He Calms the Storm

A storm is coming...

Imagine you're outside. It's sunny, warm and the sky is blue. You're enjoying your day, and you notice there's a group of dark clouds, and it looks like it's about to rain. You ignore the clouds and continue to go through your bright day..then, the sun starts to cover up, and a few rain droplets splash on your face. You look up and that group of clouds has now dropped a rain bomb on you. You weren't prepared and didn't bring rain gear with you. Finally, you rushed into your house safe, but you're all soaked and cold from the rain. From the looks of this storm, you think it might take a while to stop.

Here's an example. This photo is not mine and I cannot take credit for it. I found it on Google. 

This was how I pictured our community, and the world this last month. Some were paying attention to this pandemic crisis going on, but others...not so much. The coronavirus is a storm I did not see coming until spring break came and Collin announced to extend their break for another week, as they planned to see what would happen next. Our directors communicated with each other and had to make a tough decision to canceled on-campus events. That's included fellowship nights, S.S.I, and any on-campus evangelism. It was sad for our students and staff team to see changes, and changes lead people to feel uncomfortable, scared, and depressed.  When we see something bigger than us, we looked towards God. I think of Mark 4:35-41 in our current situation:

Jesus Calms the Storm

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 

36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 

37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 

38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Rembrandt van Rijn‘s Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee

The Storm is dark...but the Sun is Coming!

Right now, we are encouraged to social distance from people to keep the virus from spreading. Some of you reading this are sheltering in place and only allowed to go out for essential reasons. If you are worrying, there is HOPE! God is not surprised by this or confused about what is going on. He is the creator of the universe and the most wise of all. Jesus cured diseases, raised people from the dead, and forgave our sins! There is nothing we should be worrying about.“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” These words are very convicting because Jesus wants us to trust in Him. He is our source of light!

• "Cast all of your anxiety over to him because he cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7.
• " I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

With everything currently closed (School, restaurants, gyms, etc.), the gospel is still active. God's mission isn't over. Apostle Paul encourages his disciple Timothy to keep fighting the good fight in faith. We are blessed to have the gift of technology and social media to spread the good news to people who are struggling to have faith. Let's go out and fight the good fight and run the race. The storm is dark, but the sun is coming!

Through the Storm...HE IS LORD!

Even when our ministry can not meet on campus, we challenge ourselves to be creative through our one on ones, COREs, Thursday Night Fellowship, and apprenticeship classes. Here's how we've been creative to continue God's work through this pandemic time.

CORE groups been happening virtually. At first was first uncomfortable and weird since we were not meeting at our usual spot, but I've been thankful for these guys going out of their way and continuing to have fellowship in this awkward time.

Our apprenticeship classes have become virtual through "Zoom."

Since social distancing is encouraged in our community, we started using the gift of technology to see people face to face. This is a big blessing from God; we can fellowship with people at a distance. Top to bottom; Marc & Josh

 Before quarantine began, our church set up men's breakfast once a month to have fellowship and get to know the guys of all ages. 

 My roommates and I decided to serve our landlord by cleaning out the gutters and fixing up the yard.

My roommates and I reached out to the neighbors on our street, offering our service to help out and bring light to our neighborhood. Mark and I left our numbers for them and received a couple of thankful responses. One neighbor particularly baked us cookies along with a thank you note. I received a text from the same neighbor thanking Mark and I for reaching out to him and his family. They've been praying for their son who one day will come to know the Lord, and our note of service was an answered prayer for them. Their son was very touched by our gesture, but we know this was the work of the Spirit as he led us to them. I've blocked out personal information (such as their address), but please pray for them.

Our New Apprentices!!!

For our next coming school year (2020-2021), we've accepted nine apprentices, and two of them will be at Collin College starting August 1st. I'm super excited to work with these guys next year, as I will continue to be on staff with FOCUS for three more years!

Adam Chaibainou - If you remember from my blog post from January, he first came to Collin FOCUS as a freshman (2016) and joined my CORE group. He has a huge heart for God and cares deeply for people. Whenever I see him, his smile warms up my heart, and I'm blessed to see more of that smile.

Joey Thurston - This is the first time I will get to meet Joey. We know of each other through mutual friends. Most of my friends that know Joey have shared all positive things about him. He's willing to the extra mile to love people where they're at, and he likes to play ultimate frisbee! I definitely can't wait to hang and work with him this coming year.

Praying for you guys!!