Thank you for praying for ALL our events this semester. It was amazing to see the Lord at work across Pennsylvania this spring. As this school year wrapped up, we saw the Lord at work in the hearts of students to prepare and equip them for a summer at home, jobs, internships, with families, and even abroad! For many of our students, they started their summer at Focus, a week long event to rest and recharge after the semester and get solid grounding for the summer.

This year, the main session teaching was in 2 Timothy where Paul exhorts Timothy to, "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you." (1:13-14). This "good deposit" is the gospel - the great and glorious truth the Christ came and died for our sins to make us right with God! 

Throughout the week students had the opportunity to receive practical teaching on doing and leading Bible Studies, as well as Discipleship. There were also some "mini" 20-minute breakout sessions on Thursday morning on various practical topics (such as, "How to Lead a Summer Bible Study with High School Friends", "How to choose a church", or "How to Talk to God About Your Sin"). Furthermore, we had speakers from HarvestUSA teach on Wednesday morning about biblical sexuality and how to engage wisely and winsomely with the culture on this.

Now, this week isn't JUST about teaching, there's plenty of time for rest and recreational activities - including lots of volleyball, a Game Show night, and some Minute to Win It competitions. While I'm always encouraged by the vast amount of teaching we can provide for students, my favorite thing is how they experience the entire event. Read below for a number of quotes from students from the week:

We praise God for the work He did in the students' lives! Even more so, I praise God for a new brother in Christ! One student wrote this:


This student believed he was a Christian his whole life. However, it wasn't until he was sitting in a session about how he can use his career for the Lord that he truly submitted his life to following God. The student was amazed at how much God cares about our passions and skills as he learned how he could be a Christian proclaiming the gospel, even in a secular career. Praise God for using an unsuspecting session to bring a student to this saving faith found only in Christ!

We are eager for the Fall when we will hear more evidences of God's grace as He transforms students into the likeness of Christ this summer and beyond!

Meet Ian! He currently attends Bloomsburg University and plans to graduate next December (2024). This summer, Ian will work with TJ in the Systems department. As a Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity major, he'll bring some great skills and new perspectives to the department. 

He's only just started, but is already very eager to start working on the project TJ and his coworker, Jason, have prepared for him. While they are excited to have some extra hands helping get the work done, Ian's enthusiasm and hunger for ministry work is a refreshing and rejuvenating presence. Here's a little bit more about Ian: 

What do you hope to learn from the internship?
I hope to grow more experienced in systems work as well as learning more about God through Bible studies and fellowship.

Are you considering doing ministry after college?
I'm definitely considering doing ministry after college, especially systems-oriented ministry!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We are constantly in awe of God's work on the college campus and delight to share it with you. If there are any ways that we can pray for you, please let us know!