![\"1](\"https:\/\/christianunion.org\/images\/content\/photos\/magazine\/1online\/1_pancakes_Brown.jpg\")
CU Libertas is hosting \u201cPancakes and Prayer\u201d on Thursday mornings.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMatt Woodard, Christian Union\u2019s ministry director at Brown, said the recent Freshman Welcoming Campaign was a success, not only with first-year students but also among sophomores. After not being able to meet much on campus last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, Woodard, Ministry Fellow Sheri Casali, and student leaders welcomed students with open arms and an array of events.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe last few weeks have been such a blessing for the team here at Brown. For the first time in two years, we\u2019ve been able to welcome freshmen to campus. We have been able to greet many of these students face-to-face, hosting them for meals at the Judson Center and grabbing coffee on Thayer Street,\u201d Woodard said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdditionally, we\u2019ve been able to connect with a number of sophomores who weren\u2019t in-person last fall. These students desire to be a part of Christian community; they\u2019re eager to pray together, desperate to see the Lord move on campus, and, perhaps more than at any point in recent memory, motivated for the work of evangelism and outreach.\u201d<\/p>\n
Casali noted that the freshmen were very encouraged to find a ministry on campus and excited to plug in. The ministry fellow was blessed to receive a message on Instagram from a sibling of a Brown student who was welcomed by CU Libertas.<\/p>\n
\u201cHer sister said the family was praying that the freshman would find God in college,\u201d Casali said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the freshmen that have connected with our ministry over the last month, we are praying that they will see and know the Lord\u2019s goodness, stay committed to Christian community, and stay strong in the face of inevitable temptations,\u201d Woodard said.<\/p>\n
RELATED:\u00a0Want to go deeper in your faith? Sign up for our newsletter and receive a free download of Christian Union\u2019s \u201cCU\u2019s Seeking God Lifestyle\u201d Bible Course Manual (details at bottom of this page)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n One of the early highlights for CU Libertas was the first of its Sunday evening, monthly family-style dinners at its Adoniram Judson Minister Center. Student leaders invited friends\u2014Christians and non-Christians\u2014to enjoy a meal of pasta and meatballs, which was followed by a time of prayer.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents were grateful to have a home-cooked meal instead of eating in the dining halls or ordering take-out,\u201d said Casali. \u201cWe showed them the love of Christ. They are looking forward to coming back each month.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to the weekly meals at Judson, students will have an opportunity to gather there for \u201cPancakes and Prayer,\u201d a weekly Thursday morning gathering that was organized by the CU Libertas student executive team. The first Pancakes and Prayer was led by Will Cardone \u201924, who shared a devotional from Psalm 116, commenting how God inclines His ear to hear us each day.\u00a0<\/p>\n CU Libertas\u2019 Bible courses have officially begun and will be hosted there as well.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents are settling into their course schedules, and there\u2019s a semblance of normality that has been missing for far too long!\u201d Woodard said. \u201cOur leaders are also planning a number of evangelistic events over the semester.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe had expectant hope that this year would be off to a great start,\u201d Casali said. \u201cThe Lord has paved the way and students are fervently engaged in Bible courses, events, and evangelistic outreach.\u00a0 We continue to be encouraged by their steadfast faith.\u201d<\/p>\n