Photos from Picnic in the Quad 2012

Photos from our 2012 Picnic in the Quad table...

Refreshing Rain and Prayer

The smell of rain today before the dawn gave an extra burst of life to prayer meditation this morning.  It also brought with it a sense of anticipation—the same anticipation I felt on the air yesterday before meeting with a college student over coffee; the temperature was only 59 at 8:00 a.m. after weeks of it being even up to almost 90 by that time in the morning.  With the long morning rays slanting down it felt distinctly of fall and things to come this semester.

There is much going on at Fort Hays campus as we prepare for students to return; many of them already have begun returning.  It is exciting to see old friends and to prepare to meet new ones.  Next week, in particular, will be the first big chance to meet much of the incoming freshman class.  Please pray that we meet them well in the name of Christ and that we come into connection with many whom Christ can impact through us for the better.

In particular, please pray that we make necessary connections at ‘Picnic on the Quad’ on Monday, that Thursday’s big event ‘Get Plugged In’ is used by Christ to reach out to campus, challenge perspectives about Christians, and be an opportunity for great community, discussions, and connections, that new students connect with believers through the Aikido club and dojo, and that the grand opening launch of our Friday night non-profit coffeehouse and game night (revamped for the school year with new supplies, new menu, and new chances for students to interact with God) go well that Friday.  Our small groups have shifted times for the semester, and I also pray that God help the right connections be established through that outreach.

Beyond all of this, I pray that all believers be especially aware of chances to reach out in love as many in all walks of life shift gears.  Times like this are exciting and new and can be amazing opportunities for the true life that Christ freely gives to show profoundly, like a refreshing rain or burst of wet wind during a dry Kansas summer.  Pray that He be evidently visible amid all of the hustle and bustle and that students, faculty, and families would give pause and be challenged to trust Him, surrender a little more, and receive more of the abundant life that He does faithfully give as promised.

Thank you all for your prayers!

--Brandon

Reflections and Prayer Request Aug 12

Last night we wrapped up a six-day Aikido camp that I had been instructing with a free, open-to-the-public late afternoon session; a few of the students who had previously had been gone most of the summer were back to get ready for college at Hays or were back getting ready to resume the usual school schedules, and they were able to practice with us.

Even during stretches I felt such a great warmth.  It was EXCELLENT having everyone back together again to joke, laugh, and experience community together.  I cannot tell you how much I had missed that, and I hadn't even realized it was something I had missed until last night.  Thank God for showing me how valuable that is and for the reminder that the work I do at the dojo is as much a part of the ministry I do here in Hays as leading the small groups  or game night or any of the big projects we put on or help with.  The community that He has helped establish there is such a great blessing, and I cannot afford to easily forget it.

I am truly excited for more and more students to get back and for the semester to start gearing up.  It is an unbelievably busy time as we prepare for many things to get busier or start back up all at once.  Nonetheless, it is one of the best times for God's Kingdom impact to happen.

Please pray for all involved in any ministry that we take the time to listen especially deeply to God.  As waves of things needing our attention threaten to sweep us away, may we anchor in to His deep, reassuring voice and step out for the Kingdom.  Thank God for this opportunity and this time!
--Brandon