Thanks

This morning I brewed up a pot of coffee about 4:50 a.m. and a young guy in one of our small groups came over and shared some caffeine with me as he prepared to hop on the road to get to his family.  After he had left, I sat around in thought for awhile.

I want to take the time to thank you especially for your prayers and for your financial support.  If it wasn't for the way you are blessing me, I couldn't be available at all hours for simple interactions like this one.  While they may seem small, they are pivotal to what I do (to developing relationships and loving people).  The Kingdom advances in so many small ways that we often cannot clearly see.  Thank you so much for enabling me and whoever else you support through prayers and finances to do what we do.  Your blessing is SINCERELY appreciated.
--Brandon

PS  During this holiday season I am doing an extra large amount of small odd jobs that won't conflict with ministry times, so if you or someone you know needs such work done, please let me know!

Crazy days

It seems as though every college student (with a few exceptions) is very stressed right now with tests and exams right before fall break.  Please keep them in your prayers--especially that they take the time to STOP, and listen to God and rest in God.  In these stressful times it is so key and so hard to do.

For me, please pray that God help me clearly hear and follow Him--especially right now.

Thank you for your prayers!

Updates/Prayer Requests

Hello all!  I appreciate you keeping up with us and praying with/for us.  Please let us know if we can pray for YOU by emailing us at Uniteeph4.1.16@gmail.com with any prayer requests!

Ministry Leaders—I think we have an opportunity to begin coming together with a renewed fire and better sense of purpose in Christ.  I am meeting one on one with my leaders to discuss this and to catch up with them in life; this time of year many of them are EXTREMELY busy between classes and work/life.  Please pray that God help us be open to coming together as He wishes in this.

International Students—I have met many new international friends this year and am regularly meeting with a couple to work oral English (and learn some Chinese).  Please pray that the Spirit loudly direct me and others who interact with these communities that we may make the connections we need to and be available to help in whatever way may be needed at the right time.

Small Groups—The students in many of the small groups have been completely over-burdened with classes this semester such that the groups fluctuate greatly from week to week.  This isn’t always a problem and can actually be a very good thing, but please pray for the students as they are stressed and also that they come when then should and that we be ready for them when they do.

Game Night Advancements—You get a better feel for how to pray for game night on the other page; we have been serving a little coffee and now have contact with a man who will hopefully train us this month in how to best use our equipment and brew the more difficult drinks.

Prayer Request/Update—I teach Aikido at FHSU (Aikido is a Japanese self-defensive martial art built on protecting one’s attacker and oneself).  I am not paid to teach and spend about 7 hours a week instructing, but God uses this HEAVILY to connect me with new students—many who come to game night or are in small groups come from Aikido (and vice versa).  I plan, Lord willing, to open up my own dojo Jan 15 and offer a ‘Godly Warriors’ ministry at it.  This will only increase my instruction hours by 5/week, will increase ministry opportunities, and will give me a chance to earn money teaching Aikido to augment my current missionary support ($675/month) so that I may better/more freely serve.