Unprecedented

Virtual Summer FOCUS

The Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.
Exodus 33:15

Much of this summer has been spent watching and waiting to determine what ministry will look like in the fall. News on COVID is constantly changing so decisions from UTA for the fall have been slow. Recently the school announced they would do a mix of classes online, in person, and hybrid. All of this would be done in a way to maintain social distancing. I had also put in requests for rooms for the start of the semester in case we would be able to meet in person on campus. They just recently were rejected because they couldn't provide social distancing conditions for us. I really think this year is going to be a year of leaning on the Holy Spirit. FOCUS as a ministry has been around for over 20 years. Our staff has experience in how to do college ministry well. None of us have encountered how to do that in the midst of a global pandemic. The ability to lean on our own skills and knowledge has been taken away. While this is daunting I also see it as an opportunity to grow in our trust in God and dependency on his Holy Spirit. Please be praying for the creativity and faithfulness of our staff that we would push to be innovative and think pastorally in how to lead our students in this unprecedented time. Like Moses may we go with God's presence rather than expect him to follow us.

(This song gets at the idea I was discussing. It has ministered to me time and again so I thought I would share: I don't wanna go by: Chris Renzema)

Socially distanced after event. It was sweet to see each other in person.

Ministry has continued in full force. I have started a new FOJ with a girl named Melanie. It has been so sweet getting to dig into the narrative of scripture with her. Alexandra and I finished FOJ but are reading John together as she hasn't read a full gospel before! FOCUS also hosted two weeks of what we call Bible Bootcamp where students getting to read whole books of the bible together over the course of a week. We had students participate in person and virtually. 

Sweet roommate moment

As the summer comes to a close I am pushing through the last bit of fundraising for the year. Currently, I need to fundraise about $4000 more to be fully fundraised by August 1st. God has been so gracious to provided as much as he has already. If you would join me in prayer for this last bit I would so appreciate it. Thank you again for your generous support and prayers! Don't forget to check out the student testimony below!!

Many Blessings,
Emily Umstead


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