January 2009 Newsletter

***the words of Jim Musser(Head Campus Minister)***

Dear (CCF Alum),

As I sit in my office on a rainy day, it is a good time to reflect on the past year. Although we in campus ministry tend to view years in terms of August-May, this calendar year has been significant for the CCF ministry.

A number of us started 2008 in South Africa where we completed a wonderful three-week mission trip. The students were challenged by the sacrificial living of our two host missionaries, Helen and Estelle, and that trip laid the groundwork for a return trip this May.

During the spring semester, 10 students participated in our six-week Vessel Group discipleship group, in which we use to help prepare students for ministry leadership. Several said at the end of it that is was a life-transforming experience. And the proof came in the months following when four of them publicly declared their allegiance to Jesus through baptism.

A leader's retreat at the end of the school year established who our leaders would be and in what areas they would serve. It was obvious then that we were going to have a strong student leadership.

As the 2008-2009 school year began, our leaders were enthusiastic and really on the ball. What was most impressive was their spiritual commitment. They were leading not from a place of personal glory or responsibility; they were seeking to bring glory to the Lord and to draw students into a deeper relationship with Him. They were allowing themselves to be vessels in the hands of the Lord, pouring themselves into the lives of others. And we saw lives being transformed.

This past year also brought two additions to our staff. Ed and Danielle have been a great fit for our ministry and have done a tremendous job ministering to students. Much of the transformation in lives has been the result of how the Lord has used them.

We also saw again in 2008 God's wonderful provision. For the second consecutive year, support for CCF increased over $8,000 from the previous year. We are nearing $60,000 per year which is nearly three times what is was just four years ago! Of course, your generous contributions in 2008 helped make that possible. Thank you for helping to make our ministry to college students possible and for it to grow. It is an investment that will have earthly and eternal dividends!

As we begin a new semester in a few days, please pray the Lord will use CCF to continue to draw students into a deeper relationship with Him.

In Christ Jesus,

Jim Musser
Campus Minister