Second semester has started! It actually started about a month ago, but it has kept me quite busy. We've seen tremendous growth this year at the University of Mary Washington. We currently have 51 students in 10 Bible studies, and 14 students in one-on-one discipleship with a missionary. It's incredible to see the growth in just a semester here. So many students have taken to the mission of FOCUS with such great zeal!
I am leading three studies with 24 total students, and have six women in discipleship. Three of those women will start leading their own small group Bible studies! Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare!
This work keeps me busy, but it is such rewarding work. It's so encouraging to see the excitement of Mary, Jen, and Melissa in getting ready for their Bible studies to start up in two weeks. They have been pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones in offering invitations to their friends and classmates. It's easy to forget, as a full-time missionary who talks about faith and Christ on a daily basis, that when we encourage our disciples to start Bible studies, we are encouraging them to talk about subjects that are often avoided. Asking those you know to come to a Bible study, to make it clear that you are Catholic and unashamed, is quite counter-cultural. I am so blessed to see their courage and fortitude, to pray with and for their success, and to persevere with them in the final hope of our salvation.
