June Update: Leave It There
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Happy Summer!
Every time I step outside and get hit by that very familiar Texas heat (y’all Texans know what I mean), I’m reminded that summer is in full swing! And what a full summer it’s been already.
One of the highlights has been Summer FOCUS. Every Thursday night, I get to see a room full of college students jump, sing, and lift their hands in worship, and I can’t help but smile. Even in the “off-season” of college, these students are showing up hungry for Jesus and choosing to stay rooted in their faith. It’s been such a joy to walk with them in this slower, but deeply meaningful time.
Another joy has been spending time with my staff team as we pray, dream, and prepare for the fall. I’ve walked away from those meetings filled with excitement and hope. God is already laying the groundwork for this next year, and I can’t wait to see how He moves on campus.
Personally, it’s been a big month too! I moved into a new house in Denton (finally settled… mostly!), and my twin sister had her second baby, so my heart is extra full. In the midst of all the moving parts, I’ve been especially grateful for time with some of you! Whether over coffee, a text, or catching up on the phone, your encouragement has been such a gift. I’ve truly felt the generosity and kindness of God through the people around me.
In this full and stretching summer, one old hymn has been grounding me: “Leave It There” by Charles A. Tindley. (This version covered by Washington Phillips) :
https://youtu.be/w2h7sPK4XK4?si=X7boM1sDDNi6o3Yv
It’s based on Psalm 55:22:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.”
That truth has been showing up everywhere lately. When things get busy, I’m tempted to try to do it all on my own. But God is inviting me to stop carrying everything myself and lean into Him. He doesn’t just offer help; He offers Himself- His peace, His presence, and His provision.
One moment that really brought that to life was a recent coffee with a student named Mia. She’s been part of our ministry, but we hadn’t had the chance to connect until this summer. What started as a simple meetup turned into an unmistakable God-deal. As she shared about her summer, I was struck by how much of her story reminded me of my own college years- similar questions and similar hunger to know God more and trust Him with her burdens. I got to pray with her and talk about how God meets us right where we are. Not once we feel like we have it all figured out, but in the middle of the mess. He offers us the best gift: Himself. And THAT is where we experience freedom! In our weakness, God is our strength! It was clear He was already pursuing her long before we sat down.
Moments like that remind me: God is near and He is moving. Always inviting us to take our burdens to Him, and leave them there.
As we head toward the fall, I’m still working toward my full fundraising goal, but I’ve been blown away by the encouragement and support from so many of you already. Your prayers, generosity, and belief in this mission at UNT mean so much, and the Lord will be faithful to bring His good work to completion!
Would you pray with me for:
New students this fall, that we’d meet more Mias and show these campuses the love of Jesus!
For myself and coworkers to be fully fundraised this summer
Continued vision for our staff team as we pray about next year
Rest and renewal for students (and me!) this summer
Thank you for being such a big part of what God is doing!
Student Testimony
With love,
Cathryn
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