TARGET: DAYTON

This past weekend I went with a few other people to a place just a couple minutes from our campus. It's a ministry called Target: Dayton. They provide meals for the homeless as well as hold church services for them to be spiritually encouraged and nourished. Attending and participating in the service was very enriching and allowed me to see a glimpse of God's heart, which cares so deeply for the poor and oppressed. It was such an amazing thing to witness people who had so little express such a dependence on the Lord. They were excited and thankful to spend time with their Maker. God really showed Himself as a God who instills HOPE in the hearts of His people!

"I know and rest in confidence that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will secure justice for the poor and needy." Psalm 140:12

RAP BATTLE!

Last night was probably one of the sweetest/funniest things I've ever experienced. A couple of our friends put together a Freestyle Rap Battle thing (or somethin like that) at a cafe on campus. Peeps from all over campus came to watch and take part in this Slam Jam. Playas like Will the Thrill, Night John, and Sweet Pea. Def. one of the most legit and entertaining things I've ever seen! The only interesting/hilarious problem is that now I'm trying to rhyme everything that I'm saying and thinking.

Your Grace

It’s truly undeserved. There’s nothing I’ve ever done or will do that could possibly pay You back or equalize what You’ve done for me and what you continue to do for and to me every day. You pour out favor on my life so freely and abundantly. You won’t deny me grace. Grace and mercy that I absolutely need. No you won’t deny me if I can somehow approach You respectfully and humbly, surrendering my whole self and acknowledging Your sole authority to forgive. Not that Your grace is conditional necessarily, but that there are certain things You desire of me. Would You teach me to be as You desire? And knowing that you won’t deny me, how can I keep from taking advantage of Your limitless grace? That it wouldn’t lose its meaning or weight because of how constant it is. Or how do I always approach You humbly if I know You always forgive? That I would never think You always forgive me because of how hard I’m trying or doing, but because of who You are. That Your grace would never become dull or unexciting or undesired in my life. Might the fact that You don’t resent creating me not deceive me and cause me to grow prideful. That my attitude and lifestyle would not make a mockery or shallow thing of Your life-giving grace. My mind doesn’t really know how or why You do it, but my heart knows that Your grace refreshes me!

THE NEW YEAR!

Every year, Street Life Ministries does a New Years Eve Outreach in New York City. It is very exciting to report that there will be a group from the Univ. of Dayton going to serve in NYC this year! (Dec. 28-Jan. 1). There's gonna be 5 or 6 of us I think. During this outreach we'll have opportunities to serve food and clothes to the homeless as well as share the love of Christ and pray with people on the streets!

I am especially excited, because some of my friends are so willing and open to serve the Lord and they'll get to see specifically what they've been pouring into as they've supported me in this ministry! I can't wait to experience God with them during this special time. It will also be sweet to see the staff/friends at Street Life again. : - ) Definitely miss them.

This opportunity presents a new but exciting challenge in my life as I've always been a part of teams and never really had to facilitate or lead one.

Please pray for us as much preparation is needed to get in the right mindset for what we'll be participating in as well as prayer for the needy and lost people of the city!

GOD IS ALIVE!