December 3, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
With Thanksgiving behind, the Christmas holidays ahead, and the semester coming to a close in a few weeks, we are grateful for the Lord’s hand that has guided CU Lumine this academic semester.
The month of November was a busy one for CU Lumine. Our weekly Thursday night Illumina’s created a space for students to grow in their faith and invite friends that were seeking God. We had speakers teach on a range of topics from “How to Hear the Voice of God” to “Is the Bible Historically and Scientifically Reliable?” Each lecture was followed by a post-event—a vibrant student question and conversation time that would go late into the evening. Along with our Illumina’s, we were also able to host multiple student fellowship gatherings from pumpkin painting to our annual Friendsgiving celebration before the students went home for the break.
With Thanksgiving behind, the Christmas holidays ahead, and the semester coming to a close in a few weeks, we are grateful for the Lord’s hand that has guided CU Lumine this academic semester.
The month of November was a busy one for CU Lumine. Our weekly Thursday night Illumina’s created a space for students to grow in their faith and invite friends that were seeking God. We had speakers teach on a range of topics from “How to Hear the Voice of God” to “Is the Bible Historically and Scientifically Reliable?” Each lecture was followed by a post-event—a vibrant student question and conversation time that would go late into the evening. Along with our Illumina’s, we were also able to host multiple student fellowship gatherings from pumpkin painting to our annual Friendsgiving celebration before the students went home for the break.
November 4, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
We praise God for partners like you in supporting the work He is doing through Christian Union Lumine at Columbia. The students have reached the halfway point of the semester and are finishing up their midterms. It’s truly hard to believe how fast this semester is going!
We praise God for partners like you in supporting the work He is doing through Christian Union Lumine at Columbia. The students have reached the halfway point of the semester and are finishing up their midterms. It’s truly hard to believe how fast this semester is going!
October 4, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
The familiar words (above) spoken by the Apostle Paul to the saints in Philippi ring true for my heart towards you as well. Your faithful support (financially and through prayers and encouragement) have made it possible to reach so many incoming freshmen and new to in-person Columbia sophomores this past month.
The familiar words (above) spoken by the Apostle Paul to the saints in Philippi ring true for my heart towards you as well. Your faithful support (financially and through prayers and encouragement) have made it possible to reach so many incoming freshmen and new to in-person Columbia sophomores this past month.
September 2, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
What a year this has been so far, particularly for university students. Columbia University announced it will reopen for new students and returning students for the Fall 2021 semester. There are already signs of life on campus and in NYC as students are slowly coming back and moving on to campus.
What a year this has been so far, particularly for university students. Columbia University announced it will reopen for new students and returning students for the Fall 2021 semester. There are already signs of life on campus and in NYC as students are slowly coming back and moving on to campus.
August 5, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
“This felt like I was back home.”
Those words were spoken by one of the football players after our CU Lumine Grilling/BBQ event at the ministry center on the last Sunday of July. We had over 30 students gather for one final summer event to celebrate what God did during our summer Bible courses as we studied the Gospel of John.
“This felt like I was back home.”
Those words were spoken by one of the football players after our CU Lumine Grilling/BBQ event at the ministry center on the last Sunday of July. We had over 30 students gather for one final summer event to celebrate what God did during our summer Bible courses as we studied the Gospel of John.
July 1, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
And when they had eaten their fill, he [Jesus] told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. (John 6:12-13)
We’ve been studying the Gospel of John for Bible course during the Summer A session. A few weeks ago we touched on Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000. We examined how the gospel combats a scarcity mentality — “I’m not smart enough. Not good looking enough. Not wealthy enough. I just don’t have enough!” Jesus used a little boy's lunch to not just feed thousands, but after they all loosened their belts from eating more than they should have, there were 12 baskets leftover. Jesus lovingly shows us how God has come to do more than we possibly could ever dream or imagine. Only Christ can make slaves into sons/daughters, sinners into saints, debtors into heirs.
And when they had eaten their fill, he [Jesus] told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. (John 6:12-13)
We’ve been studying the Gospel of John for Bible course during the Summer A session. A few weeks ago we touched on Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000. We examined how the gospel combats a scarcity mentality — “I’m not smart enough. Not good looking enough. Not wealthy enough. I just don’t have enough!” Jesus used a little boy's lunch to not just feed thousands, but after they all loosened their belts from eating more than they should have, there were 12 baskets leftover. Jesus lovingly shows us how God has come to do more than we possibly could ever dream or imagine. Only Christ can make slaves into sons/daughters, sinners into saints, debtors into heirs.
June 3, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
“...Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:10-11)
We are officially in the Summer A Semester and have restarted in-person and online Bible courses for students. We are studying the Gospel of John and the above passage is from John 2 after Jesus performs His first miracle at a wedding in Cana. This passage led to a fruitful discussion about Jesus bringing overwhelming joy to those who obey and follow Him. In the midst of so many changes and unknowns this past year, it was an encouraging and timely truth for the students to remind their own hearts of how Jesus seeks to bring and give eternal joy to His followers.
May 6, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Greetings from Christian Union Lumine at Columbia! We praise God for partners like you in supporting the work He is doing through this ministry.
The Spring 2021 semester is officially over along with final exams. The last week of April was graduation and it was a beautiful sight to see seniors in the graduation gowns walking all around campus and Morningside Heights. Of course, graduation was not held normally this year, but I was encouraged to see our students make the most of this important moment.
April 21, 2021
CU Event Was Held Saturday June 5, 2021
Thank you for joining Christian Union Lumine (Columbia University) on June 5, 2021 at 1:00 PM EST for a virtual reunion! Christian Union Lumine invited participants from all classes, all denominations, and all Christian ministries to this annual event.April 1, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Greetings from Christian Union Lumine at Columbia! We praise God for partners like you in supporting the work He is doing through this ministry. As I am writing this, the seasons have changed here in the Big Apple: it is 60 degrees and winter is officially behind us. The students are out connecting with their peers in person, hanging out on the steps of Low, and finding themselves exploring the city again!
The spring semester classes will be coming to an end around April 15th and finals will begin shortly after. Pray for the students as they come to the end of their semester and start mapping out their internships and summer plans.
Greetings from Christian Union Lumine at Columbia! We praise God for partners like you in supporting the work He is doing through this ministry. As I am writing this, the seasons have changed here in the Big Apple: it is 60 degrees and winter is officially behind us. The students are out connecting with their peers in person, hanging out on the steps of Low, and finding themselves exploring the city again!
The spring semester classes will be coming to an end around April 15th and finals will begin shortly after. Pray for the students as they come to the end of their semester and start mapping out their internships and summer plans.
March 4, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
We praise God for partners like you in supporting the work He is doing through Christian Union Lumine at Columbia. The students have reached the halfway point of the semester and will be gearing up for finals in a month. Due to the pandemic, this is a shorter semester with classes concluding mid-April.
We are encouraged by the students involved in CU Lumine Bible courses, Illumina (Leadership Lecture Series) events, outreach events, or times of prayer. We see God’s transforming hand at work in their lives as He grows them into His image.
We praise God for partners like you in supporting the work He is doing through Christian Union Lumine at Columbia. The students have reached the halfway point of the semester and will be gearing up for finals in a month. Due to the pandemic, this is a shorter semester with classes concluding mid-April.
We are encouraged by the students involved in CU Lumine Bible courses, Illumina (Leadership Lecture Series) events, outreach events, or times of prayer. We see God’s transforming hand at work in their lives as He grows them into His image.
February 4, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Greetings in the matchless name of Jesus! I am thankful for your love and partnership with Christan Union Lumine at Columbia University. Because of your committed giving and prayers, we are seeing students’ lives transformed by the gospel.
After a very short break, the students started their spring semester on January 11th. You might be encouraged to know that some students have physically returned to campus. Though the majority of classes are still online, it was awesome to see students safely moving back to Wien, Wallach, EC, John Jay, and Hartley. It was so good to see students connecting and getting together on campus to fellowship, pray, and study God’s word all in the first week back!
Greetings in the matchless name of Jesus! I am thankful for your love and partnership with Christan Union Lumine at Columbia University. Because of your committed giving and prayers, we are seeing students’ lives transformed by the gospel.
After a very short break, the students started their spring semester on January 11th. You might be encouraged to know that some students have physically returned to campus. Though the majority of classes are still online, it was awesome to see students safely moving back to Wien, Wallach, EC, John Jay, and Hartley. It was so good to see students connecting and getting together on campus to fellowship, pray, and study God’s word all in the first week back!
January 7, 2021
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
On behalf of all the staff and students at Christian Union Lumine, let me wish you a Happy New Year. We pray you had a restful holiday. At present, Columbia University is on break and the spring 2021 semester begins on Monday, January 11. It’s a very short break — about 2 weeks — but a needed break for the students, nonetheless.
On behalf of all the staff and students at Christian Union Lumine, let me wish you a Happy New Year. We pray you had a restful holiday. At present, Columbia University is on break and the spring 2021 semester begins on Monday, January 11. It’s a very short break — about 2 weeks — but a needed break for the students, nonetheless.
December 3, 2020
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
With Thanksgiving behind, the Christmas holidays ahead, and the semester coming to a close in a few weeks, we are grateful for the Lord’s hand that has guided CU Lumine this academic semester. As you may remember when the ministry reached out for prayer in September, there were so many unknowns. But in the midst of the unknowns, God proved Himself to be faithful.
With Thanksgiving behind, the Christmas holidays ahead, and the semester coming to a close in a few weeks, we are grateful for the Lord’s hand that has guided CU Lumine this academic semester. As you may remember when the ministry reached out for prayer in September, there were so many unknowns. But in the midst of the unknowns, God proved Himself to be faithful.
November 5, 2020
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
This is the halfway point for the academic semester at Columbia. Students are still adjusting to a semester unlike any other — instead of grabbing a bite to eat at John Jay and discussing theology with students, our one-on-one’s have been relegated to zoom. I have had the privilege of meeting in person with a handful of students that are staying on or near campus, but the majority of students who are a part of CU Lumine are at home.
This is the halfway point for the academic semester at Columbia. Students are still adjusting to a semester unlike any other — instead of grabbing a bite to eat at John Jay and discussing theology with students, our one-on-one’s have been relegated to zoom. I have had the privilege of meeting in person with a handful of students that are staying on or near campus, but the majority of students who are a part of CU Lumine are at home.
October 1, 2020
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
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.
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.
September 3, 2020
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
What a year this has been, particularly for university students. When the pandemic started unfolding in March and Columbia University was forced to go virtual, we were all holding out that Fall 2020 would be the reset we needed. But instead of our students moving into John Jay, Schapiro or Ruggles or connecting with new freshmen during NSOP (New Student Orientation Program), we are mapping out what ministry can look like virtually.
What a year this has been, particularly for university students. When the pandemic started unfolding in March and Columbia University was forced to go virtual, we were all holding out that Fall 2020 would be the reset we needed. But instead of our students moving into John Jay, Schapiro or Ruggles or connecting with new freshmen during NSOP (New Student Orientation Program), we are mapping out what ministry can look like virtually.
July 30, 2020
Thank you for your continued prayers for CU Lumine (Columbia University) and for New York City. Columbia University has released plans to re-open for the fall semester in a limited capacity. Incoming freshman and sophomore students will be returning to the campus. There are still a lot of unknowns regarding what ministry and student life will look like. This is truly a trying season and as a ministry, we have greatly depended on the Lord for His wisdom and guidance. We are confident that God will continue to reveal His good purposes. As a staff, we know one-on-one discipleship will be crucial for the students that are returning to campus.
June 25, 2020
Thank you for your continued prayers for the work on this campus and for New York City. As many of you have been witnessing the racial tensions and protests across the nation and NYC, we are being confronted with so many issues that have plagued our nation. We, along with Christians everywhere, are seeking God’s face in repentance. Our confidence is in the Lord who is still on the throne. The ministry faculty have been spending one-on-one time with many students, guiding them to Christ and the hope we find in Him. This is truly a trying season and, as a ministry, we have greatly depended on the Lord for His wisdom and guidance. We are confident that God will continue to reveal His good purposes.
May 28, 2020
Thank you for your continued prayers for the work on this campus and for New York City. The semester has officially ended, and students are waiting to hear back from the college regarding what classes will look like in the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. So many dreams have been put on pause due to this pandemic, but we are confident that God will continue to reveal His good purposes through this time. We are finding ourselves still connecting with a few students via online means for one-on-one discipleship and for studying scripture, which has been a blessing. Here are some ways you can be praying for us this month:
