This feels like a season of anticipation. Even in normal times, when you work in a college ministry, as July turns to August you begin to get excited about waiting for the return of the students. There is something amazing about the promise of new lives that God can begin to change. And this year the promise feels even greater. For some of these students, it has been more than a year since they were on campus. At Stanford, for example, the class of 2022 left as sophomores in March 2020 and will return as seniors next month after a full 18 months away. That is a lot of time to dream about what God can do in the midst of faithful people gathered together in person!
This makes me think about the most powerful story of anticipation — the promised coming of the Messiah. The people of Israel had to wait a much longer time than we do — generations passed from the promise in Isaiah until the birth of Jesus. Imagine gathering your children around a campfire and repeating that familiar promise year after year while you waited: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
When have you anticipated something God had promised? What was it like to wait for a long time to have that come to fruition? What are you still waiting for? Please share how we might pray for you.
And pray for the students of Christian Union and those who are still to come:
- That first-year students might find their way through the bounty of options to the promise Christ has for them — true Christian community.
- That the students who have been studying remotely will return ready to re-engage, to dive into the Word, and to seek God’s heart for them.
- That student leaders will step forward and invite others to be part of this covenant.
- That ministry faculty are ready for the new harvest God has set before them, that they might be energized and refreshed and ready to speak the truth over this new generation.
- That more and more people will feel called to support God’s transformative work through Christian Union as Cornerstone Partners.
We are grateful for your partnership and for your prayers. Wishing you every blessing!
Tucker Else
Ministry Director
Christian Union Martus
