Denton Fall Retreat 2024!

 

Denton Fall Retreat 2024

Hello friends, family, and prayer warriors!

Thank you so much for reading my blog, praying, and partnering with me in campus ministry.  I wouldn’t get to be on campus and take part in what God is doing in Denton without you.

October has just flown by- time flies when you’re having fun! I am excited to tell you all about fall retreat and how the Lord has been moving this month!

Fall Retreat

What is Fall Retreat?

Each year, we go to a camp about an hour away for a 24-hour weekend retreat. It’s a chance for students to retreat from their typical routines, connect with each other, and connect with the Lord. This year we had a Survivor-like theme with team colors and competitions, which everyone absolutely loved! Our competitive sides definitely had a chance to shine, haha! We also had pastor Ronnie Worsham share a sermon about faith, and we interviewed several faithful students who have exemplified living in community well. 

Roommates, Cofa, and Team Red!

Prayer, Session, and Games

Student Takeaways:

I asked some of our core facilitators (corefa’s) to share what was impactful to them from retreat. Enjoy!

Ava: “I was encouraged when Ronnie said God isn’t in a far away mountain we have to reach, but we can just turn to Him! I tend to place high expectations on myself, but God is right here.”

Andrew: “Faith is not some feeling or emotion, it’s a deliberate decision to allow the Lord to work in your life….we are not to only know each other, but belong to each other as a body of believers.” 

Alexis: “I really liked seeing ourselves as Christ’s ambassadors rather than just Christians. We represent Him!” 

Peter: “I gotta be a friend to gain a friend, not expecting people to just pour into me, but pouring into others first. And changing my mindset from “me” to “we.””

Team Red

(we got last place but still had a blast)

I am so thankful for this group of students who not only have fun and foster real friendships with each other, but do so seeking to look more and more like Jesus. I can only begin to imagine all the Lord wants to do through them to bless people at their campuses! 

Keep FOCUS Growing

I wanted to highlight this exciting opportunity and put it on your radars! Each year, FOCUS has a fundraising campaign called Keep FOCUS Growing (KFG). This campaign has been such a blessing to allow our ministry to continue to thrive and bless students. We use the funds to support various expenses such as printing 1 on 1 Bible study (FOJ) booklets, outreach, and putting on fall and winter retreats. I humbly ask that you would prayerfully consider contributing so we may further the Kingdom of God on college campuses.

Sweet Things

I wanted take a brief moment to share some sweet things I am thankful for. While life may have its troubles, the Lord continues to give reminders that He is present and good. Whether that be through a sunrise that brought me to tears, the gift of free roses at the rose garden, meeting kind strangers, or laughter with friends, He lets me taste and see that He is good (Psalm 34:8). My prayer is that you would also taste and see the Lord’s goodness in unexpected ways. 

Prayer Requests

- Pray that students continue to encounter Jesus through our ministry and make the decision to come to know Him and follow Him.

- Pray that students would decide to attend our next event, called Pizza Theology, and that the Lord moves powerfully through our guest speaker (New Testament Professor at Regent College) Rikk Watts. Pray for safe travels for Rikk Watts and the students driving to see him. 

October Student Testimony

Thank you for your generous support and making it possible to raise up this new generation of disciples. Your imitation of God’s faithfulness is bearing fruit! As always, please reach out if you have any prayer requests, questions or comments. 

With love,

Cathryn