway through this past semester, and I was hit with this thought, “God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. What do I ask for? What have I been imagining?” I realized that day that we can easily be the limiting factor for God to work even greater things to happen! God has such amazing plans – are we on board for them to happen?

About two years ago, we planned a Connect to have free pizza, a game, and a couple testimonies that shared the Gospel. We had prayed for at least one person to come to know Christ personally. That night, Alex came for free pizza, and a couple days later accepted Christ’s free gift of salvation from sins!! Malcolm has worked with him one-on-one since then, so he holds a very close place in our hearts. Now Alex is leaving to go back home to Florida for school. Please pray for Alex as he transitions to life away from consistent, loving atmosphere to follow Christ. Pray that he can share Jesus with others, especially his family.

About three years ago, we had a retreat where Ashlie came for the first time. After hearing all this talk about having a relationship with Christ, Ashlie asked a student, “What would you share with someone who wanted that?” My friend, Hedy, went through the Gospel with her, thinking she was training Ashlie to share it with someone else. In reality, when Hedy went over the prayer at the end, Ashlie told God she was a sinner and wanted God to have control of her life! Since then, Ashlie has grown into a mature woman and a budding leader. After two summers serving at Walt Disney World in Florida, she has decided to go back again for her first semester after graduating from Fort Lewis College. I had the pleasure to not only watch Ashlie grow, but walk along side her and challenge her the past year in discipleship. Pray for her as she works and shares the Gospel at Disney, and as she adjusts to life outside of college!

About four years ago, I was just starting my internship with Master Plan Ministries. I had met a feisty freshman, named Mollie, who wanted to really to live for Christ. This last semester was the last semester I had with her before she left on another adventure on a sailboat in the Caribbean. At her last Connect she presented in her farewell speech, “I’ve learned a lot through these past few years of college, but I think I can sum up most of what I learned in three main points. One: It’s ALL about God – everything comes back to Him. Two: Give all the glory to Him. Three: Never give less than 100%.” I couldn’t be more proud of Mollie! Pray for her last semester on the sea to be fruitful and safe, and that God will show her what He wants her to do after college.

Though we are excited about what God has done in the lives of students, we are more excited to see what He has in store next! We are already seeing and expecting God to do immeasurably more than what He has already done on campus and in the lives of these students.

 

Prayer Requests

-       PRAISE GOD!!! The policy has been reviewed and changed – evangelism is protected and no longer limited on campus!! Thank you SO MUCH for praying! Pray that next semester we can go out strong to share the Gospel with the entire campus!

-       We have 11 students signed up to go to Denver Christmas Conference! Pray that they can raise the money they need in order to go. The school has provided a charitable sum to help them pay for the conference, but they still need a little more. If you’re interested in helping them, please contact us ASAP. Pray also that they will learn a lot during their time their, and that the conference will spur those students going to be excited to reach their campus next semester.

-       Pray that our students will be safe over their Christmas break, not only from snow, but also from temptations that come from home. Pray that they will instead be rested and excited for the next semester to go all out for God!

 

A Special Request

As the year comes to a close we look back at God’s abundant provision in our lives and we cannot help but praise Him! We have not once gone hungry, and have had all of our needs met every time. Without you these stories of students’ lives being completely changed by Christ would be far harder.  We thank God for your prayer and support in making all of that happen. Nonetheless. things rise up that are unexpected costs and expenses.  Here are a few things that you can prayerfully considered giving a special end of the year gift to.

-Car maintenance: Both of our cars are in need of new sets of tires for the winter. And the Suburban is in need of a new battery.

-DCC: We are going and need your help to get there so that we can lead and encourage the students.

May we ask you specifically pray about giving a special end of the year gift of $50, $100, or $500 to be put towards these needs?  Thank you for considering this. If you give, whatever the amount you decide is great, and all gifts are tax deductible. 

To give go to www.masterplanministries.net and go to the donate page and click Malcolm and Leah.  Or send a check written to Master Plan Ministries at P.O. Box 1082 Durango, CO 81302

 

This Little Light of Mine - October 2012 Newsletter

 

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch

 

This Little Light of Mine

 

If you haven’t discovered yet about Master Plan Ministries, we really – I mean REALLY – want people to know Jesus! Though we hit some snags in reaching the campus with the Good News of Jesus Christ this semester, God has had no problems reaching people!!

One day the guys couldn’t find any place on campus to have their bible study, so they went inside a room next to the public ping-pong and pool table. The room has tons of open windows for everyone to look in. The next day, a guy named Elvin approached Malcolm as he was heading into an appointment with another student. “What were you guys doing in that room yesterday?” he asked. “We were having a bible study,” Malcolm replied. The guy proceeded to ask if Malcolm would have time to talk to him. As he couldn’t at that moment, he told him he couldn’t but would like to talk a little later. After Malcolm’s other meeting, he found Elvin in the same place, almost waiting for Malcolm to get done.

Elvin had a lot of hurt from a church from his hometown, and so many other things that weighed heavy on his heart and mind. Malcolm got the chance to not only listen to this guy, but also share the Gospel with him! Though we haven’t seen much of Elvin, we are still hoping for another chance to follow up with him. Please pray for Elvin!

The other great opportunity we had was at our latest retreat. We tried super hard to invite new people to come, and God provided the new people! We had around 6 new people, at least half of which are not Christians!! I (Leah) had an opportunity to share the Gospel with “N”, who was at the retreat solely to find out more about Christianity.

 I asked her questions about what she liked and didn’t like about Christianity. One of the things she liked (which she found quite a few things appealing) was forgiveness, and how you can always be forgiven. The one thing she said she didn’t like was “the whole accepting Christ in your life thing”. I asked, “Oh, like how exclusive it is?” “No,” she replied. “It just doesn’t make sense to me, because I’ve never had an experience like what others have talked about.” Though I did share the Gospel, “N” was very overwhelmed with all the information she was receiving. We are hoping to get together before Thanksgiving break to talk more. Please pray for “N” to know Jesus personally, and that her and I can at least meet up and talk more.

The last neat thing that happened at the retreat was I found out that one of the new students (who has been meeting with another staff member) was a camper in her cabin at Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je West in 2005!! They had had a tender moment in the cabin, which is one of the few moments I can remember from 8 years ago.

In all these stories, we can see how God is orchestrating a grand story. He has been so faithful  in our lives, and in the lives of those around us. He is drawing people to Himself, and He has chosen to use us as we allow ourselves to be available to share His Good News!!

Brandon and Anne giving a talk on discipline and commitment at our last retreat. They got engaged 2 weeks later!! Pray for them as they make plans and finish out their last semester of college.

 

Prayer Requests

 

-       Keep praying for the situation with the administration. A letter has been sent, and the administration said they will look over the policy! Praise God!!

-       Pray for God’s wisdom and good ideas on how to continue to reach the freshmen! We can tell there has been another shift in the students, and we need to just think about our game plan to reach them.

-       Denver Christmas Conference (DCC) is a 5-day conference with Cru, which is such a neat time for our students and us. The students not only get challenged to share their faith and to live boldly back on their campuses, but also to spend their summers for God. Pray that many of our students will commit to go, and that they will learn a lot from their time there.

-       This semester is very quickly coming to a close – and we can hardly believe how fast it has flown by!! Keep praying for perseverance and energy to finish strong on campus!!

-       Continue to let us know how we can be praying for you as well!! We thank and praise God for you and all your prayers and financial contributions to keep us in full time ministry at Fort Lewis!!

Celebrating Shawnee's (far right) at retreat