Holding Steady

"What have we been doing the past 3 months?!?" I asked myself this as I noted our last newsletter was sent to you back in October. Mostly, we've been going through the motions and holding steady with our normal responsibilities. On top of that, we've also had the many special events and added activities of the holiday season. Not to mention all the preparations for the arrival of our second son, Asa, any day now! Phew!

It is easy to get so focused on our routines and big events that we can miss what God is doing or question if He's really still working in the day to day activities. Honestly, some days I've been discouraged by this. However, we know that despite what we see, God is at work. "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Philippians 2:13

I am grateful for our coworkers and perspectives they can share of how we each see God moving on the college campus. It encourages and motivates me to press on in the responsibilities our family is given within DiscipleMakers. Here are just a few snapshots of what has been happening on the Penn State and Juniata campuses:

Students are gaining a vision for sharing their faith with others. One of the guys on our leadership team started a daily Bible reading time for people in his dorm. One of the other girls is thinking about investing in a Hindu girl from Nepal next semester. Another girl last week told me that she has this new desire to share her faith; she doesn’t just want what she is learning to stop with her. Praise the Lord that these students are catching the vision of sharing Christ on campus!

Two international students became Christians and were baptized in some local churches! One of them is a first year at Penn State from China, and the other is an upperclassman from India! At the beginning of the semester, the Chinese student came to our First Year Group Bible Study and did not call himself a Christian. He was very eager to learn and discuss philosophy; he even came to Fall Conference! Over the Fall, God has worked in him such that he gave his life to Christ!

God has placed a number of atheists in our International Student Group. They have been eager and open to discussing values and the existence of God. One student from Japan has been thinking through what gives people value and purpose, and each week he comes to discuss what he has discovered! There have been many opportunities to share the gospel with these students, and they consistently listen, come to Bible study, and meet up with us one-on-one.

Fall Conference Update

In our last newsletter, we wrote a bunch of prayer requests for the week leading up to Fall Conference. Thank you so much for praying! It was an amazing weekend where many students grew in their faith - or even started their commitment to Christ!

A student from Penn State Berks (campus photo above) came to the Fall Conference saying he was an atheist. He even gave a defense in the car ride as to why did not believe in the God of the Bible!

But in the 48 hours at the conference, God changed him. On the car ride back to campus, his stance, vocabulary, demeanor, and his joy all changed. He now confesses his faith in his Savior, Jesus.

Throughout the weekend, students heard teaching on the conversion of Saul to Paul and how transformative God's grace is by taking a heinous enemy of God to a devoted gospel preacher. Students also attended a variety of breakouts on topics such as marriage, building lasting friendships, impacts of using AI technology, spiritual warfare, and evangelism. In between all of this rich teaching, the students enjoyed down time that deepened community with one another. It really is an amazing weekend for them to immerse in what the Christian life looks like. Here are a few things students learned:

I learned that in order to have friendships that LAST, Jesus needs to be your best friend first. Without that, the friendships will not last. This session gave practical ways to make Jesus your best friend.

I realized how much God has transform me. I was once his enemy but now I’m an instrument. That I can use that grace that Jesus gave me to be launched into the missions field.

I had amazing time going into the word but I also had amazing conversations on how to be a better biblical man with my friends.

This semester I've been especially struggling with grade idolatry and obsession over perfection in multiple areas of my life. But this weekend reminded me that Christ's power is made perfect in our weakness and that He uses my weakness for His glory. The theme helped teach me that it's not about me or what I can do, but all about Christ and what He did and will continue to do.

That was the most amazing experience I've ever been apart of.

Thank you for everything.

Kate and her Event Planning coworker, Taylor (above). Taylor really helps make these events possible with Kate's responsibilities in motherhood.

Asher was "helping" with set-up (below right).

Prayers & Praises

Praise God for his continual work in the hearts of college students! Pray for fruitful conversations for those who are sharing the gospel with their classmates. Pray for a rooted and firm faith in the hearts of the international students who are coming to know Christ.
Praise God for the impact of Fall Conference. Pray that the teaching students heard would continue to penetrate their hearts and minds even into this new semester.
Pray for a smooth delivery of Asa. Pray for peace and grace for our family as we adjust to having 2 little ones.

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!

In Christ,

TJ & Kate Renninger

Outside the Office

A few glimpses of what we have been up to these past 3 months!

Asher has been learning how to take care of a baby to prepare for Asa's arrival. He loves to give kisses!

We helped TJ's parents pick out a Christmas tree! Asher helped a little.

Asher kind of enjoys the snow we've been getting...until his hands get too cold and then he's ready for snuggles under a blanket inside with Mama.

DiscipleMakers went to see Noah at Sight & Sound in December. Asher loved seeing all the animals!

Every week we go to the library with our friends to pick out new books and to play with the many toys. It's one of Asher's favorite things!

Asher likes to do stretches with Mama to help Asa get in position for his arrival!

Contact Us:

TJ & Kate Renninger

548 Easterly Parkway

State College, PA 16801

717.673.2359 | 610.401.7441

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548 Easterly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
USA