A certain quote has been on my mind (see below):
-----
"The enemy often tries to make us attempt and start many projects so that we will be overwhelmed with too many tasks, and therefore achieve nothing and leave everything unfinished.
Sometimes he even suggests the wish to undertake some excellent work that he foresees we will never accomplish. This is to distract us from the completion of some less excellent work that we would have easily completed.
He does not care how many plans and beginnings we make, provided nothing is finished."
- St. Francis De Sales (1567 - 1622)
-----
St. Francis De Sales (1567 - 1622) was a Catholic bishop who was known for his theology of gentle perseverance. He emphasized kindness, patience, and the slow transformation of heart over a long period of time.
Before the age of smartphones, technological integration into our everyday life, endless notifications, and mass exposure to the global world around us...St. Francis De Sales saw in human beings the endless striving for more...more...more. This "more-ness" ultimately kept them (and us) from what is right in front of us.
-----
I love discipleship. I love meeting students, talking about Jesus, helping them receive & respond to the message of Christ, and I love sending them off with a renewed sense of their purpose in God's kingdom. This fills me with energy and reminds me of how God met me in my college days.
I believe that growth, perseverance, curiosity, wonder, and friendship-building are all baked into the desires of college students. This is what makes campus ministry so fun! I have, however, noticed a growing trend of distraction, overwhelm, fatigue, dehydration, and "dabbling in interests" versus the singular commitment to a path of growth.
This isn't news to anyone. I believe we are scratching the surface on how technology is reshaping communication, relationships, and our capacity for presence.
When I was young, I was told to go to college so that I can "discover who I want to be!". This inspired me and motivated me to explore my interests and consider what made me come alive. I sense a sentiment among young people today that communicates: "you should be everything you want to be" - "you can be everything you want to be" - and - "you have access to whoever you want to be - instantaneously".
-----
Back to the original quote: The enemy doesn't merely desire you to sin - but just needs you to stay busy enough so that nothing takes root.
I've lost count of the number of students who have told me: "I'm in a season of working on myself." I'm unsure what that even means anymore.
I sense that there is now a young generation who has been told that they can be anything which has resulted in response of committing to nothing.
The problem isn't laziness...it's a combination of exhausted openness + infinite options + instant access + frantic information overload...
-----
I still believe in the work we do. I believe in it because I know that God is not surprised by this generation of young people nor is He surprised by any of the generations that have come before.
In a sea of distractions I hope to be a pastor that remains present - with whoever is in front of me. I am committed to these students and that commitment refines and strengthens me. That is what commitment does - it builds and strengthens your sense of self. I hope our students can see the strength that comes through following the way of Christ.
Please pray for our students with me as we wrap up the next 5 weeks of school and head into the summer. God is up to some big things!
-----
 |
| We played some double-dutch outside after WNF last week. It was awesome! We all felt like kids again. And by the way, double-dutch is hard! |
 |
| Our Wednesday lunch-bunch meeting time(s) have been a consistent highlight for me. We've had over 30 physical Bible's donated and we have loved getting off of our phones and into the (physical) Word of God. |
 |
| Happy Easter! |
 |
| She is growing...and growing...it's a blast! Her energy is unending ❤️ |
 |
| Tom led one of our Lunch-Bunch discussions and he led us in a creative exploration of what it feels like to be blind (see the blindfolded students at the white board). We loved it! |
We've got 5 weeks left before the end of the school year. I'm looking forward to connecting with you this summer - thank you for your support!
Your brother & campus missionary,
Sirak
