Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Connections Tour: Connecting With SoCal University Students

Wow, the last few days have been amazing! While we've been battling traffic and hot weather all over Southern California, the last two days have been focused on universities.

HOPE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Yesterday and today I was privileged to speak to seven different classes of ministry students at my graduate school, Hope International University.

I shared about what Encounter is doing in Helena and invited students to consider coming to Montana through an internship, practicum semester, or relocating here as a permanent team member. Through our times of questions and answers, it was clear that these were sharp students that Hope is preparing.

It was also rewarding to finally meet the professors I have been emailing back and forth with over the last month. They have a great hearts to prepare students to make an impact in this world for Jesus.

CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

I was also able to meet and share with the Dean of Church Ministries at California Baptist University. Dr. Dan Wilson is great guy with a heart for students and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation about their internship program at Cal Baptist.

From our meeting, I am optimistic that some great partnerships can be formed to benefit both students who want to gain firsthand experience in ministry and churches in Montana that offer some excellent opportunities.

EXISTING ENCOUNTER PARTNERS

In addition to the university connections, we also met with several individuals who are financial and prayer partners for Encounter. We were happy to be able to share with them firsthand the awesome things God is doing through Encounter and to thank them for both their prayers and support.

PLACING MONTANA ON THE RADAR

One purpose has emerged as we've begun this Connections Tour, as we share about Encounter we are hear to place Montana on people's "radar." Quite simply, people just don't think about Montana. They've heard of it, but never really considered the spiritual needs that exist here.

CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US THIS WEEK

We've completed our appointments with students and universities and will be focusing the rest of our week on meeting and sharing with friends and churches. Please continue to pray for us as we make more connections. Pray also that God would allow growth in the relationships we are forming so that these connections would soon become partnerships.

Read more here to find out how to get personally involved in helping launch Encounter Church.