Austin Bailey's Ministry Blog

Hey, everyone! I hope all of you at home working are healthy and safe. I have been praying for you through this strange time. I mention in my last blog, " He Calms the Storm " the coronavirus is a scary and uncomfortable time where we have to be six feet away from people and work at home. Even though we have been blessed to receive great weather, the coronavirus is metaphorically a storm in our current time. But remember the good news! God is still working! There's a worship song by Leeland called "Way Maker", and the bridge on the song spoke the truth and encourage me that our God never stops working. How do you see God working where you are? "Even when I don't see it, you're workin' Even when I don't feel it, you're workin' You never stop, you never stop workin' You never stop, you never stop workin'" I see God currently working in our college students and the ministry as a whole. The gift of technology ...

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 ...

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16  The Word of the Lord When you think of the Bible, what is the main purpose as Christians to use the Bible for? Here is a follow-up question, Why do you read the Bible? I find the word of God is so  much more extraordinary  than many other books I've read growing up. In high school, I was required to read literature books to gain wisdom about authors use of language, storytelling, and giving feedback. The books I read were very beneficial for my education, but they were not compelling compared to God's word. At three quarters into my apprenticeship, I believe the Bible has so much power to speak into people's lives (including myself), and importantly, it’s the story of God and his relationship with humanity, for the most part specifically with the people of Is...

Give thanks  to the  Lord , for he is good.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks  to the God of gods.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks  to the Lord of lords:  His love endures forever. Psalms 136:1-3 We're Back!! As the winter break ended, Winter Camp went through and was a huge success (keep reading for more)! At the beginning of the new year, our staff went on a retreat in central Texas. I shared in last months blog that our purpose for staff retreat is to help rejuvenate their spirit and prepare for the spring semester and Winter Camp (don't worry, we're ALMOST THERE).  WINTER CAMP!! Here it is! WINTER CAMP 2020! We had a massive turn out of over 500 students who came to camp to worship God and have fellowship with the community. Some of our staff prepared amazing sermons over the most common Psalms the church are familiar with. One of my favorite types of psalms is gratitude. Having a heart of thankf...

2019-2020 FOCUS apprentices at staff Christmas party Reflection over the semester! The first half of my apprenticeship has completed and it's been an incredible journey! Many friends and family have asked me, "How's your apprenticeship coming along?" Here's my response; The apprenticeship has been teaching me how good of a God we serve and that he tremendously loves us despite how much we mess up. God has shown me some of my blind spots and that He is not upset or impatient with me in fixing it. He calls me to be faithful and trust that He is good and is making me into a new creation. The classes have been a blessing to help me build a deep understanding of Biblical theology, how to be a good steward with my money, and improving a healthier physical lifestyle. As this semester ends, a new semester begins for new growth opportunities and students to minister. Please join me this new year in prayer for new students coming to Collin.  Christmas Card Outrea...