Maturity is a hard concept to really get our hands around. We sort of know it when we see it (at least sometimes--I'm always wary when a young people describe themselves with "I'm mature for my age" ha!), but if asked how to measure it, we can struggle to come up with a good metric. Paul wrote that "[Jesus] is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ" (Col 1:28). So the point of ministry is bringing people to maturity by preaching Jesus. Still easier said than done!
At our summer FOCUS meetings, we are exploring the concept of maturity and what it takes to get there. Even at 47, I've found it very challenging! I wanted to share Austin Gage's sermon that kicked the series off with you. It's well worth your time to listen!
Thank you for your prayers and gifts that invest in maturing these young adults. The world needs more people who look Like Jesus, and together we are a part of bringing that to be!
As for me this June, I'm in the thick of meeting with students to have conversations about being a leader in the coming school year. It's always fun getting to know these young guys and seeing their heart for the Lord and their willingness to make big sacrifices to be a blessing to others. Please pray that God will assemble exactly the team we need for the year ahead.
Update on the Lawsuit
I've had some people asking about the status of the lawsuit over the recent state law limiting students' First Amendment rights on campus. There's not much to tell. The federal court put an injunction in place back in the fall against many parts of the law being enforced at UT System schools. There is an appeal in process against that injunction which is slowly making its way through the US appellate court. Pray that the injunction will not be lifted! And that students' rights to practice their religion freely on campus would ultimately be preserved.
In related news, there is also some movement on an important bill in the US Congress. The Equal Campus Act of 2025, is set to be marked up in the coming week in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Its current language reads “None of the funds made available under [the Higher Education Act] may be provided to any public institution of higher education that denies to a religious student organization any right, benefit, or privilege that is otherwise afforded to other student organizations at the institution (including full access to the facilities of the institution and official recognition of the organization by the institution) because of the religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or standards of conduct of the religious student organization.”
This would go a long way toward providing clarity and consistency across the nation, protecting all students' rights to exercise their faith on campus. I'm praying it becomes the law of the land!
Some Pics!
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| These are the 7 students currently at June SICM. Not pictures are the two campus pastors who took them. Even more potential leaders for our mission to these campuses! |
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| Peder and James are two of the UTD leaders who I don't know very well, but they invited me to going hiking one morning a couple weeks ago. I had a blast getting to know them and especially hear how positively they think about the last year leading core and the impact they were able to have. |
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| I got to have lunch and catch up with these two beautiful UTD alumni, Rohit and Kelsey. I miss having them at UTD, but it was encouraging to hear how their faith and commitment to the Lord is still growing. Plus, their kids are so sweet, well-behaved, and SUPER cute. |
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I also got to hit up the zoo with friends, including most importantly my little buddy William. When I got in the car on the way there, he said "Now we have the whole family!"
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| Summer FOCUS on Thursday nights is in full swing! Once again CARE Church is generously letting us use their building. They are amazing to us, and the students are loving it and bringing friends! |
Student Testimony
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