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.

Our Passions for HIS Glory - July 2012 Newsletter

 

“…if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”

Colossians 1:23

 

Our Passions for HIS Glory

 

As Leah and I walk through our first full summer together, we find that expectations can crop up everywhere.  For example, we were wanting to make sure we were well rested, recuperating from the past school year, and able to do ministry the way we have wanted to over the summer. These were difficult to keep balanced, but it has been a great learning experience, especially for me (Malcolm).

This summer brought more challenges than the school year in some ways. I got the chance to step out of my comfort zone of being in a leadership role when Leah and I got to lead the evangelism team at Night Vision. The time and energy spent there was great, and all the effort was not a loss as we learned just the other day that over 100 people gave their lives to Christ at the event.  Praise God for His faithfulness in working in people’s hearts! God exceedingly showed how faithful He can be if we are just willing to get out and let him work. I’m in awe of how God can take all of our insecurities and make them disappear and loose all meaning compared to watching people come into a saving relationship with Christ. Thank you for your prayers and help!

Almost as soon as the show was done, we were off Denver as we had planned a climbing trip with the three interns we have this summer. The purpose of this trip was to go climb and share the gospel with climbers we met (and, at least for Leah and I, to learn how to plan and lead some sort of trip).  We really want to learn how to use the things we are passionate about for the glory of God’s name.

One story of the week was when we were working on a boulder problem with about 6 other people at the same time, learning about them as we climbed.  After a couple of hours the conversation about God naturally came up and we had a full blown conversation about whether or not God was perfect and whether Christ was the only way to go to heaven. For me, there is nothing more exciting then talking to people about Christ while climbing!

We had a very fun week as we got to go to Boulder and Mt Evans for climbing, and Rocky Mountain National Park, Water World, and a Rockies Game for some relaxing good times.  I’m blown away with the blessings that God have given us.  We got to spend a week in some of the most beautiful places, enjoyed God’s creation and sharing the best news ever with people that desperately need him.  As always the first time you do something there is always kinks and quirks to work out, but overall I came away thinking these trips could be very successful in the future. 

Sharing the Gospel at Night Vision

 

Prayer Requests

 

-       Pray for those who received Christ at Night Vision, and for the staff who are following up with all of them!!

-       Pray for our students – freshmen move in  August 23^rd, our big kick off BBQ is August 25^th, and classes begin August 27^th!! Pray that our students will come back ready to serve, and that students and staff will get the chance to reach as many people as possible and quickly as possible.

-       Pray for us as we leave August 14^th for our last trip for the summer! We’re bummed because we’ll be gone for all the beginning activities (we’re returning August 27^th), but we’re so excited to get a fun vacation AND get to see some dear friends get married August 25^th in Oregon!! Pray that we will have a safe trip, and also come back ready to go hard on campus for the 2012-13 school year!!

-       Thank you to all of you who have been sending us prayer requests!! Please know we’re praying for you all.

 

Never Will I Leave You

Malcolm got to write the newsletter this time around (which he did a great job, I can't wait to post it)! We had a great time this last month and God has been showing us both a lot. I (Leah, if you couldn't guess) really wanted to share something that God showed me this past month.

When we were up in Denver, God really put on my heart to reach out to a couple friends of mine from childhood. They have both been on my "Most Wanted" list for a long time. When we were in middle school, I took both of them to Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je west where one did pray to receive Christ (though I do remember she was very afraid of hell, so I'm not sure if it was actual surrender to Christ or not - I'm not judging her decision, but she definitely is not living for Christ needless to say). The other I remember loved her experience at camp, but not sure she really made any commitments to Jesus. Regardless, they both have been exposed to the Gospel, but neither are living for Christ. In fact, I have seen them both go through very hard things since leaving high school. I don't want to share their personal lives here.

Anyway, with one friend, it took almost all week just to set down a time to see her. She kept changing times, bailing on our set time, etc. It was becoming a little discouraging. But God kept encouraging my heart saying, "Keep pursuing her. Show her how I won't give up pursuing her." So I kept pressing! Finally, we set down to have dinner after her work. Malcolm and I went to her work, and asked if we were still on for dinner. "Oh, I have to go to Boulder for something tonight!" she replied. AH! All this work, and I got 15 minutes of chat time! I wanted so badly to share the Gospel with her, to remind her of how good God is and how much He loves her! But God (and Malcolm) reminded me as we drove away - HE is in control! It's not my job to change hearts. It's my job to be obedient. And that's what I did. Gosh, even now my heart hurts for this friend of mine! How badly she needs Christ's healing in her life! How much hope she could have!! 

God keeps reminding me of one thing she said to me as we were hugging, "You are such a light to my life." How good is God! I barely did anything, and yet I did exactly what God wanted me to do - be obedient - and He did all the rest of the work!

My other friend is at a whole different place than my other friend. We got a whole hour to catch up, but I also didn't get to share the Gospel with her. But while I used the restroom, Malcolm got to share his testimony with her! (May I just say, I love that man I married!) 

I really desired to open up these relationships again, and to show these ladies just how much I love them and care for them, and ultimately how much God loves them. Pray for them please! And pray that I can be more bold next time to share the Gospel - or really, just be faithful to be obedient to what God wants me to do. 

God has really put this on my heart to encourage anyone who is reading this that it is never too late to reach out to those around you! Whenever I think of these friends, He has brought these scriptures to mind:

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5

"...if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself."

2 Timothy 2:13

God doesn't give up! God is relentless in His pursuit of people! We don't have to give up either. There are 2 times in which it's too late to keep reaching out to other people: if they die, or if you die. Sharing the Gospel with nonbelievers is one thing you can't do in heaven. Let's pray for each other in this!! Let's be persistent to show how persistent God is!!

Renewed and Ready to Run - June 2012 Newsletter

 

“…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

 

Renewed and Ready to Run

 

We finally have had the chance to have some down time this summer - HOORAY! God has blessed us tremendously with allowing us opportunity to go camping, enjoy the outdoors, and relax at home. We also got the chance to celebrate our 1^st anniversary! Thank you so much for praying for us and our marriage – and we ask that you keep praying for us too, cause we have a long ways to go still!!

While we’ve been able to make merry our time of summer, we’ve also been able to hear how God has been moving and working in the lives of students. While camping in Crested Butte, CO, we had the chance to meet up with Anne. Anne joined 13 other students from around the U.S. (one of them being Rachel, another gal from FLC) in the month long summer project called Lifelines. Though she had only been there less than two weeks, she said that the lessons she had learned already were worth the trip!! Please pray for Anne and Rachel as they finish this week, and then process their time once they return home.

The other blessing through our students has been through a girl I will call “M”. My (Leah’s) relationship with M has been one over text messages trying to encourage her to follow God, meet together to try to talk, to come to Connect – ANYTHING to help her grow in her walk with God. This has been going on for a couple years now. Not too long ago, she texted me to say that she truly wants to put God first in her life and get connected with other believers. I could tell a change, especially when we actually got to get together for coffee and meet for the first time face to face! PLEASE pray for M in her walk with God, to stay in fellowship with believers, and that the enemy will not snatch her away again!!

We love our students, and we can’t wait to see them all again in a couple months! Keep praying for them to stay strong in the Lord this summer!!

 

Other Prayer Requests

 

-       Night Vision 2012 is July 13^th & 14^th!!! Please pray for us to reach any non-believers that may come, and clearly communicate the Gospel so everyone we talk to can know exactly how to have a personal relationship with God. If you’re in the area, don’t forget to come by and hear great music!!

-       Following Night Vision, we are taking the 3 interns that are working with Master Plan this summer to go climbing and share the Gospel up in the Boulder/Denver area. Pray that we can be VERY intentional with sharing the Gospel with climbers. And if you’re in the area and feel like giving climbing a try – contact us soon! We would love for you to join us!!

-       Both of us need to remember to rest so we can run hard once the school year comes. Please pray that we can not only get through the events, but also have time to rest and prepare for the upcoming semester!!

-       If you don’t know yet, Colorado is on fire! Please pray for those fighting the fires, and for the fires to cease. Rain would be nice as well!

 

 

Students on Summer Projects

We have about 5 students (possibly a couple more) going on summer projects, about 3 working at Christian camps, and more that are heading home for the summer with the heart and intention to live for Christ and make Him known to others around them! Isn't that amazing?! With summer projects (which are pretty much mission trips through Cru) quickly approaching, time is running out for the funds to come in for them in order to go. These students have stepped out in faith to say that they're going, trust Him to bring in the money and then have Him use them on their trips to reach others. What an exciting time! If you could please pray for them, their teams, and their finances as they go, that would be awesome!

"This summer God has provided me with the most amazing opportunity to serve him at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I will be going on the same summer project as last year but was invited to be student staff. I will be co-leading a bible study with some of the other staff as well as discipling 3 or 4 different girls attending the summer project. I am seriously so excited to take daily steps of faith this summer and trust the Lord with my whole heart. To GO and share the absolutely be love of all with the people in Orlando. I will be going on this project from May 26-July 7th and need to trust the Lord in raising 2,500 dollars. I also request prayer for this experience and that God would prepare my heart as well as the heart of the students attending this project. Thank you very much."

Ashlie Battiato

 "Following graduation in May, my options are to intern at a Young Life camp, intern at the Olympic Center, or start practicing as a personal trainer. I also plan on being a climbing bum, and make light sabers and sell them. I also hope to make enough money to buy a car so I can move to the Springs or Fort Collins. Prayers would be appreciated."
Taylor Carrillo

 

 "I got into my summer project! It is 'Shifting Sands' in North Africa with Jesus Film Ministries. I would greatly appreciate prayers! Of course I will also need to raise the support, which is about $4-5,000. The project is for three weeks in the June."
Rachael Taylor
1676 West Kuiaha Rd.
Haiku, HI 96708

 

 "I am working at a summer camp, Anderson Western Camps, near Eagle, Colorado from May 28 to August 20. I will be a rafting guide, doing rock climbing, and what not. Prayers would be appreciated."
John Clewe

 "I am working at a summer camp from May12- August 1. I am taking 14 boys with 3 other staff members into the wilderness. We will be rock climbing, leadership building, mountain biking, rafting, caving, backpacking, and much more. It will be a summer to live in a hammock with one shower a week."
Miranda Lanning

 

"With support, I will be going on a one month Summer Project with Campus Crusade for Christ. I will be in the outdoors learning about God and life led by the Holy Spirit. The focus of the project will be 'doing ministry' with co-workers; building relationships and looking for opportunities to share Christ. I need to raise $3,250 in around two months. I need several partners to give finical support (towards housing, materials, some meals etc.). If the Lord leads you to support me, checks can be written out to Campus Crusade for Christ, online gifts can be given here: http://www.arkpages.com/vail/team-members/brandon-cox/ , or mail checks to:
Brandon Cox
Fort Lewis College
7594 1000 Rim Dr
Durango, CO 81301
 Mainly, I need prayer. God is going to do amazing things. Also, pray for Colin B. as he trusts God to go on this same project!"
Brandon Cox

"I have an unbelievable opportunity to take part in a summer mission project sponsored by Campus Crusade. With support, I will be spending a month of my summer (June 9-July 9) in the mountains of Crested Butte with Rocky Mountain Lifelines. The purpose of this summer project is to bring students into a grace and truth relationship with God and each other, to develop character and leadership in students using small groups, and to apply and reproduce these concepts back on campus and at home. Lifelines uses the outdoors to help people grow in relationship with God, in relationships with each other, in character, and in leadership. I need to raise a total of $2,750 by June 1st. If you would like to help me financially, please email me at lilbarby09@yahoo.com.  Also, prayers are greatly appreciated as I trust and follow God during this process."
Anne Barby

P.O. Box 4275
Durango, CO 81302

 

 And we have for sure one student, and possibly two other students, for our summer project called Crush Fear. The two- week project starts May 14th for staff, and May 16th for the students - who are coming from all over the United States. Then we all leave May 30th. They will each need to raise $500. Chris Bilotta is raising support, and you can make checks out to Master Plan Ministries and mail support checks to:
Chris Bilotta
    7512 Tamarisk Dr.
     Fort Collins, CO 80528
Contact Malcolm and I for more details or if you would like to financially support these students.

We also have 3 interns with us in Durango this summer! We are so excited to see these students grow in their walks and learn what ministry is all about. Two of the interns were at Crush Fear last year, and the other is a student that Malcolm has been discipling for the past few years. Pray for these students, and contact us if God lead's you help them financially this summer.

Thank you for taking the time to read through and pray for our students! We are so proud of them, and so excited to see what God will do this summer!!