Though the year started off quite differently with Columbia University switching to completely remote learning, the students are settling into a “new normal” this semester. The ministry did not have the traditional freshmen welcoming, as students weren’t on campus, but CU Lumine got to connect with quite a few incoming freshmen and transfer students. Students are in their fourth week of classes and ministry is in full swing.
Our Bible courses are up and running and there is excitement to study the Gospel of Mark. Our weekly Illumina (Leadership Lecture Series) is held online every week. This past week, Columbia students got to join with CU Gloria (Harvard) students for a joint LLS with Harvard Ph.D. student, Ryan Gregg.
In the midst of a pandemic and virtual classes, student leadership created a weekly Sabbath time where students can log in to a Zoom call and spend time praying, worshipping God, and just finding spiritual and emotional rest in the presence of God.
I have been encouraged to see CU Lumine students banding together and creating a space for new students to learn more about God and feel connected through community.
Would you join us in praying for:
- Columbia’s class of 2024: Pray for the new students that have joined Columbia and have connected with CU Lumine. Pray that God would help them grow in Christian community with other friends and be encouraged in this season. Pray that the new students would really plug into CU Lumine and find a home in this ministry.
- Student leaders: This pandemic has hit our financial partners greatly forcing us as a ministry to restructure and rethink ministry for the fall with only one full-time staff member. Pray that God would give them strength and wisdom as they lead this ministry and take on new responsibilities. Pray that as they map out the rest of the fall, God would give them favor with students in all the events they are planning.
- Student Body: Pray that the students will be able to manage their time well and give priority to studying God’s word and seeking His face in prayer.
- Raising up new financial partners: Christian Union can’t do this ministry without supporters like you. Join us in praying that God would bring new Christ-minded friends of this ministry to help rebuild CU Lumine at Columbia through their financial support.
- Revival on campus: in the midst of unknowns, our students and ministry faculty know that God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. Pray that God would continue to open eyes to respond to His call of grace and bring about a mighty wave of peace, joy, and transformation so when campus reopens, it might be filled with students on fire for Christ.
I look forward to meeting with you personally on campus when things re-open. Until then, thank you for your love and partnership at CU Lumine. We could not do this without your prayers.
Grace and Peace,
Stan Thomas
Ministry Director
Christian Union Lumine
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates on how to pray for Christian Union's work at Columbia, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
