Lee and I work with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at the University of Louisiana Lafayette.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Deon

Lee's at SALT this week. It's the Southwest Regional Chi Alpha retreat/conference. It's actually the largest one ever. There's 1,100 Chi Alpha students and staff gathered together to worship God and learn more about Him. Lee's has the honor of getting to lead worship for this conference. It's so exciting. It's also a great way for Lee to share his passion for worship and discipleship with some of his guy leaders. This is what one of the guys on the team had to say about it. His name is Deon.

"I've seen God do so much in my life since the first time I met Lee and we talked about me wanting to be apart of Chi Alpha and the worship team. I am really excited about working with Lee for SALT this year. This is an opportunity for me to experience Christ in a whole new way and learn from this Great Man of God. I love to worship God in song, and ever since I've been apart of Chi Alpha Lee and Darrin [our student worship team leader] have pushed me to be not only a better worship leader but a strong M.O.G (Man Of God).

In December I get to be apart of the SALT worship team, which has been a desire of my heart since I was in high school. It's times like this were I can not doubt there is a God who loves me and has a purpose for my life. I am willing to say that I don't deserve to be a part of any of this, but the grace of God in my life has been unbelievable and I am grateful. I thank Lee for allowing me to be a part of this awesome experience. I truly love him for the example he has been in my life. When I look at Lee, he is a physical example of what I am desiring to be as a Man and Worship Leader and I know God has put him in my life for this season."

We don't always get to see the impact we make on others. But, because our faithful support team members are empowering us to do what we do, you can see a small glimpse of what is happening at the University of Louisiana Lafayette.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Missionary = "Sent One"

The word missionary means "sent one." They are sent to a group of people who cannot afford to pay them financially for the work that they are doing. Just like missionaries are sent to people in Africa, Asia, or Latin America, we have been sent to a group of people who cannot afford to pay us financially...the college students of UL!!

So, part of the process of being a missionary is raising funds from family, friends, businesses, and churches, to help us be able to minister to these college students full-time. To do this, it takes a lot of time and effort. Phone calls have to be made, letters are mailed, personal meetings are held, and miles are put on our car. We schedule as many meetings inside and outside of churches that we can.

Being at a church is fun. Getting there isn't always the easiest with 2 little ones, but we're making it happen. Bella gets to make new friends in the nursery. We get to meet new people and tell them stories about what we do as Chi Alpha missionaries...and how lives are changed.

Last Sunday, we had the opportunity to be "adopted" by a church for Christmas. We made a wish list of things we'd like for Christmas. We were completely humbled as we opened gift after gift given to us by our new church family at First Assembly of God Des Allemands. Bella squealed with excitement as she opened the gifts that the kids of the church handed to her. I found out after service that the parents were encouraged to let the kids pick out the toys...which gives them so much ownership in the giving process. They are learning the importance of generosity, and I know that they will learn the blessing of receiving too.
It was such a special day.