for the display of His splendor: January Newsletter

Fresh Bread

Sometimes when I spend time in God’s word I forget the purpose: to spend quality time with the one who loves me. Sounds silly right? But how often do we Christians do that? We search for application points or read because “that’s what Christians are supposed to do.” And sadly, we miss Jesus in the midst of our “quiet time.” As I opened my Bible yesterday I heard the Lord say, “Melissa, just rest here.” And by His grace, I did. This was the best time I’ve had in the Word in a very long time. Psalm 16:2 says, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” How easy it is to forget that apart from Him good does not exist… even when I’m doing all the “right things.” My prayer is that we can rest in the presence of the Lord, for apart from him we have no good thing.

Me and Lauren (one of the girls I disciple) at DCC.

From Campus

It’s hard to believe Denver Christmas Conference (DCC) has already come and gone. God always does incredible things in the lives of our students at DCC and this year was no exception. The theme of DCC this year was “Uncommon.” Speakers challenged students to live an uncommon life, just like Jesus did. At the end of the conference we had a some time together as a campus where students got to share about their DCC experience. Here are a few of the stories from this year’s conference:

The whole group from Southwest Missouri.

**Because this link gets posted on Facebook I have changed the names of the students to respect their online privacy.**

Alexa, a Sigma Kappa at MSU, rededicated life to Christ because she realized she was trying to fill the gap in her life with relationships and school when really that gap was meant to be filled by Jesus alone. She described her time at DCC with words from a famous worship song: "sweetly broken, wholly surrendered."

Jake, a junior at MSU, said he has always been terrified to share his faith, but now he is ready to be challenged and take steps of faith in the area of evangelism.

Phil, an international student from China, walked away with solid community. He expressed joy in being able to connect with fellow Christians and feels very blessed to have American friends who love Jesus.

Bailey, a junior Bible study leader, said, “The Lord revealed to me the judgments and prejudices I have. The Lord broke my heart for people that I have looked down upon. He’s teaching me how to truly show love to His people.”

Lexi is a student at one of our distance campuses, Missouri Southern in Joplin, MO. Over the summer she walked away from her relationship with God, but DCC helped her fall in love with Jesus again.

Daniel said, “God renewed the joy of my salvation.”

For years Andrew was a hardened atheist, however, the Lord had been working in his life because he made friends with a few of the guys in Cru. He decided to go to DCC and surrendered his life to Jesus while he was there. Praise the Lord that we now have a new brother in Christ!

Bryan, a junior transfer student, said, “For the first time, I’ve allowed people in. Secrets I thought I’d die with are now being shared. The shame and guilt I feel is slowly melting.”

Junior Bible study leader, David, said, “DCC helped me expose my idol of success and recognize God will love me no matter how much I fail.”

Emily, a junior, said, “I have been running away from making a career choice. I was scared of what God was calling me to do, but I finally surrendered.”

Kelly is a nursing major at a local nursing college. She said, “God has taught me that I’m not too messed up to be used by Him.”

From the ladies I disciple:

Carly (junior, helps lead the athletes’ Bible study): “DCC was a great time of thanking and praising God for everything he has done in my life.”

Madison (junior): “Growing up my Dad was highly addicted to drugs and left my family. I have not been able to forgive him, but this week God has been working in my heart. I am now ready to take steps and start working on forgiving him.”

Jenna (junior on the soccer team): “God taught me that what He desires most is my relationship with him to grow and not the work I do.”

Brittany (sophomore, helps lead dorm Bible study): “I’ve discovered my spiritual gift: leadership.”

Katie (sophomore, helps lead athletes’ Bible study): God has shown me that I try to hold onto control over my life and that I need to have Him be the center of my decisions. And despite my feelings of inadequacy, He loves me truly and completely For the first time I wholeheartedly believe that.”

First day of DCC. So excited!

Ways you can pray

Please pray for the students that went to DCC. Ask God that DCC would not just be a spiritual high, but rather a jumping off point for a deeper relationship with Him.

We are beginning a new semester! Please pray that God would continue to move in Southwest Missouri and that students would meet Jesus for the first time.

Please pray that a member from every team on campus would be involved in the athletes’ Bible study.