This Year Feels Different... (lots of pictures!)

My friends & team! 

As my title says - this year feels different when compared to previous years. I've had to remind myself not to compare my experience year to year due to the fact that every group of students are different and bring with themselves their own set of strengths and challenges. 

Serving in campus ministry at Dallas County Community College for the last 8 years has introduced me to the culture and social climate on campus. In my experience over the years, most of the students I cross paths with are "on their way somewhere else". By this I mean they are typically: 

• on their way home
• on their way to class 
• on their way to eat by themselves in their car (this happens more often than one would think)
• on their way to a 4-year university and just wanting to get out of here (the community college) as soon as they can
• on their way to work
• on their way to nap
• on their way to study
• on their way to remember to study...
• etc. etc. etc.

Needless to say, it can be a challenge to invite students to consider changing up their plan so they can be present, stay on campus, and consider investing in their faith while they are a student! The social & campus life on campus at a community college can, in some ways, be lacking when compared to a 4-year University, but we try to be on campus in such a way that we invite students to remain on campus and get to know Jesus. So, instead of being "on their way" off-campus - we try to encourage students to remain on campus and be present while they are a student! 

Our evening fellowship meetings would average between 20-25 students in previous years, but, already 6 weeks into the school year we are having over 50 students in our Wednesday Night FOCUS meetings! Our 4-person staff team feels a bit overwhelmed but please pray that every student that walks into our meetings will be offered the gift of spiritual friendship! 

Enjoy the photos below! I'm grateful to have each of you on my team! I hope these encourage you to show how your support is clearing a path for God's Kingdom to come on campus! 

Joey has been such a joy to work with on staff. He is a great co-minister to have on campus serving our students. 

Our Wednesday Night Fellowship time(s) have been a blessing to me & our students! Each week we have over 40+ students come to campus at 6pm on Wednesdays to connect with one another and respond to the invitation to grow in their faith!

This is the first year we have begun our Richland D-Class! "D" stands for discipleship and we have been going through the book of Mark together. It is so refreshing and encouraging to get to go straight into the scripture as we learn about the life of Christ and how it impacts us.

Baby Anaya has turned 2 months old! She is growing so fast and we are soaking in all of the moments together. It is truly a blessing to have her in our lives! 

I'm so grateful to lead core again this year with Yoni (grey puma shirt). We have an amazing group of guys that are consistent and hungry to get into the Word each week. 

Another picture of our Wednesday Night FOCUS! 

Thank you for all of your support! :) 

My friends & team :) It's been such a beautiful year and I'm excited for all of the memories we'll make together this 2023-24 school year!

Your brother & campus missionary,

Sirak