january newsletter

**click images to enlarge**

students on the frontlines: sara lewis

students on the frontlines: jamie lynn marshall

students on the frontlines: blake stafford

She sat in the same spot every week. The worn evergreen recliner flush left of the fireplace. She'd come. She'd sit. She'd listen. Eyes wide. That's what I remember most about Blake, her curious, hungry eyes lighting up my living room. It was my first semester out of college and living in Tuscaloosa. Each week a slew of girls would flood into my house. I had trouble establishing a consistent group but Blake... she was there every. single. week.... perched in that green recliner. 

Her heart was changing. You could see it on her face. You could hear it in her multitude of questions. Weary from long nights at Gillettes & a house full of catty roommates. All she wanted was to be pretty, popular, accepted... but she didn't feel like any of it was working. And so the Lord started stirring in her heart, melting her one Bible Study at a time. That was a little over a year and a half ago. Now Blake is in Uganda. 

When Blake gave her life to Christ, she gave her whole life. She is the kindest person I know, determined for her Tri Delt sisters to find satisfaction in Jesus, & a faithful servant to our staff team. As she awaited acceptance to nursing school, she interned with our team this Spring and now, led by the Lord, she is serving at an orphanage in Uganda. Blake loves Jesus. MAN does she love Jesus. The way she loves Jesus makes me love Jesus more! 

Please visit Blake's blog. Please pray for her. Please pray for the kids she meets with every day as she serves with Sozo Children. I love her and I think you will too.

students on the frontlines: bekah caye clark

students on the frontlines: marie davison

students on the frontlines: brooke flemming

students on the frontlines: clay ebersold

Clay came to know Christ just a few years ago in college through Bama Cru & has since been an active member of our ministry. In 2011 he went on a Summer Project with us to Jackson Hole (pictured). About this time last year, when we asked him to begin leading a community group, he told me that he had absolutely no idea what he was doing. Don't let him fool you. Not only is he a fantastic leader, but a great friend. I love to talk to Clay about bluegrass, camping, his new girlfriend Sara, and our hammocks (some of my favorite things). However, more than anything else, I LOVE to talk to Clay about Jesus. He is humble, has a wonderful heart, & he is one of a few guys in our ministry reaching out beyond the Greek sector to guys at Alabama. I'd like for you to hear, from his perspective, what God has been doing through him this semester. 
 
"My community group from last semester was immensely blessed by the Lord and therefore had to split (multiply) this semester. It's filled with guys that are really beginning to tap in to what God has in store for their lives. It's so evident because, not only are they bringing their own friends to the group but they have passionately pursued ministry opportunities outside of community group and even Cru. Whether they're going to Passion 2012 or getting involved in local outreaches such as Alabama IJM [International Justice Mission], these guys are seeking every opportunity to be obedient to the Lord's call on their lives. I've been able to invest in several of them specifically through intentional discipleship. I have been incredibly blessed in my two years of walking with Jesus to have awesome, Godly men disciple me, and these guys from my community group have made it so easy for me to pursue them. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for the rest of this semester."

international justice mission quote

Post AFTER you've explained who Darby is

"Last night I attended a meeting for the University of Alabama's chapter of IJM (International Justice Mission) and joined with many of my peers to find ways that college students on the campus of Alabama can get involved with fighting against slavery. Let me just say nothing fires me up more than gathering in a room of 30 or so college kids and figuring out ways to end slavery (and we do have some AWESOME things planned!). These guys and girls truly believe that our generation can make a HUGE impact through our seemingly small actions. I looked around the room last night as we were all having a time of prayer and reflection and realized how small I've made God to be in my life. Here I was surrounded by people my own age who truly believe with their entire heart that we can change the world, not because they think their actions are great, but because they know they serve a Great God who is MORE than able to end injustice. I seriously can not WAIT to see what the Lord does through these men and women this year at Alabama!! Stay tuned because I already know it's going to be incredible..." - Michelle Dunajcik, sophomore

oh baby bay bay

Update: we are still in love with Anna Mitchell. (Pictured: Big sister Ellie Kate & me at the hospital the day after Anna Mitchell's birth). Mama & baby are still doing great. A few kinks here & there but one thing is for sure, those Norris' are never short on style. Check out Rachel's amazing blog for stories and updates of the Norris fam as they adjust to new life with baby #4 !

just open up the doors

Brian Lee & attended Trickum Middle &  Parkview High School together in Lilburn, Georgia. In tenth grade I moved across town & attended Peachtree Ridge for the remainder of high school. However, over a friends wedding this summer, Brian & I were able to reconnect. As it turns out, he and I are both in ministry now! 

Brian, who calls himself the 6'5 missionary, works for FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) in Indianapolis and has an amazing heart for the LORD. I love getting his updates! Just the other day I received an email from him where he explained the excitement brewing in town with the impeding Superbowl! &, most exciting of all, their ministry has developed a powerful yet simple plan for introducing others to Christ.... opening their doors. 

Saint Johns is a BEAUTIFUL church (as you'll see in the video) located right in the center of the Superbowl festivities. Brian said that just the other day a crowd walked in and asked him to show them around. During the tour, one of the men, overwhelmed by the LORDs presence in the building, stopped Brian, looked him in the eye and said "can you tell me how to get to Heaven?"

Truly God is working. Amidst all of the exciting things (like ya know.. the Superbowl) & all of the awful things that will be going on this upcoming weekend (namely the sex trafficking that has been dominating headlines), I beg that you be praying for Brian and his staff as they invite others in and... open their doors!