The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17

The end of the school year is an exciting and hopeful time. It is a celebration of what God has done for each person individually as well as an opportunity to reflect on what He has done for the ministry at large. Pictured above students gather on campus to celebrate the end of the year as well as celebrate their peers who chose to get baptized. One student, before she was baptized, shared that she discovered how much Jesus loved her and that she loved Him and was excited to follow Him her whole life! The Old has Gone and the new has come!
    This semester we have tackled a difficult issue. The topic of Sexuality and God’s design for it is a very divisive and challenging topic to discuss on the college campus. It has become very clear that more and more students have no idea about God’s design for sexuality. Many have been told and believe that sex in relationships is much like a handshake. Others have no real idea what its purpose is and why God created it. Scary thoughts for sure, but all the more reason to lean into this topic. As a result of our focus, many students are now talking about God’s design and plan for sex.  They are realizing His desire is to bless them and not restrict them. There are numerous stories, many of which are too difficult or not appropriate to share in a newsletter.  However, the Lord is redeeming students, their pasts, and their futures and it is a privilege to see Him work!
    Students are embracing Jesus as their Lord, sharing who He is with their friends, and have challenged their own understanding of God’s design, plan, and purpose for their lives.  As I reflect on the year I can see that God is doing away with the old in students lives and the new (Jesus) has come!  Please pray that the work God has started in the students lives will continue to develop and that the students would not be subject to the “summer slide.”  We are grateful for your prayers for us and our students as we continue to lead the ministry at UNC.  Mandy, Kayla, Emma, and I are so thankful for your prayers!  We sincerely could not do this without you!