Holding a Very Precious and Beautiful Thing
By Tee Feyrer
This semester, I did not know what to expect. I was wondering if students would be back in person or online at home. Of course, God has far exceeded my expectations and I have much to celebrate as students have been back on campus, we've been gathering regularly outside, and our ministry is growing. We just began this new ministry in January and our weekly attendance has doubled, students are regularly attending and serving at Redeemer, and many amazing friendships are being formed. We are grateful! For a glimpse into what it's been like, here is just a brief story from my most recent newsletter about how God is at work...
Phoenix was a freshman at a small school in Boston last year. During his freshman year, he dealt with a difficult family situation from afar and he fought through his own personal doubts and darkness. He was lost and looking for truth and in true community.
Phoenix decided to transfer to the University of Richmond and one of the first people he met was Grant, from down the hall.
Grant is someone I have gotten to know really well this past year. When students left campus in March, Grant and I stayed in touch and studied the bible and wrote songs together from afar. I began to witness God's transforming work in his life. I watched as he grew deeper in God's truth and cultivated community in his home and summer job.
I was so thankful Phoenix met Grant. One of the first things Grant did when they met was invite Phoenix to our Monday Night Gathering. Here Phoenix enjoyed a tasty burrito, but more importantly, he heard the truth of the Gospel proclaimed and he found true community - all in the comfort of our backyard.
It's amazing to see God at work in these students’ lives. Tori and I are so honored that we are facilitating this ministry centered on God's truth and true community. As we finished dishes and collapsed on the couch this past Monday, I turned to Tori and said, we are holding a very precious and beautiful thing - and for that I am grateful.
Prayer Requests
Pray for our community of students to grow and deepen.
Pray for students, both christian and non-christian to be softened to God's word, that, as James says (who we are reading through this semester), they may become "doers of the word, and not hearers only".
Pray for the campus community to remain safe and healthy, so that UR can make it through an entire in person semester.
Pray for Tori and I as we seek to maintain wise and healthy rhythms between our work, ministry and marriage.
Tee Feyrer works for CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach), in partnership with Redeemer Anglican Church and serves students at the University of Richmond.