July 8, 2022
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
God is blessing Christian Union Nova. It’s my prayer that God will continuously bless you as well, showering you with an abundance of His mercy and grace.
On June 29th, I ended a 40-day, one meal-a-day fast that started on May 21st. Our CEO, Matt Bennett encouraged me to press into a season of deep prayer and fasting as we are committed to seeing revival this fall. It is the longest fast I have ever undertaken. My prayers throughout can be summed up by Psalm 105:3-4: “Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek His presence continually!”
God is blessing Christian Union Nova. It’s my prayer that God will continuously bless you as well, showering you with an abundance of His mercy and grace.
On June 29th, I ended a 40-day, one meal-a-day fast that started on May 21st. Our CEO, Matt Bennett encouraged me to press into a season of deep prayer and fasting as we are committed to seeing revival this fall. It is the longest fast I have ever undertaken. My prayers throughout can be summed up by Psalm 105:3-4: “Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek His presence continually!”
June 3, 2022
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
It’s summertime in Princeton! Seeing the beauty of the season in full bloom I’m reminded of the Psalmist who wrote “The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord” (Psalm 33:5). The whirlwind of the spring 2022 term may be over, yet the work of Christian Union Nova continues.
As the spring term closed, we invited thirty-two students from Christian Union campuses to spend two weeks with us in Northfield, Massachusetts at the inaugural Spiritus Conference. What an incredible experience to worship in the historic home of D.L. Moody. Through morning and evening teaching sessions, Spirit-filled worship, and engaging in community over meals and candid prayer, students experienced the powerful love of Jesus.
It’s summertime in Princeton! Seeing the beauty of the season in full bloom I’m reminded of the Psalmist who wrote “The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord” (Psalm 33:5). The whirlwind of the spring 2022 term may be over, yet the work of Christian Union Nova continues.
As the spring term closed, we invited thirty-two students from Christian Union campuses to spend two weeks with us in Northfield, Massachusetts at the inaugural Spiritus Conference. What an incredible experience to worship in the historic home of D.L. Moody. Through morning and evening teaching sessions, Spirit-filled worship, and engaging in community over meals and candid prayer, students experienced the powerful love of Jesus.
May 6, 2022
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Greetings from Christian Union Nova!
The days are sunny-bright, and yet quite chilly, as students have begun leaving campus to begin internships and work for the summer. There is a pensive busyness on campus, but also a buoyancy that has in effect made the Melrose Center abuzz while Bible courses end and one-on-one meetings take place to close the year. The personification of resilience and fortitude is at its best!
Greetings from Christian Union Nova!
The days are sunny-bright, and yet quite chilly, as students have begun leaving campus to begin internships and work for the summer. There is a pensive busyness on campus, but also a buoyancy that has in effect made the Melrose Center abuzz while Bible courses end and one-on-one meetings take place to close the year. The personification of resilience and fortitude is at its best!
April 1, 2022
I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness. Psalm 145:5-7Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Spring has launched and we’ve been on a rollercoaster of God’s goodness!
March 4, 2022
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Faith is rising at Christian Union Nova as relationships with our Savior are formed and forged through Bible courses and large group fellowships!
CU Nova officially welcomed Mike Vincent as a Ministry Fellow for the spiritual development of young men. With his addition to the team, senior men are engaging the Vocational Prep Bible Course with “ah-ha!” moments of excitement when considering how theology shapes their work and stewardship as they prepare for life beyond Princeton. Junior and sophomore men are digging into Romans and learning to think deeply about the implications of the gospel, the life of faith, and the full purpose of their salvation. Finally, freshmen men are soaking up the need for a Seeking God Lifestyle “like a sponge!” They are hungry for the things of God and eager to seek Him and glorify Him on campus. In effect, the men’s Bible courses have grown numerically and spiritually. Glory to God, He’s answering our prayers!
Faith is rising at Christian Union Nova as relationships with our Savior are formed and forged through Bible courses and large group fellowships!
CU Nova officially welcomed Mike Vincent as a Ministry Fellow for the spiritual development of young men. With his addition to the team, senior men are engaging the Vocational Prep Bible Course with “ah-ha!” moments of excitement when considering how theology shapes their work and stewardship as they prepare for life beyond Princeton. Junior and sophomore men are digging into Romans and learning to think deeply about the implications of the gospel, the life of faith, and the full purpose of their salvation. Finally, freshmen men are soaking up the need for a Seeking God Lifestyle “like a sponge!” They are hungry for the things of God and eager to seek Him and glorify Him on campus. In effect, the men’s Bible courses have grown numerically and spiritually. Glory to God, He’s answering our prayers!
February 4, 2022
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Let “every valley be lifted up and every mountain and hill be made low” that the glory of the Lord may be revealed (Is 40:4)!
The world may be distracted by matters related to Covid, and restrictions may limit student interaction in many ways, but the glory of the Lord is being revealed within Christian Union Nova as we kick off a new semester!
Let “every valley be lifted up and every mountain and hill be made low” that the glory of the Lord may be revealed (Is 40:4)!
The world may be distracted by matters related to Covid, and restrictions may limit student interaction in many ways, but the glory of the Lord is being revealed within Christian Union Nova as we kick off a new semester!
January 7, 2022
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Happy New Year! We pray for the peace of Christ to anchor you and your family in living hope with abundant joy as we begin 2022!
With a new year upon us, let us focus our hearts on the greatest sacrifice ever made! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16)—what a sacrifice! Together, we rejoice because “He who knew no sin became sin so that we might be the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 5:21)—oh, what a sacrifice! We unite to praise the Lord because He has “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4)—selah, for the sacrifice. We can bless the name of Jesus because He loved us and has given Himself as an offering and a sacrifice (Ephesians 5:1-2)!
Happy New Year! We pray for the peace of Christ to anchor you and your family in living hope with abundant joy as we begin 2022!
With a new year upon us, let us focus our hearts on the greatest sacrifice ever made! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16)—what a sacrifice! Together, we rejoice because “He who knew no sin became sin so that we might be the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 5:21)—oh, what a sacrifice! We unite to praise the Lord because He has “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4)—selah, for the sacrifice. We can bless the name of Jesus because He loved us and has given Himself as an offering and a sacrifice (Ephesians 5:1-2)!
December 3, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”As we begin the liturgical season of Advent, we give thanks to God for the tenderness of heart our students have towards Jesus Christ as they extend His grace and peace and honor Him in the practice of righteous living.
- Matthew 28:18-20
November 4, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Christian Union Nova remains strong as students study the book of Philippians and near the end of a semester with zeal and genuine camaraderie.
First-year students are engaged in Bible courses and readily share how much they appreciate their fellowship with those of the same precious faith! In addition, many upperclassmen have returned to their Bible courses with greater levels of commitment, and student-to-student discipleship pairs continue to be a place for nurtured friendships. At the same time, large group meetings are charged with sincere worship and messages that convict us all to seek God, love one another, and trust in the reliability of Scripture.
Christian Union Nova remains strong as students study the book of Philippians and near the end of a semester with zeal and genuine camaraderie.
First-year students are engaged in Bible courses and readily share how much they appreciate their fellowship with those of the same precious faith! In addition, many upperclassmen have returned to their Bible courses with greater levels of commitment, and student-to-student discipleship pairs continue to be a place for nurtured friendships. At the same time, large group meetings are charged with sincere worship and messages that convict us all to seek God, love one another, and trust in the reliability of Scripture.
October 4, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
- Proverbs 19:21
His purpose fulfilled—that’s our heart’s cry!
Plans were made to ensure that newcomers and returning students were welcomed to Christian Union Nova for a strong spiritual and academic year despite the effects of a pandemic. Our Father has not only honored those plans, but He has heard all of our prayers and superseded every expectation. Glory to God!
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
- Proverbs 19:21
His purpose fulfilled—that’s our heart’s cry!
Plans were made to ensure that newcomers and returning students were welcomed to Christian Union Nova for a strong spiritual and academic year despite the effects of a pandemic. Our Father has not only honored those plans, but He has heard all of our prayers and superseded every expectation. Glory to God!
September 3, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
“…Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;….” Psalm 127:1
The Lord is indeed building His house as students arrive on campus! The atmosphere is charged with excitement, a bit of overwhelm, and expectation as students share their feelings about returning to the “orange bubble” after almost two years of virtual reality.
“…Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;….” Psalm 127:1
The Lord is indeed building His house as students arrive on campus! The atmosphere is charged with excitement, a bit of overwhelm, and expectation as students share their feelings about returning to the “orange bubble” after almost two years of virtual reality.
August 5, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Thank you so much for your commitment to Christian Union Nova!
Though the Princeton campus is tranquil, these summer months have energized much thought amongst our CU Nova students in preparation for the 2021-22 academic school year.
Thank you so much for your commitment to Christian Union Nova!
Though the Princeton campus is tranquil, these summer months have energized much thought amongst our CU Nova students in preparation for the 2021-22 academic school year.
July 1, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
I am a firm believer that things don’t just happen but they must be planned! And, while this is not a Scriptural quote, there are passages that affirm the same, principally. For instance, God gave Israel a plan of action to possess Jericho! Proverbs 6 presents the wisdom of an ant, as they plan for harvest by gathering in the summer. Proverbs 21:5 admonishes how “the plans of the diligent lead to abundance.” And, we can all be encouraged by the words spoken to Jeremiah—because if God had plans for him, before birth, then God most certainly has a plan for each one of our lives, including each incoming or returning Princeton student.
I am a firm believer that things don’t just happen but they must be planned! And, while this is not a Scriptural quote, there are passages that affirm the same, principally. For instance, God gave Israel a plan of action to possess Jericho! Proverbs 6 presents the wisdom of an ant, as they plan for harvest by gathering in the summer. Proverbs 21:5 admonishes how “the plans of the diligent lead to abundance.” And, we can all be encouraged by the words spoken to Jeremiah—because if God had plans for him, before birth, then God most certainly has a plan for each one of our lives, including each incoming or returning Princeton student.
June 3, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. - 1 Peter 2:2-3
In closing another school year, Christian Union remains committed to the spiritual development of students by creating opportunities to seek God through prayer and the study of Scripture. For this reason, eight Princeton students participated in a “Seeking God Lifestyle Seminar” because there is an earnest desire to grow in Christ, not just during the school year, but throughout the summer, and for that, we give thanks to God!
…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. - 1 Peter 2:2-3
In closing another school year, Christian Union remains committed to the spiritual development of students by creating opportunities to seek God through prayer and the study of Scripture. For this reason, eight Princeton students participated in a “Seeking God Lifestyle Seminar” because there is an earnest desire to grow in Christ, not just during the school year, but throughout the summer, and for that, we give thanks to God!
May 6, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
The 2020-21 school year is nearing its end and your prayers have made a difference on the Princeton University campus!
Christian Union Nova is thriving because student leaders are working to fulfill the vision. Within each student executive, assistant Bible course leader (ABCL), and student leader, there has been sincere compassion towards one another and a commitment to ensure that the CU Nova community is present and viable. Through large group meetings (i.e., Encounter and TruThursday), Bible courses, weekly prayer meetings, and discipleship for incoming freshmen, active ministry took place during a very challenging time.
The 2020-21 school year is nearing its end and your prayers have made a difference on the Princeton University campus!
Christian Union Nova is thriving because student leaders are working to fulfill the vision. Within each student executive, assistant Bible course leader (ABCL), and student leader, there has been sincere compassion towards one another and a commitment to ensure that the CU Nova community is present and viable. Through large group meetings (i.e., Encounter and TruThursday), Bible courses, weekly prayer meetings, and discipleship for incoming freshmen, active ministry took place during a very challenging time.
April 19, 2021
May 21, 2021
We enjoyed connecting with you at Princeton's virtual reunion on May 21, 2021 at 12pm ET. Christian Union Nova invited participants from all classes, all denominations, and all Christian ministries to this annual event. We enjoyed a time of connection and fellowship.April 1, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Grace to you and peace from Christian Union Nova!
The weather in Princeton is beautiful and campus life is abuzz with activity! Being mindful of precautions, students are enjoying the sunshine as spring fever is in the air! Not only is the Melrose Center fast becoming a revolving door with students arriving to pray, to study, and practice vocally for worship, but students who normally joined the zoom calls for Bible course in isolation, have been found, in recent weeks, joining the study of Acts from outdoors under bright blue skies and on blankets along with others! It’s so refreshing.
Grace to you and peace from Christian Union Nova!
The weather in Princeton is beautiful and campus life is abuzz with activity! Being mindful of precautions, students are enjoying the sunshine as spring fever is in the air! Not only is the Melrose Center fast becoming a revolving door with students arriving to pray, to study, and practice vocally for worship, but students who normally joined the zoom calls for Bible course in isolation, have been found, in recent weeks, joining the study of Acts from outdoors under bright blue skies and on blankets along with others! It’s so refreshing.
March 4, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
This is the good news, a constant stabilizer amidst much change!
This month, we say farewell to our Ministry Director Christopher Heslep, who will be leaving Christian Union after 3 ½ years of faithful service. Pray that God will send us an exceptional leader to fill Christopher’s shoes. Meanwhile, pray that God sustains ministry fellow Cameron Garven and me as we take on additional responsibilities.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
This is the good news, a constant stabilizer amidst much change!
This month, we say farewell to our Ministry Director Christopher Heslep, who will be leaving Christian Union after 3 ½ years of faithful service. Pray that God will send us an exceptional leader to fill Christopher’s shoes. Meanwhile, pray that God sustains ministry fellow Cameron Garven and me as we take on additional responsibilities.
February 4, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
They’re back!!! At least two-thirds of Princeton students will return to campus this spring, and we could not be more excited to see them return. While much of our ministry will remain the same as it pertains to zoom Bible courses and weekly meetings, the ability to reconnect with one another in person is a blessing that is almost indescribable. Our God made us for community and face-to-face fellowship and our students finally get to return to a semblance of that. Additionally, it means that ministry fellows can begin meeting 1-on-1 with students who are comfortable doing so. I can tell you that there is much rejoicing.
They’re back!!! At least two-thirds of Princeton students will return to campus this spring, and we could not be more excited to see them return. While much of our ministry will remain the same as it pertains to zoom Bible courses and weekly meetings, the ability to reconnect with one another in person is a blessing that is almost indescribable. Our God made us for community and face-to-face fellowship and our students finally get to return to a semblance of that. Additionally, it means that ministry fellows can begin meeting 1-on-1 with students who are comfortable doing so. I can tell you that there is much rejoicing.
January 7, 2021
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
As we begin a new year, we at CU Nova hope that your Christmas holiday was one of joy and fulfillment, even if it was different from previous years. CU Nova took the holiday time to relax, refresh, and recall how the Lord has been faithful within a wild year. Even through a global pandemic, our Heavenly Father has proven and will continue to prove that he is a faithful God who is sovereign and does not change. We worship him for he is worthy.
As we begin a new year, we at CU Nova hope that your Christmas holiday was one of joy and fulfillment, even if it was different from previous years. CU Nova took the holiday time to relax, refresh, and recall how the Lord has been faithful within a wild year. Even through a global pandemic, our Heavenly Father has proven and will continue to prove that he is a faithful God who is sovereign and does not change. We worship him for he is worthy.
