tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39739401852760798392024-03-13T06:51:44.972-07:00Confessions of a Campus MissionarySirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-29065310347688878212024-03-04T17:39:00.000-08:002024-03-04T19:03:56.910-08:00February Has Been Faithful! <p>My friends & team! </p><p>Thank you so much for your support & believing in our mission. I wanted to share a prayer w/ you (below) that has been on my heart & mind. It is the prayer of St. Francis.</p><p>2024 has been an up & down year - moments where I feel in control (which, of course, is an illusion) and others where I feel as if life is <i>acting</i> upon me. Fatherhood has brought me to the heights of joy and the depths of fear & worry. </p><p>In the midst of the ups and downs, I am continually trusting that God has a rich and perfect plan for me. My prayer is that God would use me as an instrument even though the tune that is being played through my life feels a bit out of tune, at times. </p><p>As a leader team, we have been having conversations surrounding what it looks like to build a culture of love & outreach versus feeling the individual pressure to reach out to & love every student that we come across. In other words, we are learning that it is not our job to care for everybody but it is our responsibility to help create a culture where everyone is cared for. </p><p>We are learning the tough lesson that we cannot do it all nor can we carry the weight of all that needs to get done! </p><p>Pray for us as we lean into how to build a culture that long outlasts us on campus. Our prayer is that this culture can change & shape generations to come! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f6eu0Coyfsk8-Dxwymx9Tiy1gifk8wFxgKCCKrngzDkzlHgElWhHLcO5L23hh_AvY6x7xVhMFBYaRN1Rocw9KtBPBa2ZGSGF8fGalXWoSShjwm5Rx0TCV6Elsw7mfVmaQZfpkl0fxCer2P67oLqsDIgFBEhY_BM48-wmRYzsgiWIm0916oDO6QexKpq6/s1284/IMG_4740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1284" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f6eu0Coyfsk8-Dxwymx9Tiy1gifk8wFxgKCCKrngzDkzlHgElWhHLcO5L23hh_AvY6x7xVhMFBYaRN1Rocw9KtBPBa2ZGSGF8fGalXWoSShjwm5Rx0TCV6Elsw7mfVmaQZfpkl0fxCer2P67oLqsDIgFBEhY_BM48-wmRYzsgiWIm0916oDO6QexKpq6/w640-h518/IMG_4740.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FsjwI_kK_jGszgx6p6btLvEbH4eII3EzbnwPRY9TB0luGJOyTCmBFVuK66vojS8PY2UEiScHW4EPmSpwVFWXQhiVmLILTmssnWiySs47aQejCI_nn4iXcevkqGgbloDw7_nW5lWwHA9b1AgSmJ5HQqIETV95G2Zfd12NHK343aLiDbkpSLnnxxdW6MrR/s800/WR24%20RICHLAND.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FsjwI_kK_jGszgx6p6btLvEbH4eII3EzbnwPRY9TB0luGJOyTCmBFVuK66vojS8PY2UEiScHW4EPmSpwVFWXQhiVmLILTmssnWiySs47aQejCI_nn4iXcevkqGgbloDw7_nW5lWwHA9b1AgSmJ5HQqIETV95G2Zfd12NHK343aLiDbkpSLnnxxdW6MrR/w400-h268/WR24%20RICHLAND.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS ministry! Thank you for your support <3 </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mbH4T8-Zv48FHe_j15Vw52DSOcbFru9aIcSFdH7a6O8OsufIlMowbHio6ti59u6Id9Qi8ZaiZd8PWFf09w1G_F77BJKReWus1b9UomWLaufupJqi7e-1YmWQUZ_xR4ATincDd0f2ugGS6XiJPBSowkRZPDFvQW-O699qM_wgl5d0BpGAWqFzqPXtmF9j/s800/WR24%20ALL.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mbH4T8-Zv48FHe_j15Vw52DSOcbFru9aIcSFdH7a6O8OsufIlMowbHio6ti59u6Id9Qi8ZaiZd8PWFf09w1G_F77BJKReWus1b9UomWLaufupJqi7e-1YmWQUZ_xR4ATincDd0f2ugGS6XiJPBSowkRZPDFvQW-O699qM_wgl5d0BpGAWqFzqPXtmF9j/w640-h428/WR24%20ALL.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2024 FOCUS Winter Retreat photo - grateful for each of these students! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_zm1JYtsc7kbzNZnbyov1VRCXsYyxvucxOls6fOUkG6nmgjTDQMSy2f09apUgoez-gBHYJ4GGnXT1kzqdS4qY4cDExCYxehiLT1PS4JATXEGzxfaFDe1GKbYcuFhk075wOcMS9e7iQW1e66i0OQaqieD82wI6NzNileZdwcJYiza32vW1hmAbtbJ7GOa/s4032/IMG_9767.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_zm1JYtsc7kbzNZnbyov1VRCXsYyxvucxOls6fOUkG6nmgjTDQMSy2f09apUgoez-gBHYJ4GGnXT1kzqdS4qY4cDExCYxehiLT1PS4JATXEGzxfaFDe1GKbYcuFhk075wOcMS9e7iQW1e66i0OQaqieD82wI6NzNileZdwcJYiza32vW1hmAbtbJ7GOa/w640-h480/IMG_9767.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our weekly Wednesday Night FOCUS gathering - love our students so much! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdgY59W8mK4bhbGaNvKBbRFI65WjlbbNAL5Dz69RQnwA6lHdS_Z4sS1E3mSTRQ0qzQSxqfUXszObULAB7acaQ8tKMu1-jqluVCQ3E7NpdRrKZ9EZOLaHuuIQkJskuUUBP_kLOTcAIJkMtDtXPwVFPNSJc1NHVkoXBcQojlg8iA2nZNgkgKfcP4OCM3wit/s4032/IMG_4729.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdgY59W8mK4bhbGaNvKBbRFI65WjlbbNAL5Dz69RQnwA6lHdS_Z4sS1E3mSTRQ0qzQSxqfUXszObULAB7acaQ8tKMu1-jqluVCQ3E7NpdRrKZ9EZOLaHuuIQkJskuUUBP_kLOTcAIJkMtDtXPwVFPNSJc1NHVkoXBcQojlg8iA2nZNgkgKfcP4OCM3wit/w480-h640/IMG_4729.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to play some electric guitar for our "Night of Black Church" last week! It was wonderful <3 </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighmmAgN2XKtLDsx0i7Z02GSZi4ez6pTA7jCoGGZCgQPKy9rPCYWLZaSB54k8yfTg0rrUV483e9aWwZR7nYjfLmx4y6ARkx51g0dhXE6CrKXQVc-ZdEb8sMgvjUgzlN8ZWPvlNVVYgB_02OY9Xhm26f-mBDdhWEnFmoS9joPx04mE39qW_x2290MmjNv39/s3850/IMG_4706.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3850" data-original-width="2655" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighmmAgN2XKtLDsx0i7Z02GSZi4ez6pTA7jCoGGZCgQPKy9rPCYWLZaSB54k8yfTg0rrUV483e9aWwZR7nYjfLmx4y6ARkx51g0dhXE6CrKXQVc-ZdEb8sMgvjUgzlN8ZWPvlNVVYgB_02OY9Xhm26f-mBDdhWEnFmoS9joPx04mE39qW_x2290MmjNv39/w442-h640/IMG_4706.heic" width="442" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girls <3 </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRkEaS-6YVdz1y4P9l9XO1QaF6ByouLmPrIKKtOj3_GwOg0hYTYxh2vvNSkBz1U9WCSbyzY9_Z-afohLEehy5RyKjfHD_laLPdXDHqleoTVrmDEsE0pxmmRQliCgYWb3WmB1hpe17uUZmFrNNjVcMcNcSd_MwGqw5AzSySfbqY8wUpBKXkAVVuaJ-4HUw/s3910/IMG_4697.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3910" data-original-width="2126" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRkEaS-6YVdz1y4P9l9XO1QaF6ByouLmPrIKKtOj3_GwOg0hYTYxh2vvNSkBz1U9WCSbyzY9_Z-afohLEehy5RyKjfHD_laLPdXDHqleoTVrmDEsE0pxmmRQliCgYWb3WmB1hpe17uUZmFrNNjVcMcNcSd_MwGqw5AzSySfbqY8wUpBKXkAVVuaJ-4HUw/w347-h640/IMG_4697.heic" width="347" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Anaya is getting so big! We feel so blessed <3 </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiGV0yBvYewEkp88C_A0IwB5B24mcp3Lwr8rhnvAT5jh-UshY69F65iHge6bkT-JVJw9yx5LwHIvoFojTU-q-jXOdmzPBMhxagsr3KVD4ghrBSFDprAzo9ltv4qBtpVPkvoAPlUABVXPtFmPAuyoZ-zi_qw6VF9dL5dPI1vYOmUG7XFufPH90XdAfAZ0U/s3908/IMG_4570.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2903" data-original-width="3908" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiGV0yBvYewEkp88C_A0IwB5B24mcp3Lwr8rhnvAT5jh-UshY69F65iHge6bkT-JVJw9yx5LwHIvoFojTU-q-jXOdmzPBMhxagsr3KVD4ghrBSFDprAzo9ltv4qBtpVPkvoAPlUABVXPtFmPAuyoZ-zi_qw6VF9dL5dPI1vYOmUG7XFufPH90XdAfAZ0U/w640-h475/IMG_4570.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Men's FOCUS leader team - grateful for each of these guys! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOvGcv4TNK3ipseMN5WoaxR1TpIY71kxw-21gTJ6yVv3jjJ7tSNtFly4uCTquVYNsQKu1PuJwTbHctHO-M3HCLpKIgx_GVVIPYBvoZV6frWBN8GmiUsfxTDPYkxUOlXP3AhTpZu-056RCIvo3Hxkgh1HVFbmNBXK3aoeyyHGJbt7Hlq2bWCyhBd2RkDvk/s3639/IMG_4411%202.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2918" data-original-width="3639" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOvGcv4TNK3ipseMN5WoaxR1TpIY71kxw-21gTJ6yVv3jjJ7tSNtFly4uCTquVYNsQKu1PuJwTbHctHO-M3HCLpKIgx_GVVIPYBvoZV6frWBN8GmiUsfxTDPYkxUOlXP3AhTpZu-056RCIvo3Hxkgh1HVFbmNBXK3aoeyyHGJbt7Hlq2bWCyhBd2RkDvk/w400-h321/IMG_4411%202.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each week we get together to pray about & read through 1 Corinthians - this has been one of my favorite meetings this year! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you all for your support & believing in us week-to-week! I feel so blessed to have you on my support team & walking with me through this experience of being a campus missionary.</p><p>Love each of you!</p><p>In Christ,</p><p>Sirak </p><p><br /></p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-75646946363840655582024-02-05T07:48:00.000-08:002024-02-05T07:48:06.680-08:00Thank You Lord for January! <p>My friends & team!</p><p>January was a <u>wild</u> month! Well, January is typically always a wild month in campus ministry. The ups, downs, back-to-back events (staff retreat & winter retreat), students returning, and re-adjusting from Christmas break can all potentially overwhelm, but, God has been good in preparing us for what is going to be an awesome Spring semester!</p><p>In some ways, as a college pastor, I feel as if I never quite <i>left</i> college. Hah! Spending the majority of my time with college students is a blessing and reminds me of how unique & special of a season of life it is to be graduated from high school and pondering the interpersonal, cultural, and spiritual questions of life! </p><p>Jesus met me in college in a fresh way that invited me to consider what my faith can look like in the context of community & a shared life among one another (my fellow students/classmates). It was revolutionary and forced me to step out of my individualistic & self-focused methods of expressing my faith. </p><p>Even as a 35-year-old, married, father of one - I am still learning how to express my faith in the context of community. I am still reminding myself that our faith - is just as much about <i>us</i> as it is about <i>me</i>. </p><p>Even though I am feeling more & more "out of touch" with the trends & phrases & lingo of young people today, I am still very much convinced that our lives are to be shared with one another. As a college pastor, the most important job I have is to <i style="font-weight: bold;">show up</i> (regardless of how uncomfortable it may make me feel, at times - which, says as much about me as it does about them!). As a parent, we are invited to <i style="font-weight: bold;">show up</i>. As a friend, we are invited to <i style="font-weight: bold;">show up</i>. </p><p>I say this as a helpful reminder because, truly - college ministry is not much different from any type of ministry. College students are a demographic that are asking particular questions related to their specific place in time. Based on that definition, does that not also describe every one who has ever lived? :) And what is it that they need? I believe the answer is: men & women willing to <i style="font-weight: bold;">show up</i> - to love them. To love them in the midst of their weakness (and ours!) and point to Christ! Daily & forevermore. </p><p>Thank you for your support and for continually believing in me! I truly love each of you. Let's have a great February :) </p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwknbG6TQNtpawh03BQ9dJpdNhNLUoyPHkCZLZMWuxQ8EG_DAdzh-oVLSi-qUy4Xp-cfaSM20j3eFBNmZ7AYoleZ0uuNlPcoVhTvC0lgklBwuTblht_6cFj86E4l53MfBw7ozC4uZCSq1RU16dlbwg3-LWCsJfQfweEpGYdQxS7MNSh-FBdI24OmoRhBbO/s3424/IMG_4518.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3424" data-original-width="2309" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwknbG6TQNtpawh03BQ9dJpdNhNLUoyPHkCZLZMWuxQ8EG_DAdzh-oVLSi-qUy4Xp-cfaSM20j3eFBNmZ7AYoleZ0uuNlPcoVhTvC0lgklBwuTblht_6cFj86E4l53MfBw7ozC4uZCSq1RU16dlbwg3-LWCsJfQfweEpGYdQxS7MNSh-FBdI24OmoRhBbO/w432-h640/IMG_4518.heic" width="432" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Anaya has turned 6-months! We feel so blessed & filled with joy to have her in our lives. What a gift life is! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1_AMF2qhRIx_Z9WNk9DT1pFl0K4COLAzjroN-t5gIkcCTx2k3TMT6vVVliBqwS6nLppFoHn0UcieNaC3PfGSXNIsiHkrmlu5w22heZ3bR52V8IFqEmjg_Jty7NbtrPH3-3uVgwMZpWr4RWxTyysWysOxbbZLcUEdv5vPAta4Pp9vxZ5-Jkn2j9rPgC6x/s4032/IMG_4450.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1_AMF2qhRIx_Z9WNk9DT1pFl0K4COLAzjroN-t5gIkcCTx2k3TMT6vVVliBqwS6nLppFoHn0UcieNaC3PfGSXNIsiHkrmlu5w22heZ3bR52V8IFqEmjg_Jty7NbtrPH3-3uVgwMZpWr4RWxTyysWysOxbbZLcUEdv5vPAta4Pp9vxZ5-Jkn2j9rPgC6x/w400-h300/IMG_4450.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wednesday Night FOCUS meetings have been awesome! We are working out way through 1 Corinthians and the students have been deeply moved & intrigued by Paul and his message to the church in Corinth! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GewtKNaKqvrQeYfZqY0qMk_80QEJu1l99_JvOUSJTKAMaHd0eCEHXzFZPKDa4ZxrbfniIZUeV9IMc6fBYDubdHWHF_6Rxuw5yXpq5dwxtyidsVwWkFxrOPrwITYitSaHrvkA1CmOlOpEzBcGoHYYKhWOCdLtmwtG4JZPJU-hGwAfVxlHKvT2MCBjpOyd/s4032/IMG_4425.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GewtKNaKqvrQeYfZqY0qMk_80QEJu1l99_JvOUSJTKAMaHd0eCEHXzFZPKDa4ZxrbfniIZUeV9IMc6fBYDubdHWHF_6Rxuw5yXpq5dwxtyidsVwWkFxrOPrwITYitSaHrvkA1CmOlOpEzBcGoHYYKhWOCdLtmwtG4JZPJU-hGwAfVxlHKvT2MCBjpOyd/s320/IMG_4425.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another picture of our Wednesday night FOCUS meeting! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtGfJMVIbwhkzs3q3Tvj8HAUduwWDXWXcUmvE_-qfbmeyialEuigRpS5vcXa0uZ6hGyM5D4ahTXC3s21H1_3XKo1ttXFeuzhe4UZ0G1r6cM8dN1OQ1bZqvp-ho7fYb3cKBtgtJnj6ImufBA8XH1s-jJguOaFFHgKHf5zSaPIYZtlri4xQP_1WzPJ9TdLX/s3639/IMG_4411.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2918" data-original-width="3639" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtGfJMVIbwhkzs3q3Tvj8HAUduwWDXWXcUmvE_-qfbmeyialEuigRpS5vcXa0uZ6hGyM5D4ahTXC3s21H1_3XKo1ttXFeuzhe4UZ0G1r6cM8dN1OQ1bZqvp-ho7fYb3cKBtgtJnj6ImufBA8XH1s-jJguOaFFHgKHf5zSaPIYZtlri4xQP_1WzPJ9TdLX/w640-h514/IMG_4411.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've had the fun privilege of leading a group called, "Exploring My Strange Bible" - each week, we meet and read a chapter of scripture. Last semester we read through Mark and this semester we are reading through the book of 1 Corinthians!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPnWD66uoOp3sTZOv_EcVDGsXMmjcflHu1P6aTLJQqazL93GYMp802ua5isegfpU91shYHQfuF1bol356Z17pEvUH5tpHuahFNeP-4hNO9mGIrI9llrE9_ELKfmpVHzte-90iY3bexUMURBFh81mnGaMRA9ePNUBqSaIkkQX95uEd4tJhnunccHYV8EFn/s3550/IMG_4383.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2662" data-original-width="3550" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPnWD66uoOp3sTZOv_EcVDGsXMmjcflHu1P6aTLJQqazL93GYMp802ua5isegfpU91shYHQfuF1bol356Z17pEvUH5tpHuahFNeP-4hNO9mGIrI9llrE9_ELKfmpVHzte-90iY3bexUMURBFh81mnGaMRA9ePNUBqSaIkkQX95uEd4tJhnunccHYV8EFn/w640-h480/IMG_4383.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arnold, one of our student leaders, sharing about how Winter Retreat impacted & shaped his heart!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPM0ZT5zKOKfxV251de4TY6Q0u-teIrqSEA6mW4NHQki7-Fgbjv_LDOhq-9ENUA_NlcF6ynW1oR5n9z_nq0jej7KMCOMBNKtalxB6Ef1eQrgOAtF6AOfFhGhbWHE8ugbm3_QapEU97DbpcIFIdFGtBpoAnvfKmufc9gp5gnj47160oW4w4H4XtlOMZv_h/s4032/IMG_4374.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPM0ZT5zKOKfxV251de4TY6Q0u-teIrqSEA6mW4NHQki7-Fgbjv_LDOhq-9ENUA_NlcF6ynW1oR5n9z_nq0jej7KMCOMBNKtalxB6Ef1eQrgOAtF6AOfFhGhbWHE8ugbm3_QapEU97DbpcIFIdFGtBpoAnvfKmufc9gp5gnj47160oW4w4H4XtlOMZv_h/w640-h480/IMG_4374.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHV-IB0aYomLkqICm5UXkn6eykw0LNizuH6ivjuuSf8a9tRzRxGhwVVKpOIs0Tt7796R9tj-kK2eqsJLBVm3HiwmVqHhgWcANAuW0v1myHiJwgqrZyogonCYIr3lZd5gvMQX9W4Kio60vNXE3fm1zDM8ImRuT5KfDnWi3NKrUZsLqSNpp9qhTXIGJgd8n/s4031/IMG_4365.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2589" data-original-width="4031" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHV-IB0aYomLkqICm5UXkn6eykw0LNizuH6ivjuuSf8a9tRzRxGhwVVKpOIs0Tt7796R9tj-kK2eqsJLBVm3HiwmVqHhgWcANAuW0v1myHiJwgqrZyogonCYIr3lZd5gvMQX9W4Kio60vNXE3fm1zDM8ImRuT5KfDnWi3NKrUZsLqSNpp9qhTXIGJgd8n/w640-h412/IMG_4365.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Retreat was a blast :) What a gift to get to spend a holiday weekend with students across our campuses :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiG7nN1Cq5dh49X5SIaKsK9Dbbd4xi9PQDDt_QanqVWNgY77VjqvnVQ1TJ3RFV4E3S0QD7InB2ijHH4q-rfM1SK4K1YrkFMCwdhnljhABUSRBZfyQf6bHS6PRkstwUcIQRwsA1aBJG3SoaqY1GWKYz2itmmRLquC_lrkDtws3JP8ght4pfCL7Eey2mdeH/s4032/IMG_4360.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiG7nN1Cq5dh49X5SIaKsK9Dbbd4xi9PQDDt_QanqVWNgY77VjqvnVQ1TJ3RFV4E3S0QD7InB2ijHH4q-rfM1SK4K1YrkFMCwdhnljhABUSRBZfyQf6bHS6PRkstwUcIQRwsA1aBJG3SoaqY1GWKYz2itmmRLquC_lrkDtws3JP8ght4pfCL7Eey2mdeH/w640-h480/IMG_4360.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a great time during praise & worship with our gospel choir! Our students loved it and were deeply moved. Lailah (one of our staff at UT Dallas) did an awesome job leading it!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm7vMWClbTZD5YMBQ-y_vxdfPQ2Rn05oQ9R8K6SQQ3VTyDYRhIkvSEfUg067JTR8Y2kSmGLsOrR7Z6sEWrFAFbyXrFZcMdM0KHSueJRvEcP0-AD_ZwhPmw5Zwbq1kiiVkRkJYJhk1K223OMP_IuERZeaV5TpUEo3kYcfPVgig15omJsC3a4_s-WfqQU7n/s4031/IMG_4237%202.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2249" data-original-width="4031" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm7vMWClbTZD5YMBQ-y_vxdfPQ2Rn05oQ9R8K6SQQ3VTyDYRhIkvSEfUg067JTR8Y2kSmGLsOrR7Z6sEWrFAFbyXrFZcMdM0KHSueJRvEcP0-AD_ZwhPmw5Zwbq1kiiVkRkJYJhk1K223OMP_IuERZeaV5TpUEo3kYcfPVgig15omJsC3a4_s-WfqQU7n/w640-h358/IMG_4237%202.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our FOCUS staff retreats have been a blessing! During the first week of January, our staff got together to prepare for the semester & winter retreat. I feel blessed to serve with such an awesome group of ministers!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMH8EoZfW3nB6PMFFgTiGljJDgIgFmouTIxWF3W4tTca0ftJydSMurxJ_OPPGSbWRgRvXEtoI1WpgE2ruvbtO09eVsS1v2DfhCkl29OdZKJvRInxUlxUjznr1W0JIZv5bize6jkGoVZT4OZanvLyEj6SNO_TD17HyYDuNarnRNyyf_0Av9Dx-xCZ7eon1/s3088/IMG_0947.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMH8EoZfW3nB6PMFFgTiGljJDgIgFmouTIxWF3W4tTca0ftJydSMurxJ_OPPGSbWRgRvXEtoI1WpgE2ruvbtO09eVsS1v2DfhCkl29OdZKJvRInxUlxUjznr1W0JIZv5bize6jkGoVZT4OZanvLyEj6SNO_TD17HyYDuNarnRNyyf_0Av9Dx-xCZ7eon1/w400-h300/IMG_0947.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice candid shot of our student leaders! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihS-7UQQDUY5_xwcsKCC8kfAkSLjLxbEkR_Tr3Ho7p-e_1qjD4MxZmhHwDw3fIHkcAtzJFx27zmWBo0bH5hwjTYSxTdgy4EU45Jkek7wwcY3dkkGvAAFl9HLAVTPweHeuPRwTsyCzIWkHe73ko_OO7XdafklzZIFKgxQ4rG1uJYoqjq6EZJ32Kx1ANy-a/s4032/IMG_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihS-7UQQDUY5_xwcsKCC8kfAkSLjLxbEkR_Tr3Ho7p-e_1qjD4MxZmhHwDw3fIHkcAtzJFx27zmWBo0bH5hwjTYSxTdgy4EU45Jkek7wwcY3dkkGvAAFl9HLAVTPweHeuPRwTsyCzIWkHe73ko_OO7XdafklzZIFKgxQ4rG1uJYoqjq6EZJ32Kx1ANy-a/w640-h480/IMG_0882.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two main men: Yoni (in blue) and Bernard (in the back)! These guys have been consistent and reliable week. They have committed themselves to continual growth and participating in our shared life with one another each week! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Thank you for your support & for believing in our mission :) </p><p>I'm honored to get to walk alongside you on our campuses as we reach & love students together. </p><p>Thank you!</p><p>Your brother,</p><p>Sirak </p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-45109370742069899142024-01-05T11:20:00.000-08:002024-01-05T11:20:14.936-08:00God Of Fresh Starts :) <p> Good morning :) </p><p>Wow, 2024 is here :) </p><p>I remember when my family and I moved to Texas in 1999 thinking: I wonder what life will be like in 2025? Well...it's on the way here pretty soon, buckle-up! </p><p>A few months earlier we had made the move from Toronto, Ontario Canada to Plano, TX. I was in sixth grade and beginning to feel a sense of normalcy that had been absent for several months. </p><p>I was 11 years old when I asked that question. I remember asking it with such...purity of mind. It seemed exciting to ponder and consider all of the possibilities. Who would I become? Who would be my close friends? Would I be married? Would I have children? In other words; I had <u>no clue</u> what it would be like! I couldn't imagine being 15 years old...25...30...even 35 (36 is coming this July!). It was pure anticipation and curiosity. </p><p>These days I have way too many opinions, demands, expectations, suggestions, desires, repulsions, fears and worries that often keep me from that purity of mind that invited me to consider the future. For example, if I were to ask: "I wonder what being 40-years-old will be like?" I am immediately filled with my own expectations, potential disappointments, fears, and judgements...<i>as if I am already not measuring up to the image of a 40-year-old created in my mind! </i></p><p>I suppose these days I'm more productive and effective than that 11-year-old...but I sense that something is...missing? Or better yet...something somehow someway got "buried" underneath all of the years that keep me from that purity of mind that trusts that whatever the future brings that God will be there with me and it <b>is</b> going to be <u style="font-weight: bold;">nothing</u> like I expected. And <i style="font-weight: bold;">that</i> is a <u>good thing</u>! God's plans typically trump mine. </p><p>I use to-do list apps to manage my day, calendar apps to mange my months/weeks, email apps to respond quickly to the demands/expectations of my life but I've felt more & more drawn back to...pen & paper. Journaling, reflecting & writing about what is right in front of me to do & experience. Things I'm grateful for. Things I'm feeling and may be drawn to process & surrender to God. </p><p>Over the break I discovered a cool company, Monk Manual (www.monkmanual.com). Their mission is to help individuals combine their productivity with an emphasis on understanding why we are here, who we are becoming, and what matters most. I purchased a journal that they make (their 90-day manual) to kick off 2024 with an attempt to tap into that 11-year-old within me that was curious about who they were becoming without being lost in an agenda & laundry list of to-do items along with my judgements and fears.</p><p>Each month when I type this blog - it's a sacramental experience for me to reflect & engage with the past month & celebrate how God has been moving. My hope is that I can somehow integrate similar experiences in my day-to-day life! </p><p>Thank you for your support! Enjoy the photos below - I hope they refresh & encourage you no matter the season of life that you are in! </p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp4ltbYFdEj0-Yeezdv5_CkYTYnbrn_rGVepHPWbIx0juEkpceLVHp8YxQ6yUSRRQ-zckxOJdL7Mr1hzu6tEjTCBVbSznhXvZgdiHP0zIEJBkuAG4Dq8rjqqV5oOXZtWfNmLDwhbIvOVf3jEuE4yc30eHJ5H37NATmX6mgcMVeVeRFyc4mELbMHlR0PBGA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp4ltbYFdEj0-Yeezdv5_CkYTYnbrn_rGVepHPWbIx0juEkpceLVHp8YxQ6yUSRRQ-zckxOJdL7Mr1hzu6tEjTCBVbSznhXvZgdiHP0zIEJBkuAG4Dq8rjqqV5oOXZtWfNmLDwhbIvOVf3jEuE4yc30eHJ5H37NATmX6mgcMVeVeRFyc4mELbMHlR0PBGA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our weekly Wednesday Night FOCUS has been missed! We took a few weeks off for Christmas break, but, we are kicking things off in a couple of weeks! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyM4E2sG8DvZZjDh9iWJFQd__g07CJaTIn3n9K6ksuLSuNZtFLJLPmAxacP_VFRdPqG2lA5WHJgUuwStKLtrz8t3fQlLmNx60QC0t_BeGi-5rkRSJLKmoeJ271yMqmyy2My5sWEqBeTD22_bY2ZYB3vGunERsGjnBkjyRlnpZk5OCARgjAT5OpCW1j4FQD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyM4E2sG8DvZZjDh9iWJFQd__g07CJaTIn3n9K6ksuLSuNZtFLJLPmAxacP_VFRdPqG2lA5WHJgUuwStKLtrz8t3fQlLmNx60QC0t_BeGi-5rkRSJLKmoeJ271yMqmyy2My5sWEqBeTD22_bY2ZYB3vGunERsGjnBkjyRlnpZk5OCARgjAT5OpCW1j4FQD=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our first year apprentices, Veronica, did a great job with her first sermon to our students! It was so creative and engaging. She is a <u>true gift</u> to our team & staff. Let's goo!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfrIn3xE2iHd71iUHTw7aJnXuGZXMoHpzcBtJGt_QJAZC7ucXFkttt60BIMhAqCuuIjEmwUnCEFfAHGwfuc9Z5LGZGu24c_E5vTQgjV2pr2uDfXtFuAo9PuvTTafOMfA2GVm17HUG6P0gauRQigLT9Wid78lSph2TYA4hJk9XhrvN_tKypm9OEENAGuc-b" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfrIn3xE2iHd71iUHTw7aJnXuGZXMoHpzcBtJGt_QJAZC7ucXFkttt60BIMhAqCuuIjEmwUnCEFfAHGwfuc9Z5LGZGu24c_E5vTQgjV2pr2uDfXtFuAo9PuvTTafOMfA2GVm17HUG6P0gauRQigLT9Wid78lSph2TYA4hJk9XhrvN_tKypm9OEENAGuc-b=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our students truly & deeply love one another :) They can truly hang out for hours and never get bored! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNaSjhG7SUaMyZQnQ10Frg6YczKLZbQwCoPjADq05fgK4uzH8msqNodjFmT8y4o4ZEicamQUnkcmJTeNeokNs-oTPeIyPG9I-3KIJ8OFfsZno1gSNQPu5RxZTzUlBGqV-BcPjUzryKoOvlszCEi_LH8MrIJoOBmo9s8aqYcq44RxBvsR-90oWXFuo-g-MU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNaSjhG7SUaMyZQnQ10Frg6YczKLZbQwCoPjADq05fgK4uzH8msqNodjFmT8y4o4ZEicamQUnkcmJTeNeokNs-oTPeIyPG9I-3KIJ8OFfsZno1gSNQPu5RxZTzUlBGqV-BcPjUzryKoOvlszCEi_LH8MrIJoOBmo9s8aqYcq44RxBvsR-90oWXFuo-g-MU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4QSzFdUVrhHPM8xWfW_U378bb4Js3nspTHsQeGsE-3bjZYPhyZZMzpq0dRVczlRKNbZKW-8Uno3n3_MzAbBbNiZTZpUhLCppUxIBrX0PiDXLaZdurn3tJVWFyCs8ebBsED50lKf8q7IuI4PsWN9A7qvwm0OCMEEFRfEhZl0u52hLuUtFJHog54Bf1EgjX" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4029" data-original-width="2839" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4QSzFdUVrhHPM8xWfW_U378bb4Js3nspTHsQeGsE-3bjZYPhyZZMzpq0dRVczlRKNbZKW-8Uno3n3_MzAbBbNiZTZpUhLCppUxIBrX0PiDXLaZdurn3tJVWFyCs8ebBsED50lKf8q7IuI4PsWN9A7qvwm0OCMEEFRfEhZl0u52hLuUtFJHog54Bf1EgjX=w451-h640" width="451" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas from the Asfaw family :) Love all of you & am thankful for you! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-5BXbthU5eg0g_HUHuIXlq6kHFyoqEubtgcS8JGu3hbdmZUOLlmF0Vas645qCW7Tai-a5yxzHZStX0sBpQJdvqF38mhkk8wc7n0shl5EL8Xgg-NkkAia_dyT1U8HDQF4UlQ032qK7Fs5JynFqssgbaK3AKLySk737EQbETr_h147Fu9vY7NoKI7h00Q70" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3004" data-original-width="3809" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-5BXbthU5eg0g_HUHuIXlq6kHFyoqEubtgcS8JGu3hbdmZUOLlmF0Vas645qCW7Tai-a5yxzHZStX0sBpQJdvqF38mhkk8wc7n0shl5EL8Xgg-NkkAia_dyT1U8HDQF4UlQ032qK7Fs5JynFqssgbaK3AKLySk737EQbETr_h147Fu9vY7NoKI7h00Q70=w640-h505" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Richland FOCUS fellas :) We got dinner with each other a few weeks ago to catch up & hear about how our break has been going! Love these guys & am thankful for them! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn54A8vtDke_F_hGkqA-ueyLc-Ad9YufgN9pD3JYDogmbUYocWnxeUfw-Ogkxsb3B_sh_G8Zby0jeIJArk_0LHC4c2ND7FrJWhTr7WIeLrG3wStT-gnd-7uH90X_cGLvHP-eZY4eRUyjU7O4IFbzuBw9x_ieN6cqgveLqpxzNoZN-e64OsxA4_UUmNagl_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn54A8vtDke_F_hGkqA-ueyLc-Ad9YufgN9pD3JYDogmbUYocWnxeUfw-Ogkxsb3B_sh_G8Zby0jeIJArk_0LHC4c2ND7FrJWhTr7WIeLrG3wStT-gnd-7uH90X_cGLvHP-eZY4eRUyjU7O4IFbzuBw9x_ieN6cqgveLqpxzNoZN-e64OsxA4_UUmNagl_=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to our annual FOCUS staff retreat, I got to catch up with Andrew (one of our former FOCUS apprentices and a co-leader w/ me from way back in 2010)! He's a good guy & I'm grateful for him - time flies! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOUO277CiWAfiKfaxhivCHP9gfxUndK-h8_fe9xkMwXfGZ5I-LmFA4TmO2Rp_I13sITPT2CzLKDmWbWteQaArOkXidsUle6vpT8q7I1IZzgcEx5cQ-I1WVVdiJ5U-JlG3p5yIStX_nOSqa6TGWkkfw_bmUkoM1IXgLTkwZRccyyG2pDFblbv1-uxi8sUR2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2249" data-original-width="4031" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOUO277CiWAfiKfaxhivCHP9gfxUndK-h8_fe9xkMwXfGZ5I-LmFA4TmO2Rp_I13sITPT2CzLKDmWbWteQaArOkXidsUle6vpT8q7I1IZzgcEx5cQ-I1WVVdiJ5U-JlG3p5yIStX_nOSqa6TGWkkfw_bmUkoM1IXgLTkwZRccyyG2pDFblbv1-uxi8sUR2=w640-h358" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our FOCUS pastoral staff has grown to over 40 people! During this time of the year we connect with one another and spend time in prayer as we prepare for the semester. Grateful for each of them! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Thank you for your support & for believing in our mission to love college students :) </p><p>I hope these blog posts encourage you & show what your support is going towards. <u>I couldn't do this without you!</u></p><p>Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have anything you'd like prayer for or if you just want to connect.</p><p>Thank you for believing in me!</p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak </p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-76710470399971688262023-12-04T09:53:00.000-08:002023-12-04T09:53:04.735-08:002023: A Story of God's Faithfulness<p>My friends & team - good morning!</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What a year - what a semester! </span>Someone asked me recently: <i><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">How is parenthood going?</span> </i>(I try not to think too deeply anymore and just respond from my <i>gut</i>) - I responded: "It feels like time isn't waiting on me or anyone else." </p><p>Jesus said: <b>"Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15, NIV)</b></p><p>The Message translation writes: "...'These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: <i>Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in.</i>' Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them." (Mark 10:15, The Message)</p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">It feels like time isn't waiting on me or anyone else</span></i> - can sound discouraging and disheartening. After all, we do know that we are finite beings whose time here on this planet is limited. However, it also invites me to weigh my options: I can either 1) continually feel pulled along by the different forces of life/circumstance/fear/doubt/etc. or I can 2) be fully present & grateful for what is in front of me here & now. </p><p>Jesus highlights the <i>way </i><b>children</b> receive the kingdom. I believe he does this to give us a glimpse into a type of <i>posture</i> that is possible for each of us - for, we were all once children, right? </p><p>I have observed that my daughter, exudes a <b>humble</b> <b>acceptance</b> of <u>whatever</u> is right in front of her. Mommy? Yes. Daddy? Yes. Discomfort? Yes. New people? Yes (In fact, she is unable to NOT make unbroken eye-contact with strangers). Pure joy? Yes. Wake up in the middle of the night? Yes. Absolutely. </p><p>Her posture to all of life (so far) has been a resounding - <b>YES! </b></p><p>My posture to much of life is a resounding - <b>NO!</b> (I need to get <b>my</b> things done! I need <b>my</b> time! I need <b>my</b> space! I have <b>my</b> preferences for how life should be! etc. etc. etc.)</p><p>This posture of - NO! - has often followed me into ministry. The opposite of <b>humble acceptance</b> is most likely <i style="font-weight: bold;">angry </i><b><i>resistance</i></b>. </p><p>I took a seminary class a few quarters ago that taught: <i>Evangelism</i> is helping people take the <b style="background-color: #fcff01;">first</b> step. <i>Discipleship</i> is helping people take the <b style="background-color: #04ff00;">next</b> step. </p><p><u>So, whichever step you are helping people take - you have to take into account where they are at with a </u><b><u>humble acceptance.</u> </b>Meaning: if I have an <i style="font-weight: bold;">angry resistance</i> to where people are at - then I will be greatly hindered in my capacity to love people and show them Christ. </p><p>I see in my daughter a <b>humble acceptance</b> of what life is: right in front of her. I believe Jesus was trying to help us cranky, bitter, & opinionated adults to take the <b>next</b> step in our journey of accepting the Kingdom - which, ironically, is a perpetual <b>first</b> step. </p><p>Lord, teach us to take the next step - which involves us <b>humbly accepting</b> where you have us. Let us be filled with joy as we enter this holiday season & grateful for you are the God of both <u style="font-weight: bold;">first steps</u> and <u style="font-weight: bold;">next steps</u>. Amen. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_nz3i1xLhsrSzYPlgMYyWeijUjzwN-K99uIhLEZyh1yKldki0siQSsL32rWEPzui1sUf17eYeAyomwbS7s-_6KbXBSHjW82PH_CMnPAifQ7V2-6uMR1uwIGFYtJf2wgr4w7ys1XTC7rNXzq2QenxE4P-M9r6-rUvUUwqKd7p_hqfjJDeaM5Uxo641DYR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2643" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_nz3i1xLhsrSzYPlgMYyWeijUjzwN-K99uIhLEZyh1yKldki0siQSsL32rWEPzui1sUf17eYeAyomwbS7s-_6KbXBSHjW82PH_CMnPAifQ7V2-6uMR1uwIGFYtJf2wgr4w7ys1XTC7rNXzq2QenxE4P-M9r6-rUvUUwqKd7p_hqfjJDeaM5Uxo641DYR=w421-h640" width="421" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas to all of you <3 Thank you for your ministry support! </td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6YsTsmSNZe7bRkPPkwKKZJO6vKsWlrzZ-iXXGeUjlhaDP61OCHvmaFlVG9RqeGPvmqsJfsr2dnhL66jb-mFw8n2R_NJDaJ2ukNMC8iSIGD0hv_sYq8V54V2CPufTssOnhxQiABQHqrYClwPg7skRthg1VL1LMqJuwl3fuUbB-PFsNd4PXlx-pan3TAtE6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4030" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6YsTsmSNZe7bRkPPkwKKZJO6vKsWlrzZ-iXXGeUjlhaDP61OCHvmaFlVG9RqeGPvmqsJfsr2dnhL66jb-mFw8n2R_NJDaJ2ukNMC8iSIGD0hv_sYq8V54V2CPufTssOnhxQiABQHqrYClwPg7skRthg1VL1LMqJuwl3fuUbB-PFsNd4PXlx-pan3TAtE6=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><3 </td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZKF-TljGU5g32wAWERId213nHHR87jZDO9QmA-Bd59ys0ltChfRlWSdrU2pBI3-tQSXpIxqlEuuH_ukhqUbT_GcmuwmVH5ghSL-Aw6mtqIRKRY-X40THh0WBaNH-aQ8CVm2DwKcHJLAYUaU_XILw6UerTIynkhi2LlD2B7BYEZLJVl34V9TdOaWmnDBLc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4028" data-original-width="2816" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZKF-TljGU5g32wAWERId213nHHR87jZDO9QmA-Bd59ys0ltChfRlWSdrU2pBI3-tQSXpIxqlEuuH_ukhqUbT_GcmuwmVH5ghSL-Aw6mtqIRKRY-X40THh0WBaNH-aQ8CVm2DwKcHJLAYUaU_XILw6UerTIynkhi2LlD2B7BYEZLJVl34V9TdOaWmnDBLc=w280-h400" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture encompassed 1/2 me reading to Anaya & me thinking: "Wow, this was actually a pretty cook book." I think we need to normalize adults reading children's books before <i>they</i> (adults) go to bed - very calming and relaxing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMN1XimkOOXP9oclcMnV-FYD3HSuQZj4ySMyJEBdQ4_gg9WjGb9kgJR7TxTRpnfNQ2HwnEfmNomE-vIt7jMn5lCYn0k0rtpoXlVGSLgc1QPvz2makXvgvL1395ySrR6L0erZ9m1418fvqhsnsFzz3u6DJwYkNfJMVpg42on48x2OUbYvS6KvR0shN3yeT0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2901" data-original-width="3216" height="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMN1XimkOOXP9oclcMnV-FYD3HSuQZj4ySMyJEBdQ4_gg9WjGb9kgJR7TxTRpnfNQ2HwnEfmNomE-vIt7jMn5lCYn0k0rtpoXlVGSLgc1QPvz2makXvgvL1395ySrR6L0erZ9m1418fvqhsnsFzz3u6DJwYkNfJMVpg42on48x2OUbYvS6KvR0shN3yeT0=w640-h577" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2023-24 Richland FOCUS Ministry! Thankful for all of these students! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXQJM8BdRWJnDwePRHAzuc341RR788YODyv77AkpsWmch7ejSFey5Dg-u2FEs70FG8hi85WchYMciaV9ctmOwv0FbNrmioJZxgX6KemwEkECTM8SKzzPe5ZcBLvA_iDJk0NRC1RNrSIyEjJYGHxRc-asAOcvRBwocKB-3eJhX-WZGdeoBP72VHfijFFWXT" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXQJM8BdRWJnDwePRHAzuc341RR788YODyv77AkpsWmch7ejSFey5Dg-u2FEs70FG8hi85WchYMciaV9ctmOwv0FbNrmioJZxgX6KemwEkECTM8SKzzPe5ZcBLvA_iDJk0NRC1RNrSIyEjJYGHxRc-asAOcvRBwocKB-3eJhX-WZGdeoBP72VHfijFFWXT=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've loved getting to lead core w/ Yoni another year! He's been a true blessing to me & my life. Here he is holding Anaya (Yoni & I have a long side-quest story that theorizes that I may have held him as a baby). </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR7MAhExh1AiOWEYRGJoNnrk4pDAahKQH0GJkuNGFulL94NkxZ1K4Y-iq5up-aPzVmdzQNJOfqT83tg7MCj1BHbcT2DScooE4QbwSJsEcjExK4KBNxqf78BUhsuTvvlqsz10k1NUxng6g0LtApmXpSTPQtAwLU1GKc4p2jb3nUTBRT-TP7ozt9Lj-xHGc7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR7MAhExh1AiOWEYRGJoNnrk4pDAahKQH0GJkuNGFulL94NkxZ1K4Y-iq5up-aPzVmdzQNJOfqT83tg7MCj1BHbcT2DScooE4QbwSJsEcjExK4KBNxqf78BUhsuTvvlqsz10k1NUxng6g0LtApmXpSTPQtAwLU1GKc4p2jb3nUTBRT-TP7ozt9Lj-xHGc7=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had our first Richland FOCUS family night and it was wonderful! Getting to meet the parents & family of our students was a humbling experience for me. As college pastors, we <i>inherit</i> students into our group that have been <b>loved & invested into</b> for <u>years</u> long before we ever meet them! And, for that we say: thank you! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKgtYnY1mYcV2kZaxBYU3Puf76OkdqQesgaWvpte0OmP-iOmck3dfnZWxClyMoHYzSaIZ_PurHtP_puaRLtYl9V7nS7oh1jLMdAUNFIigWS_tTvpelRN4K7Jvv3HUxGERA3fioSfe_Sw7yO3BVMLpG3MAAn2ZtxVTHOTmCXpj85h3Ehq09YMDHaxsObQtZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2380" data-original-width="4030" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKgtYnY1mYcV2kZaxBYU3Puf76OkdqQesgaWvpte0OmP-iOmck3dfnZWxClyMoHYzSaIZ_PurHtP_puaRLtYl9V7nS7oh1jLMdAUNFIigWS_tTvpelRN4K7Jvv3HUxGERA3fioSfe_Sw7yO3BVMLpG3MAAn2ZtxVTHOTmCXpj85h3Ehq09YMDHaxsObQtZ=w640-h378" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you to all of the parents & family who came! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNrkpQkLhRN-_DaIfqJstmKItgUnD2brpK_74RFRryVjX9M_TJtmCLcEiWL4_yxxWjQ4qt_vjGvWhNXUVc36ZpL8AeVwIU8KnJjkMldJUYpV0qHInTtFHmW1LXTt-iks8nWdxQwKyFq_x9LubL9vWRh6oKML03pB1KtNBMYcR9zPnHITyuwz-NQvZ0q9Zl" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNrkpQkLhRN-_DaIfqJstmKItgUnD2brpK_74RFRryVjX9M_TJtmCLcEiWL4_yxxWjQ4qt_vjGvWhNXUVc36ZpL8AeVwIU8KnJjkMldJUYpV0qHInTtFHmW1LXTt-iks8nWdxQwKyFq_x9LubL9vWRh6oKML03pB1KtNBMYcR9zPnHITyuwz-NQvZ0q9Zl=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to help lead worship at our UTD FOCUS alumni night. I loved getting to see the all of the old & new faces - loved it! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5AI7jSWub6G6zzAJyGntsfm-vaBzdo7fgqcAOckZBWr1P9scqnPA0Q55ktaHdF8CglP4wEPw7rR3hDxe4fVYNxQfpbqI2I0xjqniC4zNFmSnScRN38KbOTuPoikqmAENJEimhCXwV8MmXO5u0SSOCSh2C4IK4P_0MX8dQWXBxy0_PUerU6lhgm6OdOlQN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2750" data-original-width="4031" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5AI7jSWub6G6zzAJyGntsfm-vaBzdo7fgqcAOckZBWr1P9scqnPA0Q55ktaHdF8CglP4wEPw7rR3hDxe4fVYNxQfpbqI2I0xjqniC4zNFmSnScRN38KbOTuPoikqmAENJEimhCXwV8MmXO5u0SSOCSh2C4IK4P_0MX8dQWXBxy0_PUerU6lhgm6OdOlQN" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wednesday FOCUS core went out to lunch and shared with one another all that God has been teaching us day to day :) Thankful for these guys!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKgtXrIWfosThVshDmz_wWttL6JFSZRLohGeoC4u-EFfjX7kbzCvd8HQ8SsMKdU9dpgrQTAd3fM1Pud_Bd5Uy1WcSLDo_nD7oAs6rHRLMOLmrdji0M882SOdBpjCCeYISt8Ecxh0CnHBw4Eh6pQ5R9QqYKDcE5IRTXr6iigKZKCCyWIafZxYQjUxHDN5rr" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="960" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKgtXrIWfosThVshDmz_wWttL6JFSZRLohGeoC4u-EFfjX7kbzCvd8HQ8SsMKdU9dpgrQTAd3fM1Pud_Bd5Uy1WcSLDo_nD7oAs6rHRLMOLmrdji0M882SOdBpjCCeYISt8Ecxh0CnHBw4Eh6pQ5R9QqYKDcE5IRTXr6iigKZKCCyWIafZxYQjUxHDN5rr=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS students organized a Friendsgiving! (It seems like these "friendsgiving" events are becoming more & more common each year! So cool!) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKtVNo67pUJAbCXKX9fRQibPKBIf7UVNdk8DXzbJ8BeK_9GlM-cM8WEmLga2w0WJPNuyLrzpO_XBtV9-qrM7tWwsE6tuKOOU8L4S8MKprpXanKlSVyjS4cD61pBlZHJR8sqgYUmoPjirquNu52EJJV-_QbZH0jVsOA2OpUUwAdngaNO4fbTSFl6AeO1iLE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2758" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKtVNo67pUJAbCXKX9fRQibPKBIf7UVNdk8DXzbJ8BeK_9GlM-cM8WEmLga2w0WJPNuyLrzpO_XBtV9-qrM7tWwsE6tuKOOU8L4S8MKprpXanKlSVyjS4cD61pBlZHJR8sqgYUmoPjirquNu52EJJV-_QbZH0jVsOA2OpUUwAdngaNO4fbTSFl6AeO1iLE=w400-h320" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousins enjoyed getting to meet & spend time w/ Anaya at her first Thanksgiving! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you for believing in our mission to love college students and share Christ with them. Thank you for your support over the years and allowing me the immense privilege to walk on campus alongside you day in and day out as we meet & impact students together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any prayer requests or just want to catch up! Your Christmas cards will be arriving soon :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sirak </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-82344506305248492022023-11-06T19:55:00.000-08:002023-11-06T19:55:37.072-08:00October Was Spook...tastic! <p>My people! :) How are things? </p><p>It's strange to see that we've only got a month left in the semester. It's even more strange to know that I have a 3-month old daughter. It feels like a day ago we were walking into the labor & delivery room to welcome our daughter, Anaya. Such is time! </p><p>Thank you for your text messages & encouragements as I have entered this new path of parenthood. I get emotional thinking about all of the years of feeling insecure, not equipped, and unprepared for fatherhood. God is teaching me that all I really need to be is <i>present</i> and he will ultimately resource me as he sees fit. The truth is I have a deep feeling that, when it comes to parenthood, I have no clue what I'm doing. But, isn't that with most things in life? </p><p>When I first was a part of planting Richland FOCUS in 2017 I was filled with similar feelings of inadequacy. It felt vulnerable and scary to share with someone: I know that I'm a campus pastor - but, I have no idea what I'm doing. Truth be told, if I could go back in time to tell 2017-version-Sirak anything I would tell him: "Trust God. Stop trying to do/be/earn everything. Show up. Love students. Go home. Sleep." Or, I would say something like that. </p><p>I wonder what 45-year-old-Sirak would tell current 35-year-old-Sirak? Hopefully something along the lines of: "Show up. Love students. Love your family. Go home. Sleep." I hope 45-year-old-Sirak has healthy knees. </p><p>With one month left in the semester, I am excited about entering the holiday season with a new rhythm that involves life with our daughter while still including traditions of previous years. I'd like to live with a posture of "welcoming". A couple of days ago, Anaya woke up with a bad cough and we had to make a run to the ER. She is now doing fine; we just had a small scare of RSV. Sloan and I felt out of control and were afraid. </p><p>This "welcoming" posture has found its wording in a prayer I have returned to time & time again: </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Jesus, I release my need to feel safe and secure. Welcome Jesus, welcome.<br />Jesus, I release my need to be accepted and approved. Welcome Jesus, welcome.<br />Jesus, I release my need to control this person or event. Welcome Jesus, welcome. <br />Jesus, I release my need to change reality but accept it as it is. Welcome Jesus, welcome. </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pray that each of us would do our best and welcome the circumstances that befall us. Life is truly unpredictable and yet excruciatingly beautiful. Let's welcome the beauty that is often hidden in inconveniences and trouble. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy the photos below! We are in the process of continuing to welcome new students each week to our Wednesday night fellowship meetings :) Been a fun year so far! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTU450KabliclE4xR49_CRZGNxo6JUM1fU1B53QuNuEiAevO3ncJDobUhTitFP9bZK83JVQRj4ESAlgIIJGurXUaRbyRq4T6YFprzZogxyPJcyGnIYHjqePekVNv_fhfqMHArvxPpW1rfLbYkQdusG07wniC2l94ZgEdf4_kuuXMwW1Vj7kFTu8hQMzgO/s6656/IMG_3475%202.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3856" data-original-width="6656" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTU450KabliclE4xR49_CRZGNxo6JUM1fU1B53QuNuEiAevO3ncJDobUhTitFP9bZK83JVQRj4ESAlgIIJGurXUaRbyRq4T6YFprzZogxyPJcyGnIYHjqePekVNv_fhfqMHArvxPpW1rfLbYkQdusG07wniC2l94ZgEdf4_kuuXMwW1Vj7kFTu8hQMzgO/w640-h370/IMG_3475%202.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wednesday Night FOCUS has been a hit this year! Each week we have had new students show up and share excitement for our mission on campus to love students & share Christ! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpd8H256Bd65GLLJKFYoEmUUGkewR2o4cven2jepGdh-dmoHu9U12Fmo-QRhoHAWBd5-fd1DpatI8iqHRzh9j5WqpFtj59SMHr06wNGqiN1UCXkGKLGLIKr-vFro29gO75idQH1oN2JGERpNYhny1sO_xyMz4Rt8mNNrAH2ZJ3nZSzxMl14-LuPhx4O5u/s3774/IMG_3501.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="2453" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpd8H256Bd65GLLJKFYoEmUUGkewR2o4cven2jepGdh-dmoHu9U12Fmo-QRhoHAWBd5-fd1DpatI8iqHRzh9j5WqpFtj59SMHr06wNGqiN1UCXkGKLGLIKr-vFro29gO75idQH1oN2JGERpNYhny1sO_xyMz4Rt8mNNrAH2ZJ3nZSzxMl14-LuPhx4O5u/w260-h400/IMG_3501.heic" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last week we took Anaya to Wichita Falls, TX to meet some of her cousins! Uncle Ryan and Cousin Sammy were both excited to spend time with Anaya <3 </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKyR8eLoj4cg5T91VeTBchpwGliH53NjSc2cWBPYT6X7jbuhkMtmbypiYM3rao0_S-BEalphC7wGGNMk_5QIs_JNlxqIWcjk1E-EF2zuRNV3CvtOvUrocdfGCtKcXgxKnrV3Ka6eNkiFcpoOJnFNtPaEM6fr80CQJVSywKiL9OEtWeANKQpYo657k8m1_/s4580/IMG_3541.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3912" data-original-width="4580" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKyR8eLoj4cg5T91VeTBchpwGliH53NjSc2cWBPYT6X7jbuhkMtmbypiYM3rao0_S-BEalphC7wGGNMk_5QIs_JNlxqIWcjk1E-EF2zuRNV3CvtOvUrocdfGCtKcXgxKnrV3Ka6eNkiFcpoOJnFNtPaEM6fr80CQJVSywKiL9OEtWeANKQpYo657k8m1_/s320/IMG_3541.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR26KHThIxzlNKRBzimOLH6mkjRImxVjorprmspBwPUvu-k1o6PyOv7Y8L16KusRHt-InAsRcMsH1yA5ZE5r2mW2FehkodYQ3xIVCQ8qRsTeNB1YiLvCIpOE7ruZsspUQJ_fFY2_8Obl-9EvuuL31WJ_A1IzmFEUUhJnDH1c9P-7QRyc60fN8zAcMsVK2D/s4030/IMG_3545.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="4030" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR26KHThIxzlNKRBzimOLH6mkjRImxVjorprmspBwPUvu-k1o6PyOv7Y8L16KusRHt-InAsRcMsH1yA5ZE5r2mW2FehkodYQ3xIVCQ8qRsTeNB1YiLvCIpOE7ruZsspUQJ_fFY2_8Obl-9EvuuL31WJ_A1IzmFEUUhJnDH1c9P-7QRyc60fN8zAcMsVK2D/w640-h440/IMG_3545.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Thursday D-Class has been a highlight for me every week! We have been going through the book of Mark and our weekly conversations have been meaningful and special to me.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3PjSNXG3ChVCvCMxArE7SSYDGSPB-B8FBbcfrHiNhDIbzqugYGqn8zwUWSe89yJtV5DyTOjM7IrgcXftqU1oJi76FPDTrfTC6Y01qOBeYT51FY5Gjrw3pxapvcRcugRiNy0eKNYqljkuD_h05XfeniZix7zf9Y9xq9gwcTEgG9J6iofYiZAjuMluxYFi/s3391/IMG_3595.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3391" data-original-width="2155" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3PjSNXG3ChVCvCMxArE7SSYDGSPB-B8FBbcfrHiNhDIbzqugYGqn8zwUWSe89yJtV5DyTOjM7IrgcXftqU1oJi76FPDTrfTC6Y01qOBeYT51FY5Gjrw3pxapvcRcugRiNy0eKNYqljkuD_h05XfeniZix7zf9Y9xq9gwcTEgG9J6iofYiZAjuMluxYFi/w406-h640/IMG_3595.heic" width="406" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anaya turned 3-months old! We feel so blessed to have her in our lives :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrlRPFoLa-bpbTVie5swMgsxj5ManWEX2odrbTTzAZFhEcaMBN3kEZg08pLcu4VFdHdxaoXPPQz6qo3xDpmleEA2AuEENRDMw0Yf_EQTPjHenEQjOpTI3CldVSrSZrh2clgZNE-eAxtXuwtpxJk0LKnwjsHMYZjtzv_S0IJQWOI-LVYIESSY2iED3H-pW/s4032/IMG_3612.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrlRPFoLa-bpbTVie5swMgsxj5ManWEX2odrbTTzAZFhEcaMBN3kEZg08pLcu4VFdHdxaoXPPQz6qo3xDpmleEA2AuEENRDMw0Yf_EQTPjHenEQjOpTI3CldVSrSZrh2clgZNE-eAxtXuwtpxJk0LKnwjsHMYZjtzv_S0IJQWOI-LVYIESSY2iED3H-pW/w300-h400/IMG_3612.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a scary moment on Sunday when we had to take her to the ER. Anaya had a scary cough and was battling RSV throughout the weekend. Thankful for the doctors & nurses who cared for her!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLQSN6qnAD5yVk-TO2MmWFsXNMU1KD5Xvqaxg33s3ZNRdK1V4tPlNuSQNbF3EbQyF9NxLHX97TL4NH5F733toH1m6epdqyyzZB1yjfXm0ryh5NnVw7ONcNNuretmq7n2HWTsnyQ1EV4zfcFVJRnKB_BMKmshSyvH17X-fL90KBNLtxp8TIMRqcTeLFSii/s4032/IMG_8399_Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLQSN6qnAD5yVk-TO2MmWFsXNMU1KD5Xvqaxg33s3ZNRdK1V4tPlNuSQNbF3EbQyF9NxLHX97TL4NH5F733toH1m6epdqyyzZB1yjfXm0ryh5NnVw7ONcNNuretmq7n2HWTsnyQ1EV4zfcFVJRnKB_BMKmshSyvH17X-fL90KBNLtxp8TIMRqcTeLFSii/w640-h480/IMG_8399_Original.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please pray for continued wisdom and strength as we finish the semester strong! We feel blessed with the group of students who have been showing up and making FOCUS their home while they are students at Richland. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Thank you for your support! I hope you feel encouraged and reminded of what your support is going towards as we serve & love the students in our ministry. Let's finish the semester strong! </p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak</p><p><br /></p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-47885041850486346082023-10-02T13:58:00.004-07:002023-10-02T13:58:47.425-07:00This Year Feels Different... (lots of pictures!)<p>My friends & team! </p><p>As my title says - this year <i>feels</i> different when compared to previous years. I've had to remind myself not to <i>compare</i> 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. </p><p>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: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>on their way home</li><li>on their way to class </li><li>on their way to eat by themselves in their car (this happens more often than one would think)</li><li>on their way to a 4-year university and <i>just wanting to get out of <u>here</u> (the community college) </i>as soon as they can</li><li>on their way to work</li><li>on their way to nap</li><li>on their way to study</li><li>on their way to remember to study...</li><li>etc. etc. etc.</li></ul><div>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 <i>remain</i> on campus and <b>be present</b> while they are a student! </div><div><br /></div><div>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! </div><p></p><p>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! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e1hApaWzN52oIPlSnBTwrKkRs0Kmf3ioBT350iYu49Aqe5l0jioqHM5YJVtPMNJtAf-hxo2MaOPsVymQlxqsEPVnTubCgLfvO2aScrNjqgzexq3p5zBzTYeKyscbEI9TSO29aeZZ3Va_eauIwiUzxzk3vU0-Av7sEidL1XjF4Cqo3Rst5gU-Ns7fhYMh/s4032/IMG_2967.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e1hApaWzN52oIPlSnBTwrKkRs0Kmf3ioBT350iYu49Aqe5l0jioqHM5YJVtPMNJtAf-hxo2MaOPsVymQlxqsEPVnTubCgLfvO2aScrNjqgzexq3p5zBzTYeKyscbEI9TSO29aeZZ3Va_eauIwiUzxzk3vU0-Av7sEidL1XjF4Cqo3Rst5gU-Ns7fhYMh/w480-h640/IMG_2967.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey has been such a joy to work with on staff. He is a great co-minister to have on campus serving our students. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbSVMAdkPNAkYnkV7Gqgq-KJt1L83hH9UBxn8OWF0R4ZzWjoUJFTNJQx2MslDLfLq9O09CHQ5aEavf4nWnmdqa3RucVi7okdFFckjpMfMyn2Bq5inkvJI5YIzsaZSexbT4lTD50E2wHu2NSVQg1ujdGcA0AyweiOOEAxJtQtVJEBnj5vQDCpP_Sz3seFi/s3600/IMG_3072.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2411" data-original-width="3600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbSVMAdkPNAkYnkV7Gqgq-KJt1L83hH9UBxn8OWF0R4ZzWjoUJFTNJQx2MslDLfLq9O09CHQ5aEavf4nWnmdqa3RucVi7okdFFckjpMfMyn2Bq5inkvJI5YIzsaZSexbT4lTD50E2wHu2NSVQg1ujdGcA0AyweiOOEAxJtQtVJEBnj5vQDCpP_Sz3seFi/w640-h428/IMG_3072.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPosXdp0gARiM3EakbfsOrSDC3zIHL6ZzrwUcMGjVKN2hPHnl5vZ8y1eDardOft8hCacoqYLlNi9rW4vm8_bb-S0oHvkg3BoPlHXJnq6NowIvNo8BHsaG-NHcsqiTo439v0hyphenhyphenqQvD5t1Ec6o5HtS9DUMbN0nOXrYXzsVRSjE89K5CVuTCyOfZCuZ1_Nm-w/s4032/IMG_3078.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPosXdp0gARiM3EakbfsOrSDC3zIHL6ZzrwUcMGjVKN2hPHnl5vZ8y1eDardOft8hCacoqYLlNi9rW4vm8_bb-S0oHvkg3BoPlHXJnq6NowIvNo8BHsaG-NHcsqiTo439v0hyphenhyphenqQvD5t1Ec6o5HtS9DUMbN0nOXrYXzsVRSjE89K5CVuTCyOfZCuZ1_Nm-w/w640-h480/IMG_3078.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEIYbkpsKDfqwUVaY8_zJdIajWr_9pmlccvUuw8eX5PnW24bGpsldEEeAogFBzQWSpxXBlKjbOTP50cbdv6242D9VHOOS_YFYPUbzsdGS85r3okg6fnaVP5oVZdRsJyurthDsS2OuYBr3u7iOqSxkVoZeo8MaXkCVFRzT-LRz5390OQs-96-merlxPg34/s4032/IMG_3155.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEIYbkpsKDfqwUVaY8_zJdIajWr_9pmlccvUuw8eX5PnW24bGpsldEEeAogFBzQWSpxXBlKjbOTP50cbdv6242D9VHOOS_YFYPUbzsdGS85r3okg6fnaVP5oVZdRsJyurthDsS2OuYBr3u7iOqSxkVoZeo8MaXkCVFRzT-LRz5390OQs-96-merlxPg34/w300-h400/IMG_3155.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLbhI7cicq-TTr44oZDrpBJ8nCiTzvoYdH4xRTJ0Mu-7mvp5mB-KFmwH7C-fCvmyE1sWv1DslEEGPH5ev_SqTqwkwsWYK6NsyhBYGPXszgVuOTcgEH8PBPqtrGlb5GFvDCw2iquvZAFpMPC-sfB06czY_GDe1Im6hEB5RVgfc37g38rpFsrC5Dcfoe7NW/s4032/IMG_3164.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLbhI7cicq-TTr44oZDrpBJ8nCiTzvoYdH4xRTJ0Mu-7mvp5mB-KFmwH7C-fCvmyE1sWv1DslEEGPH5ev_SqTqwkwsWYK6NsyhBYGPXszgVuOTcgEH8PBPqtrGlb5GFvDCw2iquvZAFpMPC-sfB06czY_GDe1Im6hEB5RVgfc37g38rpFsrC5Dcfoe7NW/w640-h480/IMG_3164.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM88337ZYYNY5N5P8CC9m2v9OEkWUa2ew5pJ03peBbtKNn-kXWS8KHCl_OAxnGBVcZM8NEMO1seoNFQQwV_4aSRvJjEYC3QnNnl5SlvptQKIz2eWKq7S0wqLj3uE8jCeUVYY6pyKhfqrG6t-b6bOlreqxeDK2p21GnTf8pmJECds6YEB3WXfeSj0olBBe_/s4032/IMG_3167.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM88337ZYYNY5N5P8CC9m2v9OEkWUa2ew5pJ03peBbtKNn-kXWS8KHCl_OAxnGBVcZM8NEMO1seoNFQQwV_4aSRvJjEYC3QnNnl5SlvptQKIz2eWKq7S0wqLj3uE8jCeUVYY6pyKhfqrG6t-b6bOlreqxeDK2p21GnTf8pmJECds6YEB3WXfeSj0olBBe_/w640-h480/IMG_3167.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another picture of our Wednesday Night FOCUS! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hv48q2MLxQwCGVXE0irjZojnP3HNG-NV7h28RXWlV9NpMPeaH9Do1gGM49lrWyW3VqgDgluSBoitpMB0J8PLzPST7ER4Du6iyGdViiYuIj6jIlgwmuX7kpNoy1WZgGe00L0GAuQA0wYZs5kYrbCpw_02MyRf6xzT5wwdJnkK68Ti3aK-TVmWhB_8cslO/s3781/IMG_3280.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3781" data-original-width="2971" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hv48q2MLxQwCGVXE0irjZojnP3HNG-NV7h28RXWlV9NpMPeaH9Do1gGM49lrWyW3VqgDgluSBoitpMB0J8PLzPST7ER4Du6iyGdViiYuIj6jIlgwmuX7kpNoy1WZgGe00L0GAuQA0wYZs5kYrbCpw_02MyRf6xzT5wwdJnkK68Ti3aK-TVmWhB_8cslO/w314-h400/IMG_3280.heic" width="314" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you for all of your support! :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>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!</p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak</p><p><br /></p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-15300871535357234662023-09-03T17:35:00.002-07:002023-09-03T17:35:40.893-07:00And Everything Has Changed :) (Baby Edition!) <p>My friends & team!</p><p>Wow, so much has happened over these last 30 days :) </p><p>My wife & I went to bed on Wednesday, August 2nd expecting a fine night of sleep when, around midnight, contractions began and the rest is history! We shortly welcomed Anaya Laine Asfaw to the world on August, 3rd 2023 at 12:57 PM! God is good!</p><p>I was looking through my early campus missionary blog posts from way back in 2013 and it is strange how time works. I feel like, in some ways, life is <i>beginning</i> again for me - a new era & season of parenthood is upon me & my wife. I'm excited for this new season while grateful for the last 10 years of preparation for this. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">I had no idea how the experiences of a decade of campus ministry would prepare me for parenthood but it seems there are <i>universal</i> lessons that God aims to each his people: <i>faith, hope, and love.</i></span></p><p><i>"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. </i></p><p><i>When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. </i></p><p><i><b>And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. </b><span style="font-weight: bold;">But the greatest of these is love."</span> </i></p><p>(1 Corinthians 13:8-13)</p><p>When I look at Anaya, I feel a deep love for her that moves me to consider a glimpse of the love the Father has for me. Not just for me - but for all of us. When I look at Anaya I see a soul that God has entrusted me & my wife with that God has a <b>plan</b> and a <b>purpose</b> for. I get the privilege to love & care for her here & now. The college students that walk onto our campus I (along with our other campus pastors) get the privilege to love & care for here & now. </p><p>Anaya turned one month old a few days ago and it truly seems as if only a few hours have passed since she was born. I've been a campus pastor for 10 years and it truly seems as if only a few weeks have passed. </p><p>Faith. Hope. Love. But the greatest of these three are love. Love has always been there - I suppose the only difference is that I am more aware of it now than ever before. Lord have mercy on me and sustain me so that I will not forget Your love. </p><p>My prayer is that I would be faithful, hopeful, and loving as I follow my savior. That I would trust his work inside of me isn't done yet. My prayer is that I would have a simple faith to pass onto my daughter to <u>live as if I am </u><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">loved</b> as I hope she will as well. </p><p>Thank you for your support & for believing in our mission to love college students. I hope the photos below encourage you and warm your heart a bit :) </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsVqq4vrBmhry0veXBr0ZfBPSpfT5fyFQQ2a80VOSdPz2b9JqRpNGJabonTCHV0ER4MqpT0zi8X9_gKnDtW1l7eQ48Uyz0uPUnSUug_p9imBkwHR77LFQDtv8s7oeHEoLcUctNdLDyJqpfrHwuG_rj9x__Xf-irKc7GU8RD5U-y6WG5Ae9X8iXZyTMoJV/s907/IMG_2909.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="726" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsVqq4vrBmhry0veXBr0ZfBPSpfT5fyFQQ2a80VOSdPz2b9JqRpNGJabonTCHV0ER4MqpT0zi8X9_gKnDtW1l7eQ48Uyz0uPUnSUug_p9imBkwHR77LFQDtv8s7oeHEoLcUctNdLDyJqpfrHwuG_rj9x__Xf-irKc7GU8RD5U-y6WG5Ae9X8iXZyTMoJV/w320-h400/IMG_2909.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & baby girl :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2R9FF0lBw1fsxW4B4QF-41mPkcygizQ-nmq_e_uyJ07NJnICj5BStqf8Nc2P1sBvqV2P8vbZ-2fQ0rrQUIGhOd8pBwijj0yXfZYabjXu0Mlkn-OBIUIyRBHYi70R5jUkUqvkz6gqvuM4TFQZyjQzIz6ioKsbbh7jXy0WJlaC0atRAb6Wsh1ekHqpvNcCm/s1240/IMG_2931.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2R9FF0lBw1fsxW4B4QF-41mPkcygizQ-nmq_e_uyJ07NJnICj5BStqf8Nc2P1sBvqV2P8vbZ-2fQ0rrQUIGhOd8pBwijj0yXfZYabjXu0Mlkn-OBIUIyRBHYi70R5jUkUqvkz6gqvuM4TFQZyjQzIz6ioKsbbh7jXy0WJlaC0atRAb6Wsh1ekHqpvNcCm/w400-h320/IMG_2931.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My older brother got us a blanket w/ her name on it! Beautiful!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRJOrmyk7YYURUUxKkMXZSJFAHeNEpVVL4SvqEVMMDvb1qoNztLoXOV6GfOIXW4mYv81-39vxows4LHvFWGa9o7InT4N-EwN2MmVwMRjyxcCe7bICiLKKpTHr2xO3ufkMrTM-71pkv7rVe-2JISPyGimySNObPDI9SrvEtBwFJjKoT79oUokMw4zcsrLg/s4032/IMG_2858.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRJOrmyk7YYURUUxKkMXZSJFAHeNEpVVL4SvqEVMMDvb1qoNztLoXOV6GfOIXW4mYv81-39vxows4LHvFWGa9o7InT4N-EwN2MmVwMRjyxcCe7bICiLKKpTHr2xO3ufkMrTM-71pkv7rVe-2JISPyGimySNObPDI9SrvEtBwFJjKoT79oUokMw4zcsrLg/w400-h300/IMG_2858.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first core of the year! We had a fun group of guys show up for our first discussion :) Excited for many more!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtDKFwRKzFgRp5ZrkVZlFHCrqLFMyxm2mKLaxaLKrQ80FEoICMMEd5MJuB8ipDXYrTgUgHiBPi3siOxkWMrKAnvIYgUJ_OGGDhliCE0173dX1HCGze-IzDc73qOab4Pr5GTK6KCtoIA61iHBN60_r3lCwc4HrcpwhyLggUlG-q7DBCaCFoc1-4WkG404a/s4032/IMG_2848.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtDKFwRKzFgRp5ZrkVZlFHCrqLFMyxm2mKLaxaLKrQ80FEoICMMEd5MJuB8ipDXYrTgUgHiBPi3siOxkWMrKAnvIYgUJ_OGGDhliCE0173dX1HCGze-IzDc73qOab4Pr5GTK6KCtoIA61iHBN60_r3lCwc4HrcpwhyLggUlG-q7DBCaCFoc1-4WkG404a/w400-h300/IMG_2848.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first leader team meeting of the year :) Love these students!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dra3SE6zGbwQYyZF-ZEzG9psRA9udNXyxFrDksCCUfDMbZ3-K8UcndZTSNhWbCkOtCgdUG27XUMbxIE4Q9JN0D7mBiatgwKfRP4Y0rlmUBJuFb88AGG12e8LtddxmM49hRWJMfvwHu1__NgPPLnmkLGMhpmrPvzma7QPeN4lnWZanJF5wrci3fdSaKwo/s3595/IMG_2827.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2695" data-original-width="3595" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dra3SE6zGbwQYyZF-ZEzG9psRA9udNXyxFrDksCCUfDMbZ3-K8UcndZTSNhWbCkOtCgdUG27XUMbxIE4Q9JN0D7mBiatgwKfRP4Y0rlmUBJuFb88AGG12e8LtddxmM49hRWJMfvwHu1__NgPPLnmkLGMhpmrPvzma7QPeN4lnWZanJF5wrci3fdSaKwo/w400-h300/IMG_2827.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMJhaMfFk2rxtfdAXsOzdkSDg-Y1UUQnB8sWXg-jbviVUuJdU77SIqIjdWxmTS7Udv7q2OSufSEaFBcQHrq0EsqCJksVNhK8qqdS-P71xBq7VCQwUngvJHPEm4DVrPMrs62i8Ve1DI3b7rGDsojN34rfa9ouOA5p1i4diKIO5c86SrIkgDxQnaz1HGpjq/s3983/IMG_2809.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3983" data-original-width="2989" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMJhaMfFk2rxtfdAXsOzdkSDg-Y1UUQnB8sWXg-jbviVUuJdU77SIqIjdWxmTS7Udv7q2OSufSEaFBcQHrq0EsqCJksVNhK8qqdS-P71xBq7VCQwUngvJHPEm4DVrPMrs62i8Ve1DI3b7rGDsojN34rfa9ouOA5p1i4diKIO5c86SrIkgDxQnaz1HGpjq/s320/IMG_2809.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_77Ny88Y_T3bN72-8GFiVYXPzSA43zbwQSClhR_rkk3_cMJqP8VRkxkA5LzkQdWzhBz43fLOhSr3gjTaEfcJ-bfwpSHloy10uHVm2U95hgrjOOqE7MWQm1t9aXp5t8Q2IhPZA-c8tQFfsrb7NsIIjgM_2hOjyd4lWmTVmzPEN1H2OrchOOGfI9vhbTwcL/s4032/IMG_2717.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_77Ny88Y_T3bN72-8GFiVYXPzSA43zbwQSClhR_rkk3_cMJqP8VRkxkA5LzkQdWzhBz43fLOhSr3gjTaEfcJ-bfwpSHloy10uHVm2U95hgrjOOqE7MWQm1t9aXp5t8Q2IhPZA-c8tQFfsrb7NsIIjgM_2hOjyd4lWmTVmzPEN1H2OrchOOGfI9vhbTwcL/w640-h480/IMG_2717.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first Wednesday Night FOCUS of the year! We had a great turnout :) Grateful for all of these students!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_SAS7290IMm27Wc1KDCJOOYvawZ7cgRKJdoNCiJWIpqDlK5Zeps9-glQHzoRYhUfcKduzOmAx7FPVVm_unFqejMH7ll6D4XIA6A30Z45fVYc6_u_7a0xfMve5MhLf3KnffXvg6jB8-A4WybjyU42fuZq0tOdmWTYZJWWIWOyLd5UeUXg3ExO6kBUPnc6/s4032/IMG_2721.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_SAS7290IMm27Wc1KDCJOOYvawZ7cgRKJdoNCiJWIpqDlK5Zeps9-glQHzoRYhUfcKduzOmAx7FPVVm_unFqejMH7ll6D4XIA6A30Z45fVYc6_u_7a0xfMve5MhLf3KnffXvg6jB8-A4WybjyU42fuZq0tOdmWTYZJWWIWOyLd5UeUXg3ExO6kBUPnc6/s320/IMG_2721.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGkNEOchMEUfovh1XZnB9-85jnNbsMKEglvBG0CwwiKAOfyI-69Stu1D22KXVZ_ejZT1kGEtEQfRnq5PgiA0zW_g0pjd2KGXu-gVq7Y-pVAVr2Uj6DCvo2wYfKrFOH2j9_p3gcwTac7R-uFHmSeHTidlpf__RjfmO9XkQ5uMS5DG3d2ny9SxxfRuoA-W7/s9364/IMG_2725.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3792" data-original-width="9364" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGkNEOchMEUfovh1XZnB9-85jnNbsMKEglvBG0CwwiKAOfyI-69Stu1D22KXVZ_ejZT1kGEtEQfRnq5PgiA0zW_g0pjd2KGXu-gVq7Y-pVAVr2Uj6DCvo2wYfKrFOH2j9_p3gcwTac7R-uFHmSeHTidlpf__RjfmO9XkQ5uMS5DG3d2ny9SxxfRuoA-W7/w640-h260/IMG_2725.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tried a few new welcome week events this year - we did an event called: Ethnic Beats & Eats! We brought in food from different cultures and had get-to-know-you activities to get students to connect with one another!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG6a4EDKfPiaJn051phJM8uWN5SBJHroyda9ysV-VBPnLXrF5QX9JTp7RVAmVHzvV0pY_dXq1VxRy_KPt9Y3sTQZRMFBRqe-vf7SE_aHWUDKZwJwWRl-COlqLmqrpeBdBfbiBHsog_JocauZ-fzDBiAkGb9Pdv9-la-NfUkVT7CmDxdwMB2_hV3GuaFfq/s4032/IMG_2726.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG6a4EDKfPiaJn051phJM8uWN5SBJHroyda9ysV-VBPnLXrF5QX9JTp7RVAmVHzvV0pY_dXq1VxRy_KPt9Y3sTQZRMFBRqe-vf7SE_aHWUDKZwJwWRl-COlqLmqrpeBdBfbiBHsog_JocauZ-fzDBiAkGb9Pdv9-la-NfUkVT7CmDxdwMB2_hV3GuaFfq/w300-h400/IMG_2726.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4shBhi9oI0xWewL_tYPrK6RoNhFgdRqh2Z6xUP2QGWXr0jgl9STP8Bs7obT4q0iuhrdORaGVC_J1Vo4Tw_tcW2CrVJL2LLlJqeFQ_gqxdN5y9Ddpc0caPKNQPON5GqY8q_gfH9UehJu65ly51yL92OogKs7H_tfxQyq84uQb4kXo0ZhMDfRlVZkD-Dr5E/s3638/IMG_2679.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2729" data-original-width="3638" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4shBhi9oI0xWewL_tYPrK6RoNhFgdRqh2Z6xUP2QGWXr0jgl9STP8Bs7obT4q0iuhrdORaGVC_J1Vo4Tw_tcW2CrVJL2LLlJqeFQ_gqxdN5y9Ddpc0caPKNQPON5GqY8q_gfH9UehJu65ly51yL92OogKs7H_tfxQyq84uQb4kXo0ZhMDfRlVZkD-Dr5E/w640-h480/IMG_2679.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4X50U3-t1I8mLVLG5EAOh7eRVNz8uOmzq8j-kPOO0ew3y1uTkkcKH40ZL_7v4AS9rQ8zsBTWJrRR0kDTsoyZWtOaQwtx-Po_vpkgG4NViTum00lUUkI1itxPVfimWrei2ldoZ2YSL2QxpK_pDbAGODZhNuHUNkQ3sknHMu0kfZornvnYy40_HD2t0p_o/s3877/IMG_2629.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3877" data-original-width="2798" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4X50U3-t1I8mLVLG5EAOh7eRVNz8uOmzq8j-kPOO0ew3y1uTkkcKH40ZL_7v4AS9rQ8zsBTWJrRR0kDTsoyZWtOaQwtx-Po_vpkgG4NViTum00lUUkI1itxPVfimWrei2ldoZ2YSL2QxpK_pDbAGODZhNuHUNkQ3sknHMu0kfZornvnYy40_HD2t0p_o/s320/IMG_2629.heic" width="231" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonFMXhVKtcUbw-T3PxIsMYTBJlLldbe0fhp3RIJ17-gxY_tRA1Ek8TonqPKcKFQo9rauQnJXyVP0tjyrKwuUO4WQ4LG6oaxfmyFmKr6654d-8aeQpQAAu9QdC0jG28hb-qujFqPTUnRos38wgYtFtZP29URtspG1OmNyu1ZUFkfI54qSDL4WrQvmdZ5-1/s3394/IMG_2574.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2054" data-original-width="3394" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonFMXhVKtcUbw-T3PxIsMYTBJlLldbe0fhp3RIJ17-gxY_tRA1Ek8TonqPKcKFQo9rauQnJXyVP0tjyrKwuUO4WQ4LG6oaxfmyFmKr6654d-8aeQpQAAu9QdC0jG28hb-qujFqPTUnRos38wgYtFtZP29URtspG1OmNyu1ZUFkfI54qSDL4WrQvmdZ5-1/w400-h243/IMG_2574.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun pic of some of the nephews meeting their new cousin Anaya!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjov9b2m-5r3lmYrbUDlbya_ccidhrABloaO5G_TT2_SXlADTd2l4N3KeH4RyRWuZTFB9K78V3MsEobSSf-xVL0Uyp29-zj4O_UikPNWKqjMthqK5w6y7AiJ33tFmXcVseCJd2djp2_eHtJQOsvZqVctpzyrfPIOz7nDptwD2m3IgQ-jdpuQ6GZfWVloU47/s3936/IMG_2562.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3936" data-original-width="2758" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjov9b2m-5r3lmYrbUDlbya_ccidhrABloaO5G_TT2_SXlADTd2l4N3KeH4RyRWuZTFB9K78V3MsEobSSf-xVL0Uyp29-zj4O_UikPNWKqjMthqK5w6y7AiJ33tFmXcVseCJd2djp2_eHtJQOsvZqVctpzyrfPIOz7nDptwD2m3IgQ-jdpuQ6GZfWVloU47/s320/IMG_2562.heic" width="224" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYN-Crw1FhvV1EnuehcHKupjbwQw5ZJk9E2WEvwKt5WWLCnfUct_hWroOD_SXgUeIvJbeABVcasg7SpOHNiGr4TmtE8qAzRneiiB7yoy9hXXZ0DvMOcsvCH_VCe97YfrYkAXQ9VIjDqpaYlnxoQ6RV1YJA1rfbkS11_aHIbYp9F0arZbIN_KvQ1Y801Dk/s3329/IMG_2470.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3329" data-original-width="1824" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYN-Crw1FhvV1EnuehcHKupjbwQw5ZJk9E2WEvwKt5WWLCnfUct_hWroOD_SXgUeIvJbeABVcasg7SpOHNiGr4TmtE8qAzRneiiB7yoy9hXXZ0DvMOcsvCH_VCe97YfrYkAXQ9VIjDqpaYlnxoQ6RV1YJA1rfbkS11_aHIbYp9F0arZbIN_KvQ1Y801Dk/s320/IMG_2470.heic" width="175" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT_K2uH-1thsLenVA93mNkynqDeVDoPwaMCalrnI9JmkgJ2GMtcUhYud0JIybI4fdte7qus71xWu39fQrkXOmTAHiJycc1-dc9UJJtkouyyENwZ6R5ySBsQfkl2aaRFoC143hLOuVYbTYwz_7HF7sv6oigx5yA93iI1aVFqPf4IVcLJOgFTKSfWHJduzU/s3810/IMG_2532.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3810" data-original-width="2856" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT_K2uH-1thsLenVA93mNkynqDeVDoPwaMCalrnI9JmkgJ2GMtcUhYud0JIybI4fdte7qus71xWu39fQrkXOmTAHiJycc1-dc9UJJtkouyyENwZ6R5ySBsQfkl2aaRFoC143hLOuVYbTYwz_7HF7sv6oigx5yA93iI1aVFqPf4IVcLJOgFTKSfWHJduzU/s320/IMG_2532.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div>Thank you for your support! I'm honored that I get to share this journey with each of you. Thank you for your prayers for a safe delivery :) We are grateful and excited to get to share our experience of parenthood with you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sirak </div>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-85094733151474910982023-08-01T14:14:00.004-07:002023-08-01T14:14:35.625-07:00July 2023 - A Month I'll Never Forget :) <p>Hello my friends :) </p><p>What can I say? First off: <b>Thank you!</b> To you who are newly joining my campus missions support team - I'm so grateful to have you side-by-side with me on campus as we love a new group of college students :) What an honor! </p><p>Our baby due date was this past weekend but our doctor told us to be expecting labor to begin at any point this week. We are excited! Wow...these last 9 months have flown by so quickly. I sometimes feel that the 9 months of pregnancy are just as much for the parents to acclimate as they are for the growing & developing baby on the inside :) </p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">We are excited to meet baby Anaya and we can't wait to share photos with you! </span></p><p>This year is going to be an interesting one! By the grace of God I want to be the best father I can be to my daughter & best husband I can be to Sloan. I also want to serve the campus and connect with as many students as I possibly can. </p><p>I turned 35 years old a few weeks ago and I can already <i>feel </i>that campus ministry at 35 years old has a qualitative difference when comparing it to campus ministry at 25 years old! This <i>difference</i> is hard to put into words. In a way, ministry is sweeter & more meaningful. I'm less concerned with <i>making a name for myself</i> & less concerned with <i>impressing those around me</i>. </p><p>I am, however, more concerned with staying tuned in and connected to God as <b>he</b> leads me (<i>Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path</i>, Psalm 119:105). I'm less concerned with managing & telling my team <b>what to do</b> and am more concerned with making sure they are balanced & also connected with God in their week to week ministry life. </p><p><u>Paul has a line in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 where he says:</u></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." </i>(1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)</span></p><p>My prayer for my ministry & my leadership this year is that God would give me courage to lead in a way that allows me to <i>share my life</i> with students & my team as the Gospel is proclaimed. I want to be open with what I'm newly learning. I want to be insightful and give glory to God as he teaches me through the obstacles and roadblocks in my life! <span style="background-color: #04ff00;">To me, <i>that</i> is what spiritual leadership is all about!</span> Lord be with me!</p><p>I still don't have it all figured out. I am very aware of how little I know. But, I am very excited for this new season. If God has shown me anything since COVID it is that: nothing stays the same but Him! </p><p>In the midst of all the change and transition - I feel blessed to have you all consistently month to month supporting me as we walk this journey together. </p><p>Not as many photos this time around - but I'm sure that will change as my blog update may or may not be filled with pictures of baby Anaya :) Love you guys! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvXImS-tB04Ic7qX-KMZY7RDXIHLlJO-68s18P57OHyIKHBlkq-nNeTrGPBIDHOJ305FmnPNXXYGt5KF6HmgXLg8JqfpEBZk5hbvqVVkjOKGqDFOcCAGnZiwDmG13TUyMTN6zTgyblEydoJ4A37KxW4QUsG108Gz6AOTwir7ykheGBFb-Jodghg8zksgY/s3224/IMG_2233%202.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2664" data-original-width="3224" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvXImS-tB04Ic7qX-KMZY7RDXIHLlJO-68s18P57OHyIKHBlkq-nNeTrGPBIDHOJ305FmnPNXXYGt5KF6HmgXLg8JqfpEBZk5hbvqVVkjOKGqDFOcCAGnZiwDmG13TUyMTN6zTgyblEydoJ4A37KxW4QUsG108Gz6AOTwir7ykheGBFb-Jodghg8zksgY/w400-h330/IMG_2233%202.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our weekly Wednesday afternoon "Richland FOCUS Boys Club"! This was such an encouraging time for us to spend time together each week. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHpG_sBXg3e65njDfDMNv9z4zZtWtGRnYFdgwiDyNznqI5NdYxmxMMKXfmhrXr8Yht1jYu4e0UHMh3eF1RHL2s51ZSkipTV3qhj1LD_9rVyJA6IKt7HJx0dUN60o6-UKxE7eUkP-7Motxphsr5eo3nVMEmWh8o03kjpvMzwnf18h6KwVehO4xdoRIF9Zt/s1128/sirak:joey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHpG_sBXg3e65njDfDMNv9z4zZtWtGRnYFdgwiDyNznqI5NdYxmxMMKXfmhrXr8Yht1jYu4e0UHMh3eF1RHL2s51ZSkipTV3qhj1LD_9rVyJA6IKt7HJx0dUN60o6-UKxE7eUkP-7Motxphsr5eo3nVMEmWh8o03kjpvMzwnf18h6KwVehO4xdoRIF9Zt/s320/sirak:joey.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love our Richland students :) I'm excited for this year! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3AuUVs0EwdM42548UHac8HXJWtLPzRu0uakYsr39iz_SRyqlBKXsA7mRx6q1vFF4whgFwBNNCAUcuik73Q_dquJDnXmUstn9suqjJu0T6ZmIvnL0vFT_hcf9t_zQ-Jm68y6PLgcL67EmuYy1iILEnIGL7-_htiDrhmfp4HLro7eFHoFEPwYnr_nNpa63/s4032/IMG_2245.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3AuUVs0EwdM42548UHac8HXJWtLPzRu0uakYsr39iz_SRyqlBKXsA7mRx6q1vFF4whgFwBNNCAUcuik73Q_dquJDnXmUstn9suqjJu0T6ZmIvnL0vFT_hcf9t_zQ-Jm68y6PLgcL67EmuYy1iILEnIGL7-_htiDrhmfp4HLro7eFHoFEPwYnr_nNpa63/w640-h480/IMG_2245.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've enjoyed our weekly Summer FOCUS meetings! It has been encouraging to connect with the different students from the other campuses. I think we're going to have a great year this year! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJlwA1ycDgL5HQtax4S4vRKeap01j_nTnRggakmHqDw9tdP4s56oR70GTmWzaL99pP_HxE-IFIM5s0AKduZ8DBLFWj8ygE_Bjzbdecf5JC7apQOn0CkqikVV1lFkcQ5gbAoStPxr1CT-xyEq5MEg3IAa2ygCikOuSuQQd5EDqXeR0ECaUKtHtDv15C0S8/s2048/IMG_9685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJlwA1ycDgL5HQtax4S4vRKeap01j_nTnRggakmHqDw9tdP4s56oR70GTmWzaL99pP_HxE-IFIM5s0AKduZ8DBLFWj8ygE_Bjzbdecf5JC7apQOn0CkqikVV1lFkcQ5gbAoStPxr1CT-xyEq5MEg3IAa2ygCikOuSuQQd5EDqXeR0ECaUKtHtDv15C0S8/w300-h400/IMG_9685.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a fun group this year! Claire (taking the selfie) will be transitioning off our Richland ministry team at the end of September. Be praying for her as she enters the market place and looks for work in her field (she has a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>I look forward to sharing baby photos w/ you! Thank you for your support & please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or if you need prayer for anything going on in your lives.<div><br /></div><div>Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sirak <br /><p><br /></p></div>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-30052977499297217002023-07-02T14:08:00.003-07:002023-07-02T14:08:52.731-07:00Sirak's June 2023 Update! <p>My friends & team! </p><p>This summer has been off to a great start and we're already beginning plans for Fall 2023! I'll try to get a picture of our 2023 Dallas College FOCUS Staff here soon - we've had a few meetings but keep forgetting to take a staff photo. Veronica, a graduating student from The University of North Texas. will be taking the next year to be a part of our FOCUS apprenticeship and we're excited to have her join our team! </p><p>This summer, Joey (my co-Richland pastor) and I have been having "Richland FOCUS Boys Club" on Wednesday afternoons and they have been so encouraging. I feel blessed and honored to get to spend time with our Richland guys each week. We've been having great conversations and enjoying the change of pace from a busy school year. Grateful for our time together! </p><p>Thank you again for all of your ministry support! In just a few weeks, my wife & I will be welcoming our daughter, Anaya, into the world and we're excited to get to meet her! I can't wait to show y'all some baby photos. Please pray for a safe & smooth delivery! She is going to be a light to all of us :) </p><p>Enjoy the photos below! Each summer I try to change up my pace and spend more time in scripture & prayer. I'd like to share a Psalm (below) that has been ministering to me (Psalm 131):</p><p><b><u>Psalm 131:</u></b></p><p>My heart is not proud, Lord,</p><p>my eyes are not haughty;</p><p>I do not concern myself with great matters </p><p>or things too wonderful for me.</p><p>But I have calmed and quieted myself,</p><p>I am like a weaned child with its mother;</p><p>like a weaned child I am content.</p><p>Israel, put your hope in the Lord</p><p>both now and forevermore. </p><p><br /></p><p>This Psalm helps me rest & find union with Christ. Each school year is filled with one-on-one appointments, books/articles to read, camps to plan, meetings to attend, etc. they are a blessing but can often keep me so busy that I forget what it means to rest. I hope that this Psalm can minister to you wherever you are. What are the "great matters" that you find yourself concerned with that God may want you to lay down for a bit to rest in him? </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeEru2fpORWi53_MypSsWxab8aCc69H2Geqa1IxbiDznU4_GAAdyv-aRvostX9iL-Ysanl-mU3YjWQ7j7w29UrWm_1hz5Am7jtoDWvvGgJ--VVwjCZ1b2GJUZXUAbRXGT2nZ1cEnjfUn23EwHwtDRL-47P51WMEImwjjkHtJs2Ki9n0-1EIKfF4ZJp6Sw/s4032/IMG_2055%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeEru2fpORWi53_MypSsWxab8aCc69H2Geqa1IxbiDznU4_GAAdyv-aRvostX9iL-Ysanl-mU3YjWQ7j7w29UrWm_1hz5Am7jtoDWvvGgJ--VVwjCZ1b2GJUZXUAbRXGT2nZ1cEnjfUn23EwHwtDRL-47P51WMEImwjjkHtJs2Ki9n0-1EIKfF4ZJp6Sw/w225-h400/IMG_2055%202.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer FOCUS!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshNj_PxVGuB566ZUfqblYxpcFokUDfMYkAY-Cm0cajSkNMLdZHtsZNiSQQ99NnABY2FQCBNbFL8ngY5LNpGUdpZERw-51CEPd9bobEAwEXZdMnOfj_b7txtclFMBNzBp75efaNuI4PS2FddknjbOW0dagJWZCvXPEfQSHh-EySWyhkKhffEYEKzThr0Oy/s4032/IMG_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshNj_PxVGuB566ZUfqblYxpcFokUDfMYkAY-Cm0cajSkNMLdZHtsZNiSQQ99NnABY2FQCBNbFL8ngY5LNpGUdpZERw-51CEPd9bobEAwEXZdMnOfj_b7txtclFMBNzBp75efaNuI4PS2FddknjbOW0dagJWZCvXPEfQSHh-EySWyhkKhffEYEKzThr0Oy/w225-h400/IMG_2106.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Student baptism! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtUQ1XJe8J6_aM8QF26vsPIDEjHd_1qp3Ebq0_JnJSO2ePL9dFGk3zxeK4amFg_SUchEVQGgtVl90L9e_LSbn6BDNZTlxJZ_oL4JI-rEHHEWrAUPMbo7BQjXxdJfm0lLPZYg-FpFnLMrLLS2V8H_vqnRAAsNkpIDKpoQoYIZx2Y1kg8b_yVhe_VXIKtF_/s4032/IMG_2206.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtUQ1XJe8J6_aM8QF26vsPIDEjHd_1qp3Ebq0_JnJSO2ePL9dFGk3zxeK4amFg_SUchEVQGgtVl90L9e_LSbn6BDNZTlxJZ_oL4JI-rEHHEWrAUPMbo7BQjXxdJfm0lLPZYg-FpFnLMrLLS2V8H_vqnRAAsNkpIDKpoQoYIZx2Y1kg8b_yVhe_VXIKtF_/w400-h300/IMG_2206.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJs17i9j2wRceUiZVmjMCJ_cYBeVGEyHLSOksxdOvKsqzN8e-KRCPsXOlhguUebb5H0v4LQGo7Nuxq0vNUPnNfVQ2NFcaddQuxP922L9xnj5ULWwHh3Fx-TasLU0kEIK8ND-imoQOqIUbtQ5m1mpClq7pErQWEjI57Qjc8tseVwoZdrfEe3vOVdeabMCM/s2778/IMG_2209.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJs17i9j2wRceUiZVmjMCJ_cYBeVGEyHLSOksxdOvKsqzN8e-KRCPsXOlhguUebb5H0v4LQGo7Nuxq0vNUPnNfVQ2NFcaddQuxP922L9xnj5ULWwHh3Fx-TasLU0kEIK8ND-imoQOqIUbtQ5m1mpClq7pErQWEjI57Qjc8tseVwoZdrfEe3vOVdeabMCM/w296-h640/IMG_2209.PNG" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wife & I celebrated 5 years of marriage in June! Time is feeling as if it is flying by, but, that is how I hear it goes! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZCDjGZNzXCVYRO6c42mu_UXXGPsUFJG_E4ClF7M28YOG8macb0x--uCS5PmdRA40J5mzMtfJeXdU8ad4Y9F3NJ13xmWVUKmbjyWhiB-fFS5csGIZaDAbXXPNUlefmaWBmf5JTG0ZDCHRzYnyT0iN3FfYOqtCzW7jwk886mqmswYJq3vpiVJrouYmATxK/s4032/IMG_2233.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZCDjGZNzXCVYRO6c42mu_UXXGPsUFJG_E4ClF7M28YOG8macb0x--uCS5PmdRA40J5mzMtfJeXdU8ad4Y9F3NJ13xmWVUKmbjyWhiB-fFS5csGIZaDAbXXPNUlefmaWBmf5JTG0ZDCHRzYnyT0iN3FfYOqtCzW7jwk886mqmswYJq3vpiVJrouYmATxK/w640-h480/IMG_2233.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS Boys Club!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZi1nOucK12bZWL3UJNZyCNWIPrtjdjtiQjj23KgcReC9bmTY3aFzrpMA8_IC8l04rGwTjkxv0QHAkhJ9PT4kphMj7RsEvq52iTTtHS3wMgUge-4wGXGx8y1Uxc09N03FBUfBp5WRbG0Aq8rZHQ6tcC-tNXRv8HM__Tt4r3RDZABvVE7ed8GyYZMPrkUa/s4032/IMG_2244.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZi1nOucK12bZWL3UJNZyCNWIPrtjdjtiQjj23KgcReC9bmTY3aFzrpMA8_IC8l04rGwTjkxv0QHAkhJ9PT4kphMj7RsEvq52iTTtHS3wMgUge-4wGXGx8y1Uxc09N03FBUfBp5WRbG0Aq8rZHQ6tcC-tNXRv8HM__Tt4r3RDZABvVE7ed8GyYZMPrkUa/w640-h480/IMG_2244.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDqVcqV0fJDDse-g6AzDYp1Yur3UxJCHd8lJUujteUf2eHLKxvOZ2kcrxWnUCLYV9WD94VO91Xnmr6dP2DxanG2emefM3GYhChq8C_G-mF78a1XeX9E-Kx6l4cOvJcXjzZ35CfeP_Ym3LGxGyBLEwUqGkVvGm0qaoxGKA-X1pVaormLDumMaeWpnJn2ST/s4032/IMG_2265.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDqVcqV0fJDDse-g6AzDYp1Yur3UxJCHd8lJUujteUf2eHLKxvOZ2kcrxWnUCLYV9WD94VO91Xnmr6dP2DxanG2emefM3GYhChq8C_G-mF78a1XeX9E-Kx6l4cOvJcXjzZ35CfeP_Ym3LGxGyBLEwUqGkVvGm0qaoxGKA-X1pVaormLDumMaeWpnJn2ST/w400-h300/IMG_2265.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsjyGiIf7WMmp-MWPhTkthmaMIou1FFdHpVQW_kea6HwydnwESv_tTBJzOzBm9u4GKmwpSndVru0UxJxPe3N3UIdlTvG3cR_JgLcVyj9vCMH5mrQpCdLnkme2hevMlGRoOb8LEkZrOoqmPDAnkQ11WjMhow3jKGka-6lx0mDsBcySt05iERnahqm72WNK/s4032/IMG_2275.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsjyGiIf7WMmp-MWPhTkthmaMIou1FFdHpVQW_kea6HwydnwESv_tTBJzOzBm9u4GKmwpSndVru0UxJxPe3N3UIdlTvG3cR_JgLcVyj9vCMH5mrQpCdLnkme2hevMlGRoOb8LEkZrOoqmPDAnkQ11WjMhow3jKGka-6lx0mDsBcySt05iERnahqm72WNK/w640-h480/IMG_2275.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the baby room ready for Anaya!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GDeMP00yhpBj2oxPvW_VvJoqrK75Kl7RsuRAcpKagmBl3hTCjKyf9ewEf2GZDqsUqDwAedTGQElaNLc3SNzRtGCRnuPRtkWJo1ENaYAgADyQdpvH25cMGMGUQDnFd0z-sZmdDxF1pGpBDulLRwhkhab_XTJZTgZFufKJN1vrtuKbJ7tY228Vuajhcq_5/s3224/IMG_2561.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3011" data-original-width="3224" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GDeMP00yhpBj2oxPvW_VvJoqrK75Kl7RsuRAcpKagmBl3hTCjKyf9ewEf2GZDqsUqDwAedTGQElaNLc3SNzRtGCRnuPRtkWJo1ENaYAgADyQdpvH25cMGMGUQDnFd0z-sZmdDxF1pGpBDulLRwhkhab_XTJZTgZFufKJN1vrtuKbJ7tY228Vuajhcq_5/w400-h374/IMG_2561.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family came out to celebrate our baby shower! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Thank you so much for your support & partnership! :) I'm honored that I get to serve with you side-by-side! Let's have a great summer and kick off the year at Richland College!</p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak</p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-15300860727545285092023-06-08T14:48:00.005-07:002023-06-08T14:48:51.676-07:00Sirak's May Update!<p>My team :) </p><p>Here we are in June - almost halfway through 2023 and I'm so grateful for what a wonderful year we had with our students - see all the photos to be encouraged and uplifted. </p><p>Thank you all for your support & partnership over the years - this summer I'm looking forward to connecting with each of you as we get ready for another awesome fall semester. </p><p>We got back from SICM, our student leadership conference in Bellingham, Washington and it's exciting to see God raise up another generation of student leaders to impact their campuses this fall. I remember in 2008 when I attended SICM as a student I felt my world shift and broaden. I was deeply impacted by the invitation to not just go back to campus as a student - but as a missionary as well. It was intimidating, but through the God-given support of community I felt equipped and prepared to head into the school year with a renewed mind. </p><p>We have a really great group of student leaders that we are excited about! Please be praying for them as they consider student leadership this fall. :) </p><p>Thank you for your support! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmCWKgU8DmGxCAjxKSwucqVROvZELOEzNfPgj8xez7Bhdvyw0AOgCLI14Z78d-NP0MQe8gEsN3qmWE1ojeggKShtnogw6EtiGIZwBIYTqtwF8sFjHFfbzH_oOeJCom-XB4dEOMFTpEuVyzr4LUKKzEnNSx-XonDJudway5z0SEZNmcsvzrxsh9OSEhQ/s2532/IMG_9802.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2532" data-original-width="1170" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmCWKgU8DmGxCAjxKSwucqVROvZELOEzNfPgj8xez7Bhdvyw0AOgCLI14Z78d-NP0MQe8gEsN3qmWE1ojeggKShtnogw6EtiGIZwBIYTqtwF8sFjHFfbzH_oOeJCom-XB4dEOMFTpEuVyzr4LUKKzEnNSx-XonDJudway5z0SEZNmcsvzrxsh9OSEhQ/w265-h457/IMG_9802.JPEG" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our students posted this on their Instagram stories after our end-of-the-year party. I felt very encouraged :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhFKLp-pl-GZwYZ_Mkgbu522X2cgOF96HhXLgH_UKKDn1E4OLT2lp8zSIBZKWmV7-KX8iAk4nwINlU-BMeLtQ8WD6QGBElQ9TYXkFHkUUCIYahYhtMFdhv2FumAP4QsND8JhZ5B7oU6fi9VtzG6QhP_xhleRSytYK0fFqxZSKmm-LaGDw_1gQHMqD5w/s4032/IMG_2525.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhFKLp-pl-GZwYZ_Mkgbu522X2cgOF96HhXLgH_UKKDn1E4OLT2lp8zSIBZKWmV7-KX8iAk4nwINlU-BMeLtQ8WD6QGBElQ9TYXkFHkUUCIYahYhtMFdhv2FumAP4QsND8JhZ5B7oU6fi9VtzG6QhP_xhleRSytYK0fFqxZSKmm-LaGDw_1gQHMqD5w/w400-h300/IMG_2525.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good friend of mine let Sloan and me stay in their weekend cabin to take a baby-moon trip as we get ready for baby-Anaya to show up :) (Due date July 29th!) We played Chess together for the first time and loved it! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MFFl1lhVv17JqaBpVwJsdYgjvPZaXD4QvqeZ_tlkV-AoNRAa89Puv7tpH5x92IAyqzt3O3cZ9UzMSF34ZrdswYY7sFZ3DXfmuQS083ZDpSk3ZNnIfqwiaYQ5ZaqLfwB8sAbqLKxMOyPeMf8nU2seoYV5jpisucIwiB81wvBZh3F_rEXQ_auK66bWAA/s4032/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MFFl1lhVv17JqaBpVwJsdYgjvPZaXD4QvqeZ_tlkV-AoNRAa89Puv7tpH5x92IAyqzt3O3cZ9UzMSF34ZrdswYY7sFZ3DXfmuQS083ZDpSk3ZNnIfqwiaYQ5ZaqLfwB8sAbqLKxMOyPeMf8nU2seoYV5jpisucIwiB81wvBZh3F_rEXQ_auK66bWAA/w300-h400/IMG_2056.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Summer FOCUS meetings are off to a great start :) I love getting to meet the students from the other campuses. I feel encouraged and grateful for each of them! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9dpzToyXI8n61HqlsjwQNlxVsSf4pXHreIjNlkwfYcnxuQEOOS9wmJzm67k4juJnwM1zo2xW24epqkt1BGow_hKHr-E2MZ4qxZ_7Xwo3XBaBB9_OctkltPaBrZCvrNMYytD7kzVMQzruIA7qUKT12uOyGR5DrpodThkwn8SuUH4gh3JA2XjQhB387w/s4032/IMG_2003.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9dpzToyXI8n61HqlsjwQNlxVsSf4pXHreIjNlkwfYcnxuQEOOS9wmJzm67k4juJnwM1zo2xW24epqkt1BGow_hKHr-E2MZ4qxZ_7Xwo3XBaBB9_OctkltPaBrZCvrNMYytD7kzVMQzruIA7qUKT12uOyGR5DrpodThkwn8SuUH4gh3JA2XjQhB387w/w300-h400/IMG_2003.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS Students who attended SICM this year! It was encouraging and fun to get to connect with each of them. Love them!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1rX4SqSruhpvussTes3Y7lAKj4B8mBY-1e4xTswOAmgDokM0YDWWxCAuBJBWyGvaAFK2wn1ruwx2PeEfvMxK3sD8hHUUXJtRQTIfYYoFowYb3ZfLIXWyXQeTiC-2tERJckYdfTQhs0Seuskr9YhozzQwXDANQ0Z83AtVpqy4We96IM_VtmqRZxGzHg/s4032/IMG_1999.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1rX4SqSruhpvussTes3Y7lAKj4B8mBY-1e4xTswOAmgDokM0YDWWxCAuBJBWyGvaAFK2wn1ruwx2PeEfvMxK3sD8hHUUXJtRQTIfYYoFowYb3ZfLIXWyXQeTiC-2tERJckYdfTQhs0Seuskr9YhozzQwXDANQ0Z83AtVpqy4We96IM_VtmqRZxGzHg/w400-h300/IMG_1999.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our end-of-the-week SICM banquet! I loved it :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazq5Oj7EO3zDLcoH1YJJIm4zFlD_ctbTd5cIWOl3OGFeBRnuUHeDXw4pd27UZUbyFwjWH2O1evsiyDQEoqB2o830YVVSgr5_wBVvNiUSUGcvp_HdYU8aIJAUZfeirU7PwDV6eyrVLEwXdnmtP-eZSyZxDowPTcmUzFXmyLWGsUN20sVwnPT6jUO4dhQ/s4032/IMG_1986.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazq5Oj7EO3zDLcoH1YJJIm4zFlD_ctbTd5cIWOl3OGFeBRnuUHeDXw4pd27UZUbyFwjWH2O1evsiyDQEoqB2o830YVVSgr5_wBVvNiUSUGcvp_HdYU8aIJAUZfeirU7PwDV6eyrVLEwXdnmtP-eZSyZxDowPTcmUzFXmyLWGsUN20sVwnPT6jUO4dhQ/w640-h480/IMG_1986.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our students praying for one another before we head out to campus for evangelism! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ92RFzH-X14-3_3ta9Mu9Lxu9PgtdNdlg2VZUxwRtnh3M1C11ZawwYX5PBpumF13nL2cM4ERu_ggps59cxEIPGDieUBBfgzn7BaZiRkW3NT9VHea2nTpAFedtiDwMZWAr9lAAjg2n1B-jdVXypGjznxeD9CjqGCRvBY73rDrtccSG-jYWPtay2EsV5A/s4032/IMG_1982.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ92RFzH-X14-3_3ta9Mu9Lxu9PgtdNdlg2VZUxwRtnh3M1C11ZawwYX5PBpumF13nL2cM4ERu_ggps59cxEIPGDieUBBfgzn7BaZiRkW3NT9VHea2nTpAFedtiDwMZWAr9lAAjg2n1B-jdVXypGjznxeD9CjqGCRvBY73rDrtccSG-jYWPtay2EsV5A/w300-h400/IMG_1982.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYZ2w9mY0VYUSMlaZ9rl-hT_Nm3IpP29zfRvrz1qDPWAOSAekPL7-7_x_dXp6QMMO0f_Ds7PO9C79rIQnSV0Ux_fDzzRP_M_7af4F7UrgcL--BNXBHYIupQ5ofxopOV1j2eVTyyBQiTjwM-EjJLS3buTl6-tONOjndD8fqEbSi_tXJgsoyPdAly4JKg/s4032/IMG_1964.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYZ2w9mY0VYUSMlaZ9rl-hT_Nm3IpP29zfRvrz1qDPWAOSAekPL7-7_x_dXp6QMMO0f_Ds7PO9C79rIQnSV0Ux_fDzzRP_M_7af4F7UrgcL--BNXBHYIupQ5ofxopOV1j2eVTyyBQiTjwM-EjJLS3buTl6-tONOjndD8fqEbSi_tXJgsoyPdAly4JKg/w400-h300/IMG_1964.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjw2EKxKB7MEKqGHsL9iz4uLxTAtBHQgOqGxyY1eVEnfWPRr3Gdoc4oPdiSLTzyBXdMy7UHplgm9-hkrRQi208i343csJW_Du_jLrBLYGR4HuA1vSPrqB-6dPv1nQDzmzOa0KWVHM7-7FjSBOV9W44n8zarVDPUjgESIE5IdEbhUZhbU9yluIdvwREQ/s2016/IMG_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1134" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjw2EKxKB7MEKqGHsL9iz4uLxTAtBHQgOqGxyY1eVEnfWPRr3Gdoc4oPdiSLTzyBXdMy7UHplgm9-hkrRQi208i343csJW_Du_jLrBLYGR4HuA1vSPrqB-6dPv1nQDzmzOa0KWVHM7-7FjSBOV9W44n8zarVDPUjgESIE5IdEbhUZhbU9yluIdvwREQ/w360-h640/IMG_1960.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's an updated picture of myself :) Thank you for your support! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIteA4IVf_CbffToV_SIIHK3bEVKo7sjwJCfE-janpFVN7zri9_A45KtXP3ZcBSsgOoK5GqujF7MaH-WKQebtWhj68UHeB4rSbkQACOGR8Id8HrNJmnf0NPA3Q1KcruTrm839FCV_hvrGLA5yuJMnPkPnIJh2EG73PTJN6Os_ivx0i-9tHf6_4-zudNg/s4032/IMG_1897.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIteA4IVf_CbffToV_SIIHK3bEVKo7sjwJCfE-janpFVN7zri9_A45KtXP3ZcBSsgOoK5GqujF7MaH-WKQebtWhj68UHeB4rSbkQACOGR8Id8HrNJmnf0NPA3Q1KcruTrm839FCV_hvrGLA5yuJMnPkPnIJh2EG73PTJN6Os_ivx0i-9tHf6_4-zudNg/w400-h300/IMG_1897.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS end-of-the-year party! Loved getting to connect with all of these students. What a fun year! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCf6fgLCfN8cO-PM7ks-BbsFBPK-OnP__Joqxw-BLE0glHl_3d2c_4J4WFobMi4rQPtOa-efUGJsOIFX9kI_4v0ZSe-fKffk0Wqykc5F-wF5QNed8F_-ofs_SWfNCypX3MGQXWnUL47x8cM5uU7ZTH4Yhwc4oVIWGoAahm6FlBRRygaBFJ1rlY3OOtRA/s6426/23-4-05%7C%20FOCUS%20party%7C%20Trang%202_Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="6426" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCf6fgLCfN8cO-PM7ks-BbsFBPK-OnP__Joqxw-BLE0glHl_3d2c_4J4WFobMi4rQPtOa-efUGJsOIFX9kI_4v0ZSe-fKffk0Wqykc5F-wF5QNed8F_-ofs_SWfNCypX3MGQXWnUL47x8cM5uU7ZTH4Yhwc4oVIWGoAahm6FlBRRygaBFJ1rlY3OOtRA/w640-h426/23-4-05%7C%20FOCUS%20party%7C%20Trang%202_Original.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FGb2jYTbxh8zv-JLht93dkoHQ-GymQnERUuBAgNSvVVWIMwvjVJAM8OxSBLEOIZ9zAfctgdBqKlfaBP-uYCPTAlXAqqg1PwDMPC4w09WHOz1OyVQbuBaS-VP8nr5dlZ2M3UgrTpYxVyx0zISIkw6AW_nh5vH_o3GXcF4WuZFd0T5JkftqUOe_nqVZg/s6347/23-4-05%7C%20FOCUS%20party%7C%20Trang%201_Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4231" data-original-width="6347" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FGb2jYTbxh8zv-JLht93dkoHQ-GymQnERUuBAgNSvVVWIMwvjVJAM8OxSBLEOIZ9zAfctgdBqKlfaBP-uYCPTAlXAqqg1PwDMPC4w09WHOz1OyVQbuBaS-VP8nr5dlZ2M3UgrTpYxVyx0zISIkw6AW_nh5vH_o3GXcF4WuZFd0T5JkftqUOe_nqVZg/w640-h426/23-4-05%7C%20FOCUS%20party%7C%20Trang%201_Original.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Thank you so much for believing in us and for your support :) Grateful for each of you! </p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak </p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-39271509044562273162023-05-02T19:42:00.000-07:002023-05-02T19:42:50.919-07:002022-23 Was a Year To Remember! :) Thank you! <p> Wow, what a powerful year :) </p><p>Time is a strange thing. Not that twitter is my main go-to source for commentary on life, but, I saw a tweet a few days ago that said: </p><p><i>Once you get past 25 years old, you've experienced over 85% of your 'subjective time' life experience.</i></p><p>I believe that what the tweet was attempting to communicate was before the age of 25, the majority of our life experiences are new & exciting but there comes a time that we fall into a routine and life becomes procedural to a degree. </p><p>This isn't necessarily bad, it happens to all of us. We feel as if life can become predictable and unsurprising. Maybe God designs life this way to show that he, too, is in the routine of life. I can confidently say that it <i>feels</i> like time is moving quicker. Campus ministry at 35 <i>feels</i> different than it did at 25. I am less rocked by the waves and currents of the modern-day college student. College ministry is anything but <i>predictable</i>, however, there are aspects of the work that we do that I have noticed are cyclical and seasonal. </p><p>This does not make the work bad or inferior. I feel like God has been establishing me and growing me into more of a rock so that I can be a consistent presence in the lives of the students around me. </p><p>In fact, in the midst of the routine I find that I <i>love</i> the work I am doing. I love the routine of seeing 18 year old freshmen have their world open-up as they encounter students from all walks of life and all backgrounds receive & respond to the message of Jesus. If <b>that</b> ever gets old to me, then we have a problem. </p><p>There were, however, a few difficult years. Years of drought and pain. Wondering if the work I was doing was making any kind of difference in the lives of those around me. Years of unlearning habits, fears, and lies that I, at some point along the way, took on and became friends with. </p><p>But, I suppose that with any career path, there are certain 'mini-deaths' that God invites us to. Campus ministry has been mine (so far) - what has yours been? </p><p>As each year passes, maybe there are 'mini-deaths' that are leading us toward the (not-mini) death we all face that will eventually bring us face to face with our Lord. These 'mini-deaths', however, are (if I can remember in the moment) <i>mini-celebrations</i> - moments of <i>mini-trust</i> that are shaping us into who we are becoming each and every day. </p><p>I love that I get to be a part of the lives of the students who enter my life & get to walk alongside them as they learn to die to self and let Christ take over. What a joy! </p><p>I pray that these pictures are encouraging and are a reminder of God's faithfulness to you! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoOq0Qh3SGmKyCxJlu10iOxqIBDiFZlff_N0OPJRAXlYk7V3OO298xic887ZXgD_YbKCDBmIr-V5Mh28gKmKeD5SRdQOXPHySy3PAwnpdxMA8wOawZczx4ZuM-SYpy8vuxsBXBu-_3F8PCAn9P7DXJs9uc6TnV9-B1KocudYsLaS_-3YtnmlGClfyOQ/s6105/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4070" data-original-width="6105" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoOq0Qh3SGmKyCxJlu10iOxqIBDiFZlff_N0OPJRAXlYk7V3OO298xic887ZXgD_YbKCDBmIr-V5Mh28gKmKeD5SRdQOXPHySy3PAwnpdxMA8wOawZczx4ZuM-SYpy8vuxsBXBu-_3F8PCAn9P7DXJs9uc6TnV9-B1KocudYsLaS_-3YtnmlGClfyOQ/w640-h426/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2022-23 Richland FOCUS Student leader team! <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWId9aCyl78ZvlRRqB1Ek8he1IKuQD5HgCvExd2NQKuBggedRbijHg4xztd0SyaTnRlm47e77XbYzWv7XWYJTGO7HeLe01cMDVBGSR4MKCLIi_CzipsMhaYHoyIkF2bNJjPwO9a3bFvbCQYl1VKylRKOEnA_ACm4ipisZ2V7_DAWr5y4G81ObsyB8pQ/s2049/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWId9aCyl78ZvlRRqB1Ek8he1IKuQD5HgCvExd2NQKuBggedRbijHg4xztd0SyaTnRlm47e77XbYzWv7XWYJTGO7HeLe01cMDVBGSR4MKCLIi_CzipsMhaYHoyIkF2bNJjPwO9a3bFvbCQYl1VKylRKOEnA_ACm4ipisZ2V7_DAWr5y4G81ObsyB8pQ/w300-h400/IMG_0725.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each week, I've had the privilege to lead worship with our student worship team (here you can see Kris hold her dog, Champ, as we pray)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-OwpD5P3RwML92r-5tOVDxfY1a7RzrE0u36IdpLd_uuKArV9gRvwRsGuvzAHjMQlut_5kVwXsTTZRPZ3_DaWoyWEM07n5-veMVY-n-eYLumf-QI3WFEBIwq37bt-bq_-G3Q9LC-2X71AGnSfIcmTyNTzYcwU1cCWOv6Hmb5wLZ9GYgyUCxTKIttNMQ/s2049/IMG_4434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-OwpD5P3RwML92r-5tOVDxfY1a7RzrE0u36IdpLd_uuKArV9gRvwRsGuvzAHjMQlut_5kVwXsTTZRPZ3_DaWoyWEM07n5-veMVY-n-eYLumf-QI3WFEBIwq37bt-bq_-G3Q9LC-2X71AGnSfIcmTyNTzYcwU1cCWOv6Hmb5wLZ9GYgyUCxTKIttNMQ/w640-h480/IMG_4434.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS students hosted an fundraiser after-event for UTD FOCUS and we made breakfast tacos for them! We had a great time serving & helping our students raise money for SICM!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN2QEqcsuIJVXSm6y-MH--TS0ycTE-mDCVRZQkGuH79RZa7LkuK_Ds4Hpg5HZ_hY5DlgRgYpfvnLhSMnCuuQcka_ACLSyhu_Wj7pPzH7yHzWq3-YV6HxA-MrB38LBo0Z6S8NMm5HbbMo6FoSbwIFIrcLbR-C5x1_PMigmOWgrW96MySWlxJ6GlDYxnw/s2049/IMG_4463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN2QEqcsuIJVXSm6y-MH--TS0ycTE-mDCVRZQkGuH79RZa7LkuK_Ds4Hpg5HZ_hY5DlgRgYpfvnLhSMnCuuQcka_ACLSyhu_Wj7pPzH7yHzWq3-YV6HxA-MrB38LBo0Z6S8NMm5HbbMo6FoSbwIFIrcLbR-C5x1_PMigmOWgrW96MySWlxJ6GlDYxnw/w640-h480/IMG_4463.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the breakfast taco event, our Richland students hosted another fundraiser at church the next day!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcVJ4vFaeHIm2O3xNonmOE-t3h-x0zvo3nkszMhxSTYhQK_5fxjh9a0mSGvepOS3x1jx9ulPQPC-oeOEky2Z1nNGBvs8Col6AgS384lbVBvUVtsnDpgiqbIzUOtRHU_FCYYzg5mZIdH5Ce93Ki8P-kPkcSvNKJlkr_7i_R7oDQCGVJbXcmr_4SAT9QA/s2049/IMG_6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcVJ4vFaeHIm2O3xNonmOE-t3h-x0zvo3nkszMhxSTYhQK_5fxjh9a0mSGvepOS3x1jx9ulPQPC-oeOEky2Z1nNGBvs8Col6AgS384lbVBvUVtsnDpgiqbIzUOtRHU_FCYYzg5mZIdH5Ce93Ki8P-kPkcSvNKJlkr_7i_R7oDQCGVJbXcmr_4SAT9QA/w480-h640/IMG_6540.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6cCOVITAf64VmyxhenniQRrHyKwNncHctHdinkhAKInto1gMZyYE294vHIwnytlA2UACJ7puhnjT8EN9ObyMRyTgfUZCqTAMms5DRRgEPuokpggQIss-3HyB-Lg17lSItkZ8WM7CGqs2gAzezUO1O6FszHff77gzdL7dEudCErM4ZvZGh9jR-3ayDg/s2049/IMG_7432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6cCOVITAf64VmyxhenniQRrHyKwNncHctHdinkhAKInto1gMZyYE294vHIwnytlA2UACJ7puhnjT8EN9ObyMRyTgfUZCqTAMms5DRRgEPuokpggQIss-3HyB-Lg17lSItkZ8WM7CGqs2gAzezUO1O6FszHff77gzdL7dEudCErM4ZvZGh9jR-3ayDg/w400-h300/IMG_7432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecprmqHiCVHiFSBbCqz2XoTgIj_aH8RvhdXgBiSlGjvN-3ooP1YJvBVvU1rCoY7R87mXjnq6HYjsYNKRhmPFU8xI6mLaHF_kA2zy-_tDTKjQQ3UkmI0-wwZY7xEwyOQfBXwkIpO-uQFcGN6dPPBIzhU7rAyxdql6c6NzDucY06V28Eq6KyXL-QQIItQ/s2048/IMG_9684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecprmqHiCVHiFSBbCqz2XoTgIj_aH8RvhdXgBiSlGjvN-3ooP1YJvBVvU1rCoY7R87mXjnq6HYjsYNKRhmPFU8xI6mLaHF_kA2zy-_tDTKjQQ3UkmI0-wwZY7xEwyOQfBXwkIpO-uQFcGN6dPPBIzhU7rAyxdql6c6NzDucY06V28Eq6KyXL-QQIItQ/w300-h400/IMG_9684.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to IHOP for one of our after-events and it was probably one of my favorite </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsYE_YUxDZ9QPqrpFwUC25MMZrGFnF2K3qkvZ6v_vSHGNrueCo8lTXqE3uPNiwtZHn7vCOR3LSch2Zq52wV6NM3-eelU9Ml50XAes32kzkZ3Y2zdkH33fsjgmJlZXp9loUNs02WoMtlY2dqnBrOGvo46Sg6dm82af-uHZDjWZGaCMrEdbB64XBKwCsA/s6376/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4251" data-original-width="6376" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsYE_YUxDZ9QPqrpFwUC25MMZrGFnF2K3qkvZ6v_vSHGNrueCo8lTXqE3uPNiwtZHn7vCOR3LSch2Zq52wV6NM3-eelU9Ml50XAes32kzkZ3Y2zdkH33fsjgmJlZXp9loUNs02WoMtlY2dqnBrOGvo46Sg6dm82af-uHZDjWZGaCMrEdbB64XBKwCsA/w640-h426/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUNvpQActQ3FXg0p84BksW6qfsU2JcvBogrfZHRaJyGRcXd2l9C6pQQwIWwESXcZI4cSB4LkDDAxwF4PNmhtQs0mYS-_qIVMBSXy_0OJHRzvLIVMQea50bN70xxI-SVPQs_zZfEcuHcZ2azKz1L_eBMNf4SFPCkRtd2GMJCPB8FzOTfdWRM3QCvroog/s6720/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUNvpQActQ3FXg0p84BksW6qfsU2JcvBogrfZHRaJyGRcXd2l9C6pQQwIWwESXcZI4cSB4LkDDAxwF4PNmhtQs0mYS-_qIVMBSXy_0OJHRzvLIVMQea50bN70xxI-SVPQs_zZfEcuHcZ2azKz1L_eBMNf4SFPCkRtd2GMJCPB8FzOTfdWRM3QCvroog/w266-h400/6.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQlKQEniUjAS8oXk72VHviC9s7yIZ7D7nZYTxgNDBAob8teeZY8c4Mmu_reP6ZjX83ogkumKeDwmSBf46h__YpW9zyoXI6_gOYKMbjeVkYivtNg1clUWZU7tIeqnMXme0gx1SEQAtHvMU0n5_6Zr-zjmioANlBkaHO73upCTd24fQX7DbijNm3Uao_Q/s6720/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQlKQEniUjAS8oXk72VHviC9s7yIZ7D7nZYTxgNDBAob8teeZY8c4Mmu_reP6ZjX83ogkumKeDwmSBf46h__YpW9zyoXI6_gOYKMbjeVkYivtNg1clUWZU7tIeqnMXme0gx1SEQAtHvMU0n5_6Zr-zjmioANlBkaHO73upCTd24fQX7DbijNm3Uao_Q/w426-h640/5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year I led core w/ a student named Yoni. He is a sophomore studying Business and it was a true pleasure to get to lead with him each day. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWu-IX6W4PosqgKK922a8RAxBUabBbHogDCnmzKl44AbvTrZrgeNX7bvZCSK-cFcuOTBFWt24kC4xuIQZ8YbquYQd7aCDJHfwcUfMwZchTw5W_JtTvhEonuFGLxNxVci7vSjUqmuGC5KoAMu6mH5tFFr44FxgvmeymPIQ2_OGMutLGr2fuYJDlCj_gg/s6200/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6200" data-original-width="4133" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWu-IX6W4PosqgKK922a8RAxBUabBbHogDCnmzKl44AbvTrZrgeNX7bvZCSK-cFcuOTBFWt24kC4xuIQZ8YbquYQd7aCDJHfwcUfMwZchTw5W_JtTvhEonuFGLxNxVci7vSjUqmuGC5KoAMu6mH5tFFr44FxgvmeymPIQ2_OGMutLGr2fuYJDlCj_gg/w426-h640/4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibvN9sF_PBfIZBrYjHc228QBAWIbpm7BlmgGJj4Kr4jBHKtYpAlfJD1hNLKVlqE3aSQxW22FZANPTRlBhuqx-Kprjc55sG59l0OUDQ-mJIZHSefH6_jCktIscGLKTdxcKq02K9VqGEr9Wu-b4KXHE1ZsE0WhJbJBpuw6GTTAy59P3hvDLOs2vtkVuKA/s4691/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3127" data-original-width="4691" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibvN9sF_PBfIZBrYjHc228QBAWIbpm7BlmgGJj4Kr4jBHKtYpAlfJD1hNLKVlqE3aSQxW22FZANPTRlBhuqx-Kprjc55sG59l0OUDQ-mJIZHSefH6_jCktIscGLKTdxcKq02K9VqGEr9Wu-b4KXHE1ZsE0WhJbJBpuw6GTTAy59P3hvDLOs2vtkVuKA/w640-h426/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel so honored & grateful to get to serve the Richland campus with these great people! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEDdgNWTBl3Ki-uDX8q6Wv623z0yMInzwslimpaoaWWVps3UICBRKrH99Iqm8SJdDfXyNVk0lmMdtm2jtlBH5y8uvvL1BchFopEPm_mCMEaJMK0ZE4zNE0xXWpnCpVcickLjwbKT-4UUd0dlq_dxesHjmM_924OxKdiB4qoIGFfr6YYiHB93dp8AVDw/s6101/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4067" data-original-width="6101" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEDdgNWTBl3Ki-uDX8q6Wv623z0yMInzwslimpaoaWWVps3UICBRKrH99Iqm8SJdDfXyNVk0lmMdtm2jtlBH5y8uvvL1BchFopEPm_mCMEaJMK0ZE4zNE0xXWpnCpVcickLjwbKT-4UUd0dlq_dxesHjmM_924OxKdiB4qoIGFfr6YYiHB93dp8AVDw/w640-h426/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each year we invite a group of students who are not officially student leaders but who show leadership potential to our leader meetings to further their growth & development. They have been such a great addition to our team! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-RhSwX-h5cnIqRNa7LBz8pHLxlkhQzNkwu74MQ_jb8qAAsTq6jiZIypySI-QHEvNw1TETeM9vPyzry4kEq8frGXPb_ZNlbknX5Zr_tzayW577hBQEWvDZLjHjUX-bRArd4RmOyusEXv5N4uXBIUoiZmIrmVdojW2UiqjtD6ban6O-_WA5C1E_2CTZw/s5859/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5859" data-original-width="3906" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-RhSwX-h5cnIqRNa7LBz8pHLxlkhQzNkwu74MQ_jb8qAAsTq6jiZIypySI-QHEvNw1TETeM9vPyzry4kEq8frGXPb_ZNlbknX5Zr_tzayW577hBQEWvDZLjHjUX-bRArd4RmOyusEXv5N4uXBIUoiZmIrmVdojW2UiqjtD6ban6O-_WA5C1E_2CTZw/w266-h400/8.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire & Sandra have been two amazing ministers to get to work alongside this year! Grateful for another year with them. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><p>Thank you again for all of your support & for believing in our mission to love college students :) I'm grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for walking with me and being on my team!</p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak</p><p><br /></p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-56864101094677554322023-03-30T14:33:00.003-07:002023-03-30T14:33:55.113-07:00March is Over & We're At The Final Stretch!<p> My friends & team!</p><p>March is officially over and we have 6 weeks left of school. Wow. If I could sum up this entire year with one word it would be: new beginnings. Well, that's two words, but, you get the point.</p><p>One of my favorite aspects of serving in campus ministry is watching these students meet in August, apprehensively decide to attend fall camp in October, come back from fall camp excited to have new community and by January they are comfortably & confidently praising the Lord together as he moves and works among them! This spring 2023 semester has seen the fruit of disciple-making and long term friendships being formed. </p><p>Our students have a genuine love for one another that is open-hearted, vulnerable, and fun! Our students LOVE to have fun with each other (as the photos below can hopefully convey!). </p><p>Our daughter is officially at the 24 week mark and we are almost..or maybe past the halfway point. All I know is that this baby girl is due July 29th and I'm so excited to meet her :) </p><p>I've had a few people ask me if I feel ready to be a father. I tell them that there is the part of me that openly acknowledges that I have no utter idea what it is that I am doing or will do and yet, there is another part of me that feels God continually remind me: <i>it's okay my son, you're ready.</i> I suppose both parts of me will learn to coexist with one another :) </p><p>As always, <b>thank you</b> for your support and for believing in our mission to love college students. I am blown away that I get to walk on our campuses & love the students that God has placed in front of us. He is always faithful & good. </p><p>I hope that the pictures below encourage you all :) We couldn't do what we do without you!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span> </span><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPT2MsKz3hCMlIwLpaA8nTo3Ktc6-8I5yYURRca3kIVj0Z87t7xCn9Mc6FvzkphrmscyFjERIeHusKMrqA-W3NRNDk6Z4OHRvRGe4JY-QZK0MSrWYB0620u7HryTs9KnFV2fVx7aRtFK1pPYGAvv2SZjhnSrmNEPgZT0c_QTf6kI2bsmSqdjW6e8nHw/s2049/IMG_9264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPT2MsKz3hCMlIwLpaA8nTo3Ktc6-8I5yYURRca3kIVj0Z87t7xCn9Mc6FvzkphrmscyFjERIeHusKMrqA-W3NRNDk6Z4OHRvRGe4JY-QZK0MSrWYB0620u7HryTs9KnFV2fVx7aRtFK1pPYGAvv2SZjhnSrmNEPgZT0c_QTf6kI2bsmSqdjW6e8nHw/w400-h300/IMG_9264.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our students planned a park day with each other and it was a blast!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEZobhSxYdRROC7pxJuUfnO6qplVxwCbe_DEXMu736398CoDaPi6D84PZskbpehtQphf3sl3swymEjaZdSCJhas1lj_ls0XPdXO1_eSydAjgEGuwMib-ZEvuPLLNnV7kgZqyI3bNOfO_POrU_EFnbu7m01qBrfkDvy0kPS8qDcjTtd32f2z8j5acFTg/s4032/IMG_9154.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEZobhSxYdRROC7pxJuUfnO6qplVxwCbe_DEXMu736398CoDaPi6D84PZskbpehtQphf3sl3swymEjaZdSCJhas1lj_ls0XPdXO1_eSydAjgEGuwMib-ZEvuPLLNnV7kgZqyI3bNOfO_POrU_EFnbu7m01qBrfkDvy0kPS8qDcjTtd32f2z8j5acFTg/w480-h640/IMG_9154.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ricky (right) brought his baby daughter to Thursday Night FOCUS and let me hold her for much of the night. I'm currently learning as many baby-holding techniques as I possibly can before our daughter arrives :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsa78gsZlH1IhYBOY4H8wLZ6LFBMasZI-5zwzwzuEElrj8q0KdQ6fawQKc6p98pdu3ZzZctDZ5sEvsZsEmB-4EES4uD1XDjsK7hYnHj9kzdxuPOjhgpQoxPkUe5uZmph14Acmm_XJ8uR3DGyJpfb3H9wIYAlP-JKQTOj36mzJ8nMjFGsz31FnCBbzag/s2049/IMG_7126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsa78gsZlH1IhYBOY4H8wLZ6LFBMasZI-5zwzwzuEElrj8q0KdQ6fawQKc6p98pdu3ZzZctDZ5sEvsZsEmB-4EES4uD1XDjsK7hYnHj9kzdxuPOjhgpQoxPkUe5uZmph14Acmm_XJ8uR3DGyJpfb3H9wIYAlP-JKQTOj36mzJ8nMjFGsz31FnCBbzag/w640-h480/IMG_7126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI6pzWHg3E7oVy2YagOT9-QeVNCXNa4wPcarULv1G2vvMHF7oTjqn2mRdy_2xn-LhYlf82BCCAam5o_PnzeAR5xjvQi1MhpSYaBVAn2wsEtdQ_P_Abb_gfAjDXDCG0xrQ2K4_SbbA7yNQej89FmeKPLsqaChKktrreGWJIIOu03UNVzHQIKT9QMo8Dw/s2049/IMG_6935%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI6pzWHg3E7oVy2YagOT9-QeVNCXNa4wPcarULv1G2vvMHF7oTjqn2mRdy_2xn-LhYlf82BCCAam5o_PnzeAR5xjvQi1MhpSYaBVAn2wsEtdQ_P_Abb_gfAjDXDCG0xrQ2K4_SbbA7yNQej89FmeKPLsqaChKktrreGWJIIOu03UNVzHQIKT9QMo8Dw/w640-h480/IMG_6935%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's been such an awesome privilege to get to lead worship every week with our students. They are engaged and excited week to week. I love getting to see them use their talents & abilities to serve our community and grow closer together!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgtqXF5h21foukj1sThKJ4nlW9XqsSKdg5CPh4lBaGOtYhdZO3SsYuxr6AcwufMgJodHm-l-iOl8yr0uQU0RO1PPMD4S6bmb05qpgj9hPDbfGLmNF73SQTRMtimM8d2rM380XoxAuT5PN89t_OrCCvarNqBCnHKsiDrbLcvNRJt7cuACZNBrLfpgLDA/s2049/IMG_4013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgtqXF5h21foukj1sThKJ4nlW9XqsSKdg5CPh4lBaGOtYhdZO3SsYuxr6AcwufMgJodHm-l-iOl8yr0uQU0RO1PPMD4S6bmb05qpgj9hPDbfGLmNF73SQTRMtimM8d2rM380XoxAuT5PN89t_OrCCvarNqBCnHKsiDrbLcvNRJt7cuACZNBrLfpgLDA/w400-h300/IMG_4013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bunch of our students got together during spring break to go for a hike together and grab lunch afterward.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMfcIsDWMPCfjszYCIrWO6N_URGvb3zujkmrBTgZPwF_HLKkcejm914Xbq1YsvKoYCRIKgjiYusCvAYc9Aj0rW8UngVEJIHXtPQZ_1_U4IOMCVsc1etlVvPYsJ3qCAt2MnmIV455bi-fmYtA3ZX5jEG-PsOuNydenkuVHEzgIS3_puaYoAFsa6_DxgA/s2049/IMG_4005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMfcIsDWMPCfjszYCIrWO6N_URGvb3zujkmrBTgZPwF_HLKkcejm914Xbq1YsvKoYCRIKgjiYusCvAYc9Aj0rW8UngVEJIHXtPQZ_1_U4IOMCVsc1etlVvPYsJ3qCAt2MnmIV455bi-fmYtA3ZX5jEG-PsOuNydenkuVHEzgIS3_puaYoAFsa6_DxgA/w300-h400/IMG_4005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJ00tJIUJZrL8MrYSE1fk9d6Lmusp21KoKff_IddaWTFNj73B66qZ4qyx6Ao9umE_Gg8crrg5ufRcCW87VUP6EVeR527ETgqwe4hlddQ06C3EpMMMaJRgykrJPkjxCdoUmqA_D9XxB5iIMUtFjB1LgtPIqN79DPKBejy7FQHVjK1nvelcXDoUjz57eg/s2635/IMG_1508.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1927" data-original-width="2635" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJ00tJIUJZrL8MrYSE1fk9d6Lmusp21KoKff_IddaWTFNj73B66qZ4qyx6Ao9umE_Gg8crrg5ufRcCW87VUP6EVeR527ETgqwe4hlddQ06C3EpMMMaJRgykrJPkjxCdoUmqA_D9XxB5iIMUtFjB1LgtPIqN79DPKBejy7FQHVjK1nvelcXDoUjz57eg/w400-h293/IMG_1508.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby girl is growing! Can't wait to meet you!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2VGj1dK9cGhPzkWB7PiQ1nChNn8ZTsdLdMV211RM5DxixSR95vJmpzALUrZ_HbCk6VzOanA5CBIFV22_0Yxh_o0g60iYJzs2gubuvV9D8XWYTU54oHluSsRq1gz1tgKWiDcnP-3Lp4oytSF9dr1Rl0BLf5Es-D0HdoyF4nKT_pcIaN5jvzolONF1CA/s4032/IMG_1377%202.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2VGj1dK9cGhPzkWB7PiQ1nChNn8ZTsdLdMV211RM5DxixSR95vJmpzALUrZ_HbCk6VzOanA5CBIFV22_0Yxh_o0g60iYJzs2gubuvV9D8XWYTU54oHluSsRq1gz1tgKWiDcnP-3Lp4oytSF9dr1Rl0BLf5Es-D0HdoyF4nKT_pcIaN5jvzolONF1CA/w300-h400/IMG_1377%202.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sloan and I closed on a home! We'll be moving in during the first week of April! Please be praying for a safe & easy move! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQFRjW2bwcm3mNli1BOy0FV_PecreIJNBkDKWkAKvITUx9l9chNPXajrsczojWKJKaUb2L0aUvoQ3pWUxBkJx0kNpLr_GCkrmFrWOwfSHJwZ3M3vJ3hT2dLfExXm-yciU7EVWi3svGMwhY1croWOZlcipyQLcOOJ4vbRSqsLnXGUyFbO1KAf3PG6GQg/s4032/IMG_1348.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQFRjW2bwcm3mNli1BOy0FV_PecreIJNBkDKWkAKvITUx9l9chNPXajrsczojWKJKaUb2L0aUvoQ3pWUxBkJx0kNpLr_GCkrmFrWOwfSHJwZ3M3vJ3hT2dLfExXm-yciU7EVWi3svGMwhY1croWOZlcipyQLcOOJ4vbRSqsLnXGUyFbO1KAf3PG6GQg/w640-h480/IMG_1348.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wednesday 12:30pm core has been such a blessing to get to serve with. they show up each week ready to pray with one another, read scripture, and engage with what is going on in one another's lives. Awesome stuff!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmt-TjEJchXKWQYzUAa-ertY70gtmoGuyQ1LZAKJBOSiqcXxHwe0H7ym4umX3nWWCtLQANpThqCnvbxGdbc11TyzIsspNqHuo20ZvB0GWDAkSNMeQt5l5sR1pjTe9mDfD6qc4-Q11co9JpfUfYKraViyj7sGMgoX8q5K11mvHud70b3ZNZfh71p4wRw/s4032/IMG_1295.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmt-TjEJchXKWQYzUAa-ertY70gtmoGuyQ1LZAKJBOSiqcXxHwe0H7ym4umX3nWWCtLQANpThqCnvbxGdbc11TyzIsspNqHuo20ZvB0GWDAkSNMeQt5l5sR1pjTe9mDfD6qc4-Q11co9JpfUfYKraViyj7sGMgoX8q5K11mvHud70b3ZNZfh71p4wRw/w640-h480/IMG_1295.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our students, Juan, did a great job leading Investing In The Vision! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you all so much for your support & for believing in our mission to serve & love college students! Year after year I'm touched by the generations that God sends our way onto his campuses. He entrusts us to love them with the same love he loves us with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have anything you'd like prayer for in your life!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sirak </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-57835978647413160232023-03-01T13:19:00.003-08:002023-03-01T13:19:24.867-08:00At The Halfway Point of the Spring!<p>My friends & team! </p><p>We're here in March and we're almost at the halfway point of the spring semester! I'm blown away at all of the wonderful things God is doing on campus at Dallas College Richland Campus. He has given us probably the sweetest group of students that we have ever had in Richland FOCUS. They are genuine, kind, and all excited to be around each other week to week. </p><p>I hope the pictures below encourage you regarding the work we get to do on campus as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. I'm grateful for all of our students that we have met, befriended, and welcomed into our lives for this short & unique time in their lives. God truly loves his college campuses and desires to see young people come to know & experience him!</p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">For the last three years we have had our large-group fellowship meetings on Thursdays at 7pm on campus, but, after many discussions and prayer - we have decided to shift our large group fellowship time(s) to Wednesdays at 6pm on campus!</span></p><p><u>This is a big shift and we are hoping that moving it earlier & on a day that has a higher volume of students present on campus, we can reach more students while still having Thursdays open for 1 on 1 bible studies and group hangouts.</u> <b>Please pray for us!</b></p><p>Thank you so much for your continued support & ministry partnership! If you ever need prayer for something in your life, do not hesitate to reach out. Enjoy the pictures!</p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvsumupwB_OWivF_wuHpTxOFIIn0Q_Kqgd6KdUshXbrm6HylxQWazHN6JVX7jl8paLvKizJ-D1gsQOkRdwuJVdl4dP21OLKFQt5Ksjt0BQgMGP6Wr1rNfQQ6lBGgZjRWdZl6mnwbUC7h02cicKMjwVu8G1Qsjb-jC8ez8d956v2Xse_7Ilm93Qojhew/s2049/IMG_9277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvsumupwB_OWivF_wuHpTxOFIIn0Q_Kqgd6KdUshXbrm6HylxQWazHN6JVX7jl8paLvKizJ-D1gsQOkRdwuJVdl4dP21OLKFQt5Ksjt0BQgMGP6Wr1rNfQQ6lBGgZjRWdZl6mnwbUC7h02cicKMjwVu8G1Qsjb-jC8ez8d956v2Xse_7Ilm93Qojhew/w640-h480/IMG_9277.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2022-23 Richland FOCUS Leader Team! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Y-N7Ur4eFHDstQNJhGNgZdPJjUNT7ObytVGTWkRM0nqtRIFEPOyPeG66b3LJoI4W4hOtw99689DipvGl8OfGsAoNNGXd1KVFp3c8Nng2a5QBLSJkaWUn1rJrfNLReM_fak0AFTtxuK7etr5b2hbjHpHFW4mU5TXczaiS4ATXxRd7DP7IJzND4PcG6A/s2049/IMG_9265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Y-N7Ur4eFHDstQNJhGNgZdPJjUNT7ObytVGTWkRM0nqtRIFEPOyPeG66b3LJoI4W4hOtw99689DipvGl8OfGsAoNNGXd1KVFp3c8Nng2a5QBLSJkaWUn1rJrfNLReM_fak0AFTtxuK7etr5b2hbjHpHFW4mU5TXczaiS4ATXxRd7DP7IJzND4PcG6A/w640-h480/IMG_9265.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPvjuzgRdG-3NYh2MTrstmVMqomA_b4Pp4MBz2PstkdlNEaW1pMojUrfhHoG40Qkk5SSRiqTcEKRIHH6gcawkGYwT0GPGG7kNBxeJikzYSiYFKKVWCSFqJqX35-2vJg_LShHDOCNxCQD4SPnRsj9lS9NaBgixbwFS3JUEei1zq3OUqVIxzResdm7wqg/s2049/IMG_9241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPvjuzgRdG-3NYh2MTrstmVMqomA_b4Pp4MBz2PstkdlNEaW1pMojUrfhHoG40Qkk5SSRiqTcEKRIHH6gcawkGYwT0GPGG7kNBxeJikzYSiYFKKVWCSFqJqX35-2vJg_LShHDOCNxCQD4SPnRsj9lS9NaBgixbwFS3JUEei1zq3OUqVIxzResdm7wqg/w480-h640/IMG_9241.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our BLISS/Release event - led by Lailah, one of our FOCUS staff at UT Dallas! She did a great job creating an event that celebrated Black & African culture!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8aifG31IM5TITyc1q2bUJ2j97GEERyRbMC5AqPY771mUCjYmTJ9UPY_M30lLOB3SnJHGiqEKY56mf4p8udb5raAgOQb8YFTQbZzQO0aCQQWpvJta6E487Sy22MCKe7yXt59BRZa8WVt5lsojXIZcmxYi8j5UkQmKzjDGp-mJlZNVYnKxDefFkMsHBA/s2048/IMG_6971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8aifG31IM5TITyc1q2bUJ2j97GEERyRbMC5AqPY771mUCjYmTJ9UPY_M30lLOB3SnJHGiqEKY56mf4p8udb5raAgOQb8YFTQbZzQO0aCQQWpvJta6E487Sy22MCKe7yXt59BRZa8WVt5lsojXIZcmxYi8j5UkQmKzjDGp-mJlZNVYnKxDefFkMsHBA/w640-h480/IMG_6971.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved getting to co-MC the event with Lailah - It was a joy and an honor!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnrOQT9VuhdYI3eoU6TU7tSPGqaV_xJbq5k381mXbisJHz4Uzx0baD2Lew0ziKFtMddkBzKgW81977A3WxRP-oxhOzhLEcCzdoWTNKselReC0fzH3v1jU6_7QPzff42QaVQKMq0_WuiHELpNTgnTwUbCDBtXTpifMHr1sn5YzqLv4ooMcmW8mu7HsHQ/s2049/IMG_6935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnrOQT9VuhdYI3eoU6TU7tSPGqaV_xJbq5k381mXbisJHz4Uzx0baD2Lew0ziKFtMddkBzKgW81977A3WxRP-oxhOzhLEcCzdoWTNKselReC0fzH3v1jU6_7QPzff42QaVQKMq0_WuiHELpNTgnTwUbCDBtXTpifMHr1sn5YzqLv4ooMcmW8mu7HsHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6935.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Thursday nights I have gotten the opportunity to help with leading worship with our worship band, "Post-Pandemic Praise" - it's been a great opportunity! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3E9gin908f3JhYwSrfAIE_kFnjBgFpyKpM2zntcQxfWylEHYqdyKn4kxpxXKOsBgSqNpyMfawAlkuzxvW-YaBV-TArIi7rfpfkS8dA30NgOsS5MAkfb7XLM6k5YIRJupMpP3dg7-aFrIpGnXz5TXOJyRAj5t8TFfFabczFI57xgJhjpfz4W9Xh3QcQ/s4032/IMG_1377.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3E9gin908f3JhYwSrfAIE_kFnjBgFpyKpM2zntcQxfWylEHYqdyKn4kxpxXKOsBgSqNpyMfawAlkuzxvW-YaBV-TArIi7rfpfkS8dA30NgOsS5MAkfb7XLM6k5YIRJupMpP3dg7-aFrIpGnXz5TXOJyRAj5t8TFfFabczFI57xgJhjpfz4W9Xh3QcQ/w480-h640/IMG_1377.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great news - my wife & I closed on a house recently and are very excited to move in! Thank you for your prayers and for being a part of our journey!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dPA3e1Lqe1NisNmWCvp7J1eKw0SypXeNfHh6YtLusik2Z2VSjJIIVEAQGfASNde2gcE7nnX-mNRejfYvX6OczEAn3ZGjx1g_fOhLZ4nI45Ejx2Wn-17jGZzdEVUWUMTVI2k4DAVTwHAFOIrkgaFYNTS9oboJYylX-EYaTAx6Zabsl1mjkdPNEFu8gA/s4032/IMG_1354.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dPA3e1Lqe1NisNmWCvp7J1eKw0SypXeNfHh6YtLusik2Z2VSjJIIVEAQGfASNde2gcE7nnX-mNRejfYvX6OczEAn3ZGjx1g_fOhLZ4nI45Ejx2Wn-17jGZzdEVUWUMTVI2k4DAVTwHAFOIrkgaFYNTS9oboJYylX-EYaTAx6Zabsl1mjkdPNEFu8gA/s320/IMG_1354.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4b7dGcYeP7jqsQnytJ9Yy2VhKYmpCnEff3Y3sGq-ccCUhYt-Ue9hiWJMoO-P9fNCWfS8EU1rTtVHuFqjDe_dHY9ODSEFNkBGrfnHSvceRUwBk36TpCpxwVy6sxXHfZFWZhUaxr4n1M4R5XL6f0rBKTYaraX0Fvy5LBLTHBP4is-nUsYocIE4V-TE7w/s4032/IMG_1350.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4b7dGcYeP7jqsQnytJ9Yy2VhKYmpCnEff3Y3sGq-ccCUhYt-Ue9hiWJMoO-P9fNCWfS8EU1rTtVHuFqjDe_dHY9ODSEFNkBGrfnHSvceRUwBk36TpCpxwVy6sxXHfZFWZhUaxr4n1M4R5XL6f0rBKTYaraX0Fvy5LBLTHBP4is-nUsYocIE4V-TE7w/w640-h480/IMG_1350.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wednesday 12:30pm Men's Bible Study! I've been honored to get to spend time talking about God with these guys each week and sharing how God is calling us deeper! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLbHzawSrPZVTW2320GKwktUkqSR69Ymd8nsKu_IiwbwJpUdoj_RYoj9vmdEiNs09oEz1PukRZUpBCSLaVk5Y5Y-IdJNYFbkU0baGdepyAKiO8lAmt0GOVOjUlnZBBRXwubD_Y7eIfL3DLfCQIOmm8BEEntIiptPCp4ihtt4do7vtaWTNkcJetZO1NQ/s4032/IMG_1346.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLbHzawSrPZVTW2320GKwktUkqSR69Ymd8nsKu_IiwbwJpUdoj_RYoj9vmdEiNs09oEz1PukRZUpBCSLaVk5Y5Y-IdJNYFbkU0baGdepyAKiO8lAmt0GOVOjUlnZBBRXwubD_Y7eIfL3DLfCQIOmm8BEEntIiptPCp4ihtt4do7vtaWTNkcJetZO1NQ/w640-h480/IMG_1346.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaFq9t1kVVNzWsC5w6snXJCYmCW_uUzEj_R_rqM9Xq2mbsJ7TAtvDgUFvCjAabcT_DFRE7xfp1Z_esA-H8X1oOXvSgNEK0q8qDXOghWL_L8tlcLoqZ6AiIhy68HvBqv9FPD6h_su7zoUprWl0WoNSfsF6XivfVfO8zJqSKmp9ZwA9owVxIuxKgnqZQQ/s4032/IMG_1340.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaFq9t1kVVNzWsC5w6snXJCYmCW_uUzEj_R_rqM9Xq2mbsJ7TAtvDgUFvCjAabcT_DFRE7xfp1Z_esA-H8X1oOXvSgNEK0q8qDXOghWL_L8tlcLoqZ6AiIhy68HvBqv9FPD6h_su7zoUprWl0WoNSfsF6XivfVfO8zJqSKmp9ZwA9owVxIuxKgnqZQQ/w640-h480/IMG_1340.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZZ-nAeumgUAP4Sd1B8qO1shZkm7CKqzUVgB27XQUnpjo7k67O2jay8_5XxhHBTwFSG4NF-X6oT4GSpLDAJgN1phGuTa1hJY9-vj-1XVWAoBn3H8GG4jGcxzqLJHQSrrejngjm5SAfEqS42m51miJCOMMY5SIa2qxykEmiug1JAUvIwSjDTZk4ffRjA/s4032/IMG_0518.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZZ-nAeumgUAP4Sd1B8qO1shZkm7CKqzUVgB27XQUnpjo7k67O2jay8_5XxhHBTwFSG4NF-X6oT4GSpLDAJgN1phGuTa1hJY9-vj-1XVWAoBn3H8GG4jGcxzqLJHQSrrejngjm5SAfEqS42m51miJCOMMY5SIa2qxykEmiug1JAUvIwSjDTZk4ffRjA/w640-h480/IMG_0518.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our weekly Thursday Night FOCUS meeting! (Soon to be Wednesday Night FOCUS!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div>Thank you again for your support and for believing in our mission to love college students! I am honored to get to love & serve these students each and every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sirak </div>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-59937666515342132112023-02-01T08:53:00.004-08:002023-02-01T09:14:49.325-08:00Sirak's December/January Update! (Lots of pictures!) <p> My friends & team! </p><p>The year is off to a great start and I'm honored to tell you all about it. Our student leaders have been hard at work loving & serving our campus and it's been so encouraging to see life changes happen in real-time!</p><p>In December we had our end-of-the-year Christmas party and rested up in preparation for our Annual Winter Retreat. Winter Retreat is one of my favorite events that we do each year because it gives the students a <i>vision</i> for what their time in college can look like if they begin to surrender their plans & desires to Jesus. </p><p>I do believe that going to college is a <i>good thing</i>. However, many students have a <i>small</i> vision of what their education can be used for. Instead of getting a degree to "make more money" or "create a comfortable life" - we begin asking: What if God has placed you here in college to be a blessing to others? After all, globally, less than 1% of the world even gets the opportunity to go to college. </p><p>Winter Retreat creates a type of synergy that invites students into a space of considering what their time in college can look like as they begin re-forming their opinions & ideas surrounding what college <i>is</i> and how this time can be used to <i>love</i> and <i>impact</i> others and not just receive information to get a degree and make more money. </p><p>After all, gaining information is important - but, in the Kingdom of God - we are all IN-formation. We are actively being formed as we seek the heart of God. And where do we do that? Right where we are. </p><p>It is a privilege to get to love these college students and invite them to receive & respond to the message of Jesus. To seek the Lord and let him <u style="font-weight: bold;">form</u> you! </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJVoEaw196rX7FYv4qrjpQmJtBaCGURev9l17FWfmZLyH-RoJx2x6q__QFbe7dnOnIsMSj__rGU2yzb1a-HkqgdOYiQ2h3_hSzpyeTDpeyYDC0rBonMweX52FKV-073L2Bkx_pJP8YmA7ZMYTXImseVVY8-EnuVqEuQefB8ZzsgmLnzoM-JgRiR9RIw/s4059/Richlandgroup.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2706" data-original-width="4059" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJVoEaw196rX7FYv4qrjpQmJtBaCGURev9l17FWfmZLyH-RoJx2x6q__QFbe7dnOnIsMSj__rGU2yzb1a-HkqgdOYiQ2h3_hSzpyeTDpeyYDC0rBonMweX52FKV-073L2Bkx_pJP8YmA7ZMYTXImseVVY8-EnuVqEuQefB8ZzsgmLnzoM-JgRiR9RIw/w640-h426/Richlandgroup.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS group! Thank you so much for your support & partnership. Each one of these students has been impacted by your love & generosity! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfSU6ZiWzrn7iaWprAaIId79D5eEGiPqrGMBbLWh31cEE4moSHZCrXepBMQEifVMixGC18zMiO6qrfzayprMz6m_1zH2Qzf8kjUUr9iiaRpYlr92u5UP51xEIODjibydpDzn8_ezMERGTq1_YrNQPSz6KKszWdv5BNADq3EffhiwGDqDuSR40G2UZtw/s5137/FOCUSgroup.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3425" data-original-width="5137" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfSU6ZiWzrn7iaWprAaIId79D5eEGiPqrGMBbLWh31cEE4moSHZCrXepBMQEifVMixGC18zMiO6qrfzayprMz6m_1zH2Qzf8kjUUr9iiaRpYlr92u5UP51xEIODjibydpDzn8_ezMERGTq1_YrNQPSz6KKszWdv5BNADq3EffhiwGDqDuSR40G2UZtw/w640-h426/FOCUSgroup.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 14 of our FOCUS campuses! Winter Retreat was a huge success :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1uZEkdzUbHbDu8KILH0nT6c95uNdZiYitGZ05MPA28HbDKwXBvUVP4_JOueUddZAXynGcLR9VRXVeEStFatR-1ou3-sg_n8mlcfka00_dMKN8ColrCtiMo9DfeI1nPxsOL_UrVdOuX4vgJx7RX3CLEld31l-D4Wo8kbHADdRNQ7SGujheK6SVAU_MQ/s2049/IMG_6489.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1uZEkdzUbHbDu8KILH0nT6c95uNdZiYitGZ05MPA28HbDKwXBvUVP4_JOueUddZAXynGcLR9VRXVeEStFatR-1ou3-sg_n8mlcfka00_dMKN8ColrCtiMo9DfeI1nPxsOL_UrVdOuX4vgJx7RX3CLEld31l-D4Wo8kbHADdRNQ7SGujheK6SVAU_MQ/w300-h400/IMG_6489.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandra & Carlos! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9R8j0p5RWV5zUbx-z8ymdaFyD2rVwpsP7vekVBVMMFSaVOxLHO_UQX3BfzzxB2HBP-4_ncG0Ag8Ne073VsLOnhXuW00vfQcheyzmFCTxGZWwoYTTTXQOoZyJtmcNwMebr1MbphS3ITshUGfDH-EiwL7u5jcSkOgcRq-soC04E8Kz7IE27T2rlRPAyEQ/s2049/IMG_6429.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9R8j0p5RWV5zUbx-z8ymdaFyD2rVwpsP7vekVBVMMFSaVOxLHO_UQX3BfzzxB2HBP-4_ncG0Ag8Ne073VsLOnhXuW00vfQcheyzmFCTxGZWwoYTTTXQOoZyJtmcNwMebr1MbphS3ITshUGfDH-EiwL7u5jcSkOgcRq-soC04E8Kz7IE27T2rlRPAyEQ/w640-h480/IMG_6429.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland Students getting ready to leave for Winter Retreat! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88FqH4ruNMnqgvpSrlDreiPg-G19bNAuClTI1-FDZmaUEeODhVG7XwfCsae-Y5hA5k9gV9l3xXQ4T0Prqtf_8UxpixW_nNvls-VyAHRQY5Zk5cFSmZk-P74g6z18N-bidulzQtHE0oTGKzN79hkqythS-3uyAx2ibR-Kp2g8z9SQ-T0xX7VMg7FRjGw/s2049/IMG_5384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88FqH4ruNMnqgvpSrlDreiPg-G19bNAuClTI1-FDZmaUEeODhVG7XwfCsae-Y5hA5k9gV9l3xXQ4T0Prqtf_8UxpixW_nNvls-VyAHRQY5Zk5cFSmZk-P74g6z18N-bidulzQtHE0oTGKzN79hkqythS-3uyAx2ibR-Kp2g8z9SQ-T0xX7VMg7FRjGw/w300-h400/IMG_5384.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fm222spKSdXhiqrHinNJ8QMJrHjF651ur7mSvXKSmb-2kBhzz07gXMrcD0m-NSY1693JA0ZHu1yOOfaRFmGMudkZX5b0vLC8QFzn8G4EfV35eYkAAkzgfJoZZkx5a1fWAOI08O7B-O1tekDaCyNIueeaWrN1RS57dbZgNEWA7T_XNK-vOiqe2wy_KA/s2049/IMG_4346.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fm222spKSdXhiqrHinNJ8QMJrHjF651ur7mSvXKSmb-2kBhzz07gXMrcD0m-NSY1693JA0ZHu1yOOfaRFmGMudkZX5b0vLC8QFzn8G4EfV35eYkAAkzgfJoZZkx5a1fWAOI08O7B-O1tekDaCyNIueeaWrN1RS57dbZgNEWA7T_XNK-vOiqe2wy_KA/w640-h480/IMG_4346.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During worship on one of the nights our students locked arms and sang with one another. It was a special moment that I loved they got to share with one another.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36mSZPSuJT2jQOT8g0NXEEWqQB6ZTsj17jSMJvRtuSYJn3l4-D95-8NbVYwR9oMKyV-zwSCPpLpNKFLhaMOm47JojQMRmlNrELNQ2t2IkEAw1c6AtvfHwRHD9G7t4nlzisqGvQt4Lww52Vqdcw03dx-uoBlXfgWzblrKthyyy6xHOxv3NTiyXqIllDw/s800/IMG_4328.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36mSZPSuJT2jQOT8g0NXEEWqQB6ZTsj17jSMJvRtuSYJn3l4-D95-8NbVYwR9oMKyV-zwSCPpLpNKFLhaMOm47JojQMRmlNrELNQ2t2IkEAw1c6AtvfHwRHD9G7t4nlzisqGvQt4Lww52Vqdcw03dx-uoBlXfgWzblrKthyyy6xHOxv3NTiyXqIllDw/w640-h480/IMG_4328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYhsO3d9fP2SmlEK0pDGgNsrRdTA-GWDG25cBkaXijfLJYW3rNGP1cd9Lnab6a02_nD-AqjnUEZXZlc_0L_LY9Kid7xyZuUGOZ4ccK0ftK8rdwM5t1UVMeYOuSHpsouboV4xUv2uBinMNVFxbKQ13SbvjnfQUtjdlZ5wKQDcASBCt7-E06Mme5yQ7bA/s3314/IMG_1220%202.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2807" data-original-width="3314" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYhsO3d9fP2SmlEK0pDGgNsrRdTA-GWDG25cBkaXijfLJYW3rNGP1cd9Lnab6a02_nD-AqjnUEZXZlc_0L_LY9Kid7xyZuUGOZ4ccK0ftK8rdwM5t1UVMeYOuSHpsouboV4xUv2uBinMNVFxbKQ13SbvjnfQUtjdlZ5wKQDcASBCt7-E06Mme5yQ7bA/w400-h339/IMG_1220%202.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sure many of you know by now - but we are so excited to be expecting! The due date is July 29th so everything is definitely happening fast! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5krj8A1iXAbRlsyhljYw3FFbfwJxwaRgPayVxk-uvSsiEF28k1wFvoo3FBuUAfWqKY44NWrYT-FhyTkcJd0RS9cSLJh6awqnM4MOXpF56vPHFb4_BMIHzbFleSf3OvPalMkWYxuPnlZcWwfGnqeUaB5Au2YoIidvATyaKOJ-89tGL64N8ozfxdbsFg/s1440/IMG_1175.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5krj8A1iXAbRlsyhljYw3FFbfwJxwaRgPayVxk-uvSsiEF28k1wFvoo3FBuUAfWqKY44NWrYT-FhyTkcJd0RS9cSLJh6awqnM4MOXpF56vPHFb4_BMIHzbFleSf3OvPalMkWYxuPnlZcWwfGnqeUaB5Au2YoIidvATyaKOJ-89tGL64N8ozfxdbsFg/w400-h300/IMG_1175.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our worship team(s) did a great job leading us at Winter Retreat! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQuoINEqN2EJvobccISXYzJe0Qgj_8n0MLlSTAxXpTG927c8UdBtG6OGaNf5dVmSgQbLEiaLG52YyYB50O833abfUTGu3IG2Pz5RxB2uX0-d8fKg9zTrSK_ccbrGA-Rv5j4saAchYXRAjR9MmA2J5CiJKqjUZumh6Q3hwqglIkGRJQ1Sy7-NmQk_XTg/s4032/IMG_1174.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQuoINEqN2EJvobccISXYzJe0Qgj_8n0MLlSTAxXpTG927c8UdBtG6OGaNf5dVmSgQbLEiaLG52YyYB50O833abfUTGu3IG2Pz5RxB2uX0-d8fKg9zTrSK_ccbrGA-Rv5j4saAchYXRAjR9MmA2J5CiJKqjUZumh6Q3hwqglIkGRJQ1Sy7-NmQk_XTg/w640-h480/IMG_1174.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPu-dRaHJuf3dEeKpkjgUqJtNs5z0ZjqWY7nsEeFydBk2veSnAfBZ3uUoIpHQwOYDDFx55KSWkXsxVJryQOUj8YAgE2vDuDAAjloND37F9D1PIv8AcWsxVvo3fGLF7S95PCTnmz5yAKaEkGgb1zlMYMN3ypBh4Ibpr2FRU3m_RGzEn5ngdHf00-nmaA/s2049/IMG_1171.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPu-dRaHJuf3dEeKpkjgUqJtNs5z0ZjqWY7nsEeFydBk2veSnAfBZ3uUoIpHQwOYDDFx55KSWkXsxVJryQOUj8YAgE2vDuDAAjloND37F9D1PIv8AcWsxVvo3fGLF7S95PCTnmz5yAKaEkGgb1zlMYMN3ypBh4Ibpr2FRU3m_RGzEn5ngdHf00-nmaA/w640-h480/IMG_1171.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's been a while since I got to help with electric guitar at winter retreat, so it was fun to get to be up there serving our ministry on the band.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EuvR63kpkuCNLq4gNt7B0K6UWAnj6SU3cg0CUZpG7aGXawUof1roJWH5yuNukDly31W-W0ZbE1AGImhSb5hRzqFCRTtWPYZnWAiKdv892Of5J1e6XPfV8edzUxb9ZLPAwZR3on8Dvae2nLVSnAfxJq8a-tWq8lWWMxjZfj5fETX3ntaPT82FKfsEMg/s9768/IMG_1170.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3894" data-original-width="9768" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EuvR63kpkuCNLq4gNt7B0K6UWAnj6SU3cg0CUZpG7aGXawUof1roJWH5yuNukDly31W-W0ZbE1AGImhSb5hRzqFCRTtWPYZnWAiKdv892Of5J1e6XPfV8edzUxb9ZLPAwZR3on8Dvae2nLVSnAfxJq8a-tWq8lWWMxjZfj5fETX3ntaPT82FKfsEMg/w640-h256/IMG_1170.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfvMidJ91Mn6SwOQGeg5OzcLT6asbXVYtbVyHjsO3wv_u8peSlUjXlN4l1JMFZRQ7-m3HNZFHJF8knUgwsKQPn-NC0o8tN57YJovmj1-ZqkvWdEtytqFs8qt6AuIKgJzSQFESLEgMH-khkcKz3cxnOf8Snfu_VLwWXXc2QhMysxNmWt2-lt_hHTh2Dg/s2049/IMG_1166.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfvMidJ91Mn6SwOQGeg5OzcLT6asbXVYtbVyHjsO3wv_u8peSlUjXlN4l1JMFZRQ7-m3HNZFHJF8knUgwsKQPn-NC0o8tN57YJovmj1-ZqkvWdEtytqFs8qt6AuIKgJzSQFESLEgMH-khkcKz3cxnOf8Snfu_VLwWXXc2QhMysxNmWt2-lt_hHTh2Dg/w640-h480/IMG_1166.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you so much for your support and believing in our mission to love college students! We are grateful and honored that we get to walk alongside you all on campus as God brings the right students in our path to love & invite to receive & respond to the message of the Gospel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="gmail-separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">My wife & I do have a prayer request: </span></div><div class="gmail-separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Over the last two years we have been in the market looking for a house and, in many ways, it has been stressful and has stretched us to have faith and trust that the right housing situation will open up when the time is right. </li><li style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Would you pray for us that as we enter the spring season that God would open the right doors for us to find a home that is affordable and can be a natural extension of our ministry? A home that we can welcome college students into and that we can raise our family in? </li><li style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">God is faithful! We just wanted to invite you all to join us in prayer :) </li></ul></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>Thank you all for believing in us!</div><div><br /></div><div>Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sirak </div></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-16983100579161831262022-12-19T09:10:00.001-08:002022-12-19T09:10:25.567-08:00Sirak's November & December Update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My friends & team!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We're almost at the end of a WONDERFUL fall semester. God has been so good providing our Richland FOCUS ministry with a group of students that are engaging and continually open to one another and what God is doing on our campus :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Every one of our students is so unique and they each have played a unique role to make our ministry what it is. This fall semester I began to realize that God has been actively at work not just in the lives of our students, but in the local community we are strategically placed as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As of right now, FOCUS is one of two campus ministries on Richland College. There are over 15,000 students who are enrolled in classes and we feel so privileged to get to be in touch with the students who are on campus with us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Please pray for us as we prepare for the spring semester. Pray that God would continue to open up doors for new spiritual friendships & connections with the campus! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We feel extremely grateful since our relationship this year with the Office of Student Life is the strongest that it has ever been! Dallas College has hired a fun, upbeat, and warm-hearted group of staff that we get to serve the campus with. Yes!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpFc46oVjHtnHBpaSIEUu9f_fDikWlVeWcy4x9MFld8ISPBswzsNyMq3C_ksSxi7JLKS2zFzpLO95dZuU0M5cx8JDe965rnhopMbqghbzaMtXH1YMC-_qroNoZc6u18pSePGF84BrS-bCbEYTssPMXLwEg6yThJJDvZ6J1gZ6PzpJ-3oQmtzGWylz11A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpFc46oVjHtnHBpaSIEUu9f_fDikWlVeWcy4x9MFld8ISPBswzsNyMq3C_ksSxi7JLKS2zFzpLO95dZuU0M5cx8JDe965rnhopMbqghbzaMtXH1YMC-_qroNoZc6u18pSePGF84BrS-bCbEYTssPMXLwEg6yThJJDvZ6J1gZ6PzpJ-3oQmtzGWylz11A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & the Richland FOCUS fellas at our end-of-the-semester party! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwVRk1F-0aWompUXQyy8sSwnqBp-FRIqG-sLq6DN2O9pgvqI-xpc1l5hU_h1wAYAcdAYRGGoI48Ye_KgtNBBArNBOOsI-_dCvSM7_ELyvhiD0OC1w0YrzEU5G_0hKzSG9wzbPq1exg9EqUnawO_iDJ2wXPKZOAY2O2I7zSYOUBPk2J4NqkEr99sE-0Bw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwVRk1F-0aWompUXQyy8sSwnqBp-FRIqG-sLq6DN2O9pgvqI-xpc1l5hU_h1wAYAcdAYRGGoI48Ye_KgtNBBArNBOOsI-_dCvSM7_ELyvhiD0OC1w0YrzEU5G_0hKzSG9wzbPq1exg9EqUnawO_iDJ2wXPKZOAY2O2I7zSYOUBPk2J4NqkEr99sE-0Bw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhShNMZeeEodV-Fynfg86WIBPKqEsOzh1RYvo1kyraHcgrKhBIZ6WFoDcsL5Lb1Glec5Tygmpqe-ZEiC1eQI41QlNDtf-ppgCUqe2I25Vh9OwmrFr8RPnW_jEE-EAC3hq7fFXeU6sB4IcCprniAvVbkw0HF6kMQN7JYSR6xYbvwebUYqbB_WP9vT2oQkQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhShNMZeeEodV-Fynfg86WIBPKqEsOzh1RYvo1kyraHcgrKhBIZ6WFoDcsL5Lb1Glec5Tygmpqe-ZEiC1eQI41QlNDtf-ppgCUqe2I25Vh9OwmrFr8RPnW_jEE-EAC3hq7fFXeU6sB4IcCprniAvVbkw0HF6kMQN7JYSR6xYbvwebUYqbB_WP9vT2oQkQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl0tnu0lbzm96v8FH9zLR6WdmzM9TEf2nA4I5W314xxnZASp37fLNkLagrwSiXWMSLi6bwPQJq0oLsMgLgY224lnY_K_ztoZan9z9uZVrA5PyJ3bquiNCeyXB6bg1lsitOGt02XsZLuuMf0BbThLhpqj7s-9m7qPunSh45UD-2dPYnWbo170ueCOUbQg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl0tnu0lbzm96v8FH9zLR6WdmzM9TEf2nA4I5W314xxnZASp37fLNkLagrwSiXWMSLi6bwPQJq0oLsMgLgY224lnY_K_ztoZan9z9uZVrA5PyJ3bquiNCeyXB6bg1lsitOGt02XsZLuuMf0BbThLhpqj7s-9m7qPunSh45UD-2dPYnWbo170ueCOUbQg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wednesday Noon Men's Core - it has been such a great experience to get to learn & grow with these students.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFXRAgPAt_c_8BIuk8MKZpZ90VozScyYzZRCDK3iGY2rCzSr_0KoDXX1TURTypF0xzWLwyqwV3kDKZp0wUPz-pawsdpaAPl12KiuQCaJ5TfMGbPhVNcV7w24i2t_FVuTu_Q5BYaVJpVsjkNOzxrWs7zZ0y5yqgpN7HCeo937doKtv51gO3HxPrx_e6Ig" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFXRAgPAt_c_8BIuk8MKZpZ90VozScyYzZRCDK3iGY2rCzSr_0KoDXX1TURTypF0xzWLwyqwV3kDKZp0wUPz-pawsdpaAPl12KiuQCaJ5TfMGbPhVNcV7w24i2t_FVuTu_Q5BYaVJpVsjkNOzxrWs7zZ0y5yqgpN7HCeo937doKtv51gO3HxPrx_e6Ig=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grateful for our Thursday Night Fellowship Meeting times!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFNSRZUg9Rjr0ccliOl83k1sdM1y3HHWHDb8hIhr-T8Qusq-mKbsyYFnwSc2IOQ-791cDjhoYdvMaO-OgmkXiSZkAdoooqwC_nmMf87Lvv_bC_nvwUZdDuAcvO_BHa6xyx3wEXOJhx2QCRHWBIkacJU77eTV6oZqevwAl2fjyKLWemw7w81ATAwcXpRw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFNSRZUg9Rjr0ccliOl83k1sdM1y3HHWHDb8hIhr-T8Qusq-mKbsyYFnwSc2IOQ-791cDjhoYdvMaO-OgmkXiSZkAdoooqwC_nmMf87Lvv_bC_nvwUZdDuAcvO_BHa6xyx3wEXOJhx2QCRHWBIkacJU77eTV6oZqevwAl2fjyKLWemw7w81ATAwcXpRw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey sharing with us at our end-of-the-semester party! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPpYXLFrUnaCmfGWgabH3be2kBTq-hw4B4mDudaZDysV7eNiLUN6d3XzMFxKH5hvH9KUQboHiLjJXC2u1wXbME5k677cZvpmkj7kD_oixI63tJhEN46eXAmdqqXTubV8b_Mwubdt_7toz0EeArvJul2wMNeMzNkDwiQSTJ2jnR2lNC_nVp7JtDnUYbdQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPpYXLFrUnaCmfGWgabH3be2kBTq-hw4B4mDudaZDysV7eNiLUN6d3XzMFxKH5hvH9KUQboHiLjJXC2u1wXbME5k677cZvpmkj7kD_oixI63tJhEN46eXAmdqqXTubV8b_Mwubdt_7toz0EeArvJul2wMNeMzNkDwiQSTJ2jnR2lNC_nVp7JtDnUYbdQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Bqd71DUxbgFIOGq_hA1yX8FduGUVoV8nU9YQh7sbmcjLrll4dcuoSbjRKwDdU2xiYGA6d5mrko2JNqDaHJK_2fDGrFweaQtS6s8dDpNzEBRJXemCv0100qvj2OgywJ0PJYRQK-QbvUInOpYb524jgbI8YrGXe0AYO4_r8bV9g6jQch7612BT6zV5GA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Bqd71DUxbgFIOGq_hA1yX8FduGUVoV8nU9YQh7sbmcjLrll4dcuoSbjRKwDdU2xiYGA6d5mrko2JNqDaHJK_2fDGrFweaQtS6s8dDpNzEBRJXemCv0100qvj2OgywJ0PJYRQK-QbvUInOpYb524jgbI8YrGXe0AYO4_r8bV9g6jQch7612BT6zV5GA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For our last core of the semester, me & the guys went to get Ethiopian food! I've loved leading with Yoni (far right) this semester and I am grateful we get to share in our Ethiopian culture with each other! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhChpfS8HlwKJ4AxQsODaRYHPYpOGdUcG514Oes0e0mFPs3HTmV7StvaCKHHR-pQt_b9rv7EwVXUAbayzJ_cN7aKtsD-X_8b6lbc_5Mxb-Ubljv86bqOIuNWc-XUSe31l1kO43vbwZvQ57JVGloBI9YpdP0hQdMUe2Cgvr-hqqKIzjqhCBBqjtmnEtYiw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhChpfS8HlwKJ4AxQsODaRYHPYpOGdUcG514Oes0e0mFPs3HTmV7StvaCKHHR-pQt_b9rv7EwVXUAbayzJ_cN7aKtsD-X_8b6lbc_5Mxb-Ubljv86bqOIuNWc-XUSe31l1kO43vbwZvQ57JVGloBI9YpdP0hQdMUe2Cgvr-hqqKIzjqhCBBqjtmnEtYiw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFBXqcmGFU5MKyO9e1kNUW3HpE_SLpC_xMaLRKYGk0X4JS2F9aOjzPMT4K7M-8KXK511Zs9yNWSIkfEmWt6wDbih1EQk9yN2QyduMysnSHcgHnW6PugpurlYyz9e_4gE_57dG2WkNye-Qr3UUC_Nmf4JtMrOxFEY9B3IyNeC8S4BTLzeegrsrhgtEOcg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFBXqcmGFU5MKyO9e1kNUW3HpE_SLpC_xMaLRKYGk0X4JS2F9aOjzPMT4K7M-8KXK511Zs9yNWSIkfEmWt6wDbih1EQk9yN2QyduMysnSHcgHnW6PugpurlYyz9e_4gE_57dG2WkNye-Qr3UUC_Nmf4JtMrOxFEY9B3IyNeC8S4BTLzeegrsrhgtEOcg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey planned & coordinated a Thanksgiving potluck with our students! It was a blast to get to eat and share the great things God has been doing this semester within our ministry. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi82hLJHB9K6bbJyqQqv856p0gcp-NvzwAKFsk521EmlYcjN_HkN0xB10Sr2DgzXKiT53lpXspwzuOls8sJHStARd2UqRqJEZ7ngQC03R5FNlqbTXayg4Xh1omNi21bu956GabFZFcilvywOleOTeQI3JNsT_O4_5stBu0mxuKlT-XMRQFamEUO3sBitQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi82hLJHB9K6bbJyqQqv856p0gcp-NvzwAKFsk521EmlYcjN_HkN0xB10Sr2DgzXKiT53lpXspwzuOls8sJHStARd2UqRqJEZ7ngQC03R5FNlqbTXayg4Xh1omNi21bu956GabFZFcilvywOleOTeQI3JNsT_O4_5stBu0mxuKlT-XMRQFamEUO3sBitQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are grateful for Tom and his heart! He loves our students so much and we are always honored when he gets to share on Thursday nights!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYO1GQy0cXCXWa_RYb6WT8f40YTduOXobc3UF3uFjVzcxs1Q1lyXuPkphIZY3khHrZXVkBaXNv3Uscye7C1YnvXKcH7rE-TyhLpm72Vc0Z75twh3YVhl8Qe8_QQlsc-rQkCY-AKpl5tccHSEBu2GOvIzqXUIn-HCi7aPY3b-vB0t93pfRzHabBUF4tMA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYO1GQy0cXCXWa_RYb6WT8f40YTduOXobc3UF3uFjVzcxs1Q1lyXuPkphIZY3khHrZXVkBaXNv3Uscye7C1YnvXKcH7rE-TyhLpm72Vc0Z75twh3YVhl8Qe8_QQlsc-rQkCY-AKpl5tccHSEBu2GOvIzqXUIn-HCi7aPY3b-vB0t93pfRzHabBUF4tMA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had our Fall Pizza Theology in November and it was a blast :) We talked a<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br />bout the book of Revelation - our students were attentive and engaged with what our speakers had to share!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglBNTPXxybQBwbwb375Sk-H5LED3GnPpJISZgAQxEvVvG2r2Pb5Cpp-lKgSbAtIkFGT9FtgnrAmLR9VRTXLy8TR66xIVQhnC01qKGMVCaJfj7-A5OvID4XESZXWNq6SFnuazC6d6AFmQnTWWzI4haf_dIyjJ9_5eNqV6WKmQKVEcLHe7coRhyjE2Qszg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglBNTPXxybQBwbwb375Sk-H5LED3GnPpJISZgAQxEvVvG2r2Pb5Cpp-lKgSbAtIkFGT9FtgnrAmLR9VRTXLy8TR66xIVQhnC01qKGMVCaJfj7-A5OvID4XESZXWNq6SFnuazC6d6AFmQnTWWzI4haf_dIyjJ9_5eNqV6WKmQKVEcLHe7coRhyjE2Qszg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grateful for our Thursday night gatherings - it has been a great place to connect with other students and remember God's faithfulness from week to week!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOINKIlXTgb8e8d1E_KMlDrBS-lS3iJWwWttFSEhQT9gMWC4qmWDh6nv01vKLk7nxz5g2zrVqutmvqhshjpcP78W4IQms3AJPWEbdGURttzhxbSD5UN_UWDRVhrsg1ReZiRzL55NiTxVhPxsgiRoEvdZi29F0_Ufn2pS6u88uXuW-dVEo2dK6Tb8Zdhg/s4032/IMG_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOINKIlXTgb8e8d1E_KMlDrBS-lS3iJWwWttFSEhQT9gMWC4qmWDh6nv01vKLk7nxz5g2zrVqutmvqhshjpcP78W4IQms3AJPWEbdGURttzhxbSD5UN_UWDRVhrsg1ReZiRzL55NiTxVhPxsgiRoEvdZi29F0_Ufn2pS6u88uXuW-dVEo2dK6Tb8Zdhg/w640-h480/IMG_1030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2022-23 FOCUS Staff! </td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Thank you so much for your support and continued partnership. I'm honored to have each and every one of you on my support team. I'm excited to see what the spring semester brings. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you need prayer for anything in your life.</p><p>Have a Merry Christmas! </p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak </p><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p></p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-43150736542055489902022-10-28T16:30:00.000-07:002022-10-28T16:30:10.049-07:00Sirak's October Update! (We Have Momentum!) My friends & team!<div><br /></div><div>It's been an AMAZING September & October - God has been truly building momentum among our students & student leaders. I can confidently say that it feels like we are at 100% full capacity from COVID!</div><div><br /></div><div>This year I am studying the Bible 1-on-1 with a student named Nick. He is 22 years old and has been consistently attending Richland Campus FOCUS Thursday Night Fellowship and Core. He has been a huge blessing to my life through his consistency and eagerness to learn & engage with Gods' word (see photo below). </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLLMNK1g5R8tH6zvGZlsb4h-_bF1hSYY2xhCRVD_WlRYTCdy1lddXFoxcvyVEEZRA9N07HdlEzaxvBhAALYYAHGZcQUSs5PUk3YbBnLTntvtxjmmAmclJ0ixEDRY2w2Kc6TA4lGvQaXUhhZbqsouCUd4zYLFeZwo4qvcNgrmcGflRkdt9cuoL6SWlRog" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLLMNK1g5R8tH6zvGZlsb4h-_bF1hSYY2xhCRVD_WlRYTCdy1lddXFoxcvyVEEZRA9N07HdlEzaxvBhAALYYAHGZcQUSs5PUk3YbBnLTntvtxjmmAmclJ0ixEDRY2w2Kc6TA4lGvQaXUhhZbqsouCUd4zYLFeZwo4qvcNgrmcGflRkdt9cuoL6SWlRog=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Typically at a community college, we have 2 years or less to get students plugged into our community in order for them to build spiritual friendships and cultivate a space for them to grow in their relationship with Jesus. Over the last few years we have sensed a type of trepidation and angst among incoming students to be bold and let themselves be known by other students around them. This year we have probably seen the most open & warm-hearted group of students enter our ministry. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope the photos below encourage you and show what your support has been going towards! There are a lot of cool things going on and I want y'all to know all about it! Even this last Thursday night we had an after-event where we encouraged our students to go out, grab some food, and come back so we can all watch "Coco" the film together. The majority of them came back and we had a great time!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiim-EnfkftOM6Ch1UQtPHYXYNfiZqkTNk9ENwOiUU22uJj8gmFmlG3kR8OjpUEJ-7gLLRma5mRGg9oZBci5QsgyumiMMRxdWkqcNRtByXVl4itEZ_z_G3ZwLosawLJSWW2T-wi88xKABq3YWEc5tW63M8BqfGDPRIwZuJL_Jb8KcaGVyKilsDDwA9d7A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiim-EnfkftOM6Ch1UQtPHYXYNfiZqkTNk9ENwOiUU22uJj8gmFmlG3kR8OjpUEJ-7gLLRma5mRGg9oZBci5QsgyumiMMRxdWkqcNRtByXVl4itEZ_z_G3ZwLosawLJSWW2T-wi88xKABq3YWEc5tW63M8BqfGDPRIwZuJL_Jb8KcaGVyKilsDDwA9d7A=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Qe8kQ89mw3oV2AREt2g9mihL2HX8V8xMtYTV4R7Afihgeo1c0ZK_cH_c6mQxoisWKOC00TfaoniOmAat8J22RU0QE9X9gz6YH_mIs2TyLLJTx5yXIdaSZ4FzqtuSrq48EBglMY2v1Gd1D_MgfDIAZRVxVTGiO9BpcGQJpMDTqqQG1r4Ghmi21_YLlw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Qe8kQ89mw3oV2AREt2g9mihL2HX8V8xMtYTV4R7Afihgeo1c0ZK_cH_c6mQxoisWKOC00TfaoniOmAat8J22RU0QE9X9gz6YH_mIs2TyLLJTx5yXIdaSZ4FzqtuSrq48EBglMY2v1Gd1D_MgfDIAZRVxVTGiO9BpcGQJpMDTqqQG1r4Ghmi21_YLlw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHReNeGlV5fhPaxoA0Sh2PWdV0SrejSlBrvPxUOxmLQi4aU89ykJ2sAUMUcgDW0_ype35SxbA8rDNsjZ2HI7k8f1sjanYsJ22lpa2-3I9y6WQIZyXnxtJpMP7zWPjblcmxxHCQ2TAz0teoMySZJteE5ObXA2jKHXB25P_2ks_H5Arkyvtmge44Axhhlw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHReNeGlV5fhPaxoA0Sh2PWdV0SrejSlBrvPxUOxmLQi4aU89ykJ2sAUMUcgDW0_ype35SxbA8rDNsjZ2HI7k8f1sjanYsJ22lpa2-3I9y6WQIZyXnxtJpMP7zWPjblcmxxHCQ2TAz0teoMySZJteE5ObXA2jKHXB25P_2ks_H5Arkyvtmge44Axhhlw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year our worship team has consisted of me & Kris (right). She has been doing an amazing job playing Cajon and making our Thursday night fellowship times encouraging.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD8hqTxYZFAAM6k8dH9gsFR2nepni-0Md4sUudiJgu6eG2jXoGxlU0GsZ6PuuB-3w6yv9QDt0odlDdtUvYHaf7A3dBoTpdOhnJurljIl8h8jlC9Xh0bWGgiHFHUwdKpcyenVj2uWHfc4OQQAhoYVW2BTKK64mCvpLEdP9CbVwBb2zajoy1J4LFMwSkjQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2049" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD8hqTxYZFAAM6k8dH9gsFR2nepni-0Md4sUudiJgu6eG2jXoGxlU0GsZ6PuuB-3w6yv9QDt0odlDdtUvYHaf7A3dBoTpdOhnJurljIl8h8jlC9Xh0bWGgiHFHUwdKpcyenVj2uWHfc4OQQAhoYVW2BTKK64mCvpLEdP9CbVwBb2zajoy1J4LFMwSkjQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2022 Richland Fall Camp group! We had such an amazing group of students this year come & join us! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5xbLYdUhTIPd2vigrgaiwXktV1qyfQWAUYbwSSsz5YNm4gtz0ONPVPGpnk3zfTWZ99fzf9yt_VDIPQCRyPhLDg5BcRr72Ovu6iXwZF9UerCEMkx1TB8vpNzoMj4TGzWmRun3ue5nPqM4yt2G7ZmnrMezYpA-9P04h0KDxhADs4l1jfkdvAguyISnOoA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5xbLYdUhTIPd2vigrgaiwXktV1qyfQWAUYbwSSsz5YNm4gtz0ONPVPGpnk3zfTWZ99fzf9yt_VDIPQCRyPhLDg5BcRr72Ovu6iXwZF9UerCEMkx1TB8vpNzoMj4TGzWmRun3ue5nPqM4yt2G7ZmnrMezYpA-9P04h0KDxhADs4l1jfkdvAguyISnOoA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wednesday Noon Men's Core - they have all been so consistent and engaged with one another every week! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigrCntVYF8P7k3TcAzGLo1ewPfD8FtFvIHEMoB7VIoCTlP__u6uYG3densjmV0tw_GlHCLfAszGiwKPOosPfd6S6tPOkHfDV70lJRrib_Tw-E9EnLdnpXzT9hUts_zoFr0GqJpSw6tOpIZNXqM_lQWFK6Mc6FQa1aGNlrDDwmSSQz-JObrK4-jER6qTg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigrCntVYF8P7k3TcAzGLo1ewPfD8FtFvIHEMoB7VIoCTlP__u6uYG3densjmV0tw_GlHCLfAszGiwKPOosPfd6S6tPOkHfDV70lJRrib_Tw-E9EnLdnpXzT9hUts_zoFr0GqJpSw6tOpIZNXqM_lQWFK6Mc6FQa1aGNlrDDwmSSQz-JObrK4-jER6qTg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey giving instructions to our students for a cool worship activity :) </td></tr></tbody></table>I<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8QZwvlo1nL1g3uroIz-yBuJyVRM5c2bQSrBQXXA1AlN6qv1npOkWM2qB_5T14PvRh385Ffl3ZEtarQEIIm7syP1SRdFSFZjjbzA4Mcfi8YRzt6ISDY4nkgeuELhnHC3jnHfsXU1FutLQI5vz_V6vUciZ53nhQxnYsE5-8KdoglnNkuTs2UcqegUGMaw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8QZwvlo1nL1g3uroIz-yBuJyVRM5c2bQSrBQXXA1AlN6qv1npOkWM2qB_5T14PvRh385Ffl3ZEtarQEIIm7syP1SRdFSFZjjbzA4Mcfi8YRzt6ISDY4nkgeuELhnHC3jnHfsXU1FutLQI5vz_V6vUciZ53nhQxnYsE5-8KdoglnNkuTs2UcqegUGMaw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhskmdCHAPp_BRzJ_KNSbpLTlVCpD__V7X-aQZqEttnQmdxWi2na_BXRtq4JKHNXPRoojYVIdbiJ2ERp-kd8sB27EwobxdplvNA8YG0bq5X-MERlFkyXweoNKuYtVq2gqTPexTLZl7R1sblQ1rxEQgODE-pnARWqqoV-CZFxcg7koYhyo5HSTfctbAoBg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhskmdCHAPp_BRzJ_KNSbpLTlVCpD__V7X-aQZqEttnQmdxWi2na_BXRtq4JKHNXPRoojYVIdbiJ2ERp-kd8sB27EwobxdplvNA8YG0bq5X-MERlFkyXweoNKuYtVq2gqTPexTLZl7R1sblQ1rxEQgODE-pnARWqqoV-CZFxcg7koYhyo5HSTfctbAoBg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year I get to lead core w/ Yoni (above). Here he is sharing his student-testimony at Fall Camp! He did a great job being vulnerable and sharing how God has impacted & shaped his life.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3lNiI6JuV3b3DVhbT3Y86-hK4jXROjzgLZPKHTHTt99-8uJk6cG-JirSUkl6Zo1sQM_WZyJymZ6R78OQIcLDPlCX3MwXuUrZLauj_r2Cp3xaee17zEy3BH3LEVy-gCMdaj9bSZbzIfxzPYFV1xB7J0WLJcw-inIHFSctipzrnQv3p3qlwREV-vvg3ug" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3lNiI6JuV3b3DVhbT3Y86-hK4jXROjzgLZPKHTHTt99-8uJk6cG-JirSUkl6Zo1sQM_WZyJymZ6R78OQIcLDPlCX3MwXuUrZLauj_r2Cp3xaee17zEy3BH3LEVy-gCMdaj9bSZbzIfxzPYFV1xB7J0WLJcw-inIHFSctipzrnQv3p3qlwREV-vvg3ug=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUCHlYftKWcw8PfEP98hSpZnsg1ub9dE6JqN8cjHS7XzspDVLR0LMNbt56Ugq8H2uaDbOcteNVjAhD-BrPtXwJb3VATha0iwMod0IuPwBj0UOkPPui8k4BOuNJRBpovfKnYs1dA8xdkCAaz3AshX444MvmekcBnaGcTt96LPWBKYVXzDMun9iQ0dOSmA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUCHlYftKWcw8PfEP98hSpZnsg1ub9dE6JqN8cjHS7XzspDVLR0LMNbt56Ugq8H2uaDbOcteNVjAhD-BrPtXwJb3VATha0iwMod0IuPwBj0UOkPPui8k4BOuNJRBpovfKnYs1dA8xdkCAaz3AshX444MvmekcBnaGcTt96LPWBKYVXzDMun9iQ0dOSmA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8P9exWpPV5Lt7AgiEC5Nv5XSZTwpgx7En-fp7rf6T360jarRTPp6dNB8hwCxnpFxcWOGOgU1DVljPspbJ_khG-vULZr0y6GIDemu11Zq4LR5DjvPcmRlueY8UDRcLVbILLn6O9mdgXwZeAF8dj2t35OrGDbv_jQE9fyf1wKtDmislc6LnD826NkZ5vw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8P9exWpPV5Lt7AgiEC5Nv5XSZTwpgx7En-fp7rf6T360jarRTPp6dNB8hwCxnpFxcWOGOgU1DVljPspbJ_khG-vULZr0y6GIDemu11Zq4LR5DjvPcmRlueY8UDRcLVbILLn6O9mdgXwZeAF8dj2t35OrGDbv_jQE9fyf1wKtDmislc6LnD826NkZ5vw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Thursday Night FOCUS gatherings have been a great time of sharing in one another's lives. These students are definitely busy and it means so much to our staff that they would make it a priority every week to show up! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJF9Z7qwUMazKaAfNrB3P-hQGtausyTrYfFCx4LUTAyZkbFDWD_bK2rF_KxTDKfVedwk0-F7ZCrNOYxC0qUp6bH5Rfv2erjUO7Ws9Wr3-I2mcnL_PS8wTsobITCeyEHi_RoV7GvvyaQSqN98BinS1L4XSbf1fOTmZMwoBaUY1q-22q3mk64vs7RTb8-g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJF9Z7qwUMazKaAfNrB3P-hQGtausyTrYfFCx4LUTAyZkbFDWD_bK2rF_KxTDKfVedwk0-F7ZCrNOYxC0qUp6bH5Rfv2erjUO7Ws9Wr3-I2mcnL_PS8wTsobITCeyEHi_RoV7GvvyaQSqN98BinS1L4XSbf1fOTmZMwoBaUY1q-22q3mk64vs7RTb8-g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a pic I took at our annual FOCUS Worship Class! We all get together to have a fun class on talking about the "Why & the What" of Worship with one another. What a great gift to get to lead this class!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicFjELgVR-Osb841Dx7YCGG_ff35UIJSGLfyXFF8msljRyT0oG1JHmTsit1TOqdPOkzITeYIGNxXExv2tmEiH3Q5bGDaUcPPgbiddusiqHEO0RP9pe5X5nFFnYGy-MMGjY5oDVUUgViF0hsgg_LfwBoSiaW3ZsAQ1wUk9mxyiZdMtVqHedKv2NpJ1PoA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicFjELgVR-Osb841Dx7YCGG_ff35UIJSGLfyXFF8msljRyT0oG1JHmTsit1TOqdPOkzITeYIGNxXExv2tmEiH3Q5bGDaUcPPgbiddusiqHEO0RP9pe5X5nFFnYGy-MMGjY5oDVUUgViF0hsgg_LfwBoSiaW3ZsAQ1wUk9mxyiZdMtVqHedKv2NpJ1PoA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last night Joey did a great job preaching on "Come & See: God's Heart for Growth" :) Grateful to have him on our team! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you all so much for your support & for believing in our mission! October was a powerful month of seeing God's faithfulness in action and beyond that, I get to see God's faithfulness through YOU all. </div><div><br /></div><div>THANK YOU - for your encouragements & love! I'm honored to get to walk alongside you on campus as we get to be vessels for God's love! </div><div><br /></div><div>Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sirak </div>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-49634736745472112942022-09-07T14:15:00.001-07:002022-09-07T14:15:10.322-07:00...And We're Off! (Sirak's August Missions Update)<p>The year has begun! </p><p>My friends & team! I hope that your August wasn't too hot and that you are ready for a beautiful fall season. The year is off to a great start and I'm excited to get to share with you what God has been doing at Dallas College Richland Campus. </p><p>Welcome week was a great experience as we got to connect with a new incoming class of students at Richland College. We've typically set up a volleyball net outside of the main cafeteria, but we have noticed that over the last few years fewer and fewer students were interested in coming outside in the heat to play volleyball (I guess most people want to stay indoors and be on their phones, hah). </p><p>The campus let us set up <b>two</b> different tables on campus to maximize the number of people we would connect with. It was a great experience! Joey (one of our senior staff) coordinated with Starbucks to help us get free coffee every day and we were able to connect with a new students throughout the week! </p><p>Our first week of core was also a great success! The students are excited and motivated to get to know one another and pursue what following Jesus could look like while students. We have momentum and synergy among our students that I have not seen since pre-COVID. Please pray that we would be faithful in loving & serving the students among us! </p><p>Thank you for your support & for believing in our mission to love college students! I hope that the pictures below encourage you and fill you with love. Your support means something! There are students who are being impacted and are being introduced to the Jesus-way of living! So good! </p><p>Pictures Below: </p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLICLSI7xyJnkSbJI24wXZOGZ4WWCnDdiM8FhSwxaAVbd0xttxWVWAxR8LLR3b70MTzRCvPpkhuTeg5vv3HKR9e1OMr0ulcBTOaSApfvBUgsRv3iu6xqoOXJXiWVJZu0Typ6V4qp3lhj3Xj-Qz_EsrXi6hTy705nWPUNXWWltZOZVTOAhJnppBGo1tw/s2048/IMG_7926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLICLSI7xyJnkSbJI24wXZOGZ4WWCnDdiM8FhSwxaAVbd0xttxWVWAxR8LLR3b70MTzRCvPpkhuTeg5vv3HKR9e1OMr0ulcBTOaSApfvBUgsRv3iu6xqoOXJXiWVJZu0Typ6V4qp3lhj3Xj-Qz_EsrXi6hTy705nWPUNXWWltZOZVTOAhJnppBGo1tw/w640-h480/IMG_7926.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For one of our welcome week events, we did a Braums night off campus to meet some of the students that have been coming around! It was fun! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ73EVmbP54hhJChoHmtKQJb-t5kx1KVnJ5fVuvOVJdt6KozQSczTWoKrZLGdQxmxr6GrbGcUnUA513KGPgrvPiCE64DvygSbZS5M-AI8pHjUP3Ji8OLqqEK6PhCR8nNz0QMfWIwrPZ-EOzaXXHbeMWtLFiTb6mnHXMZnAg9V1ACvqh468Zp381hm9ig/s4032/IMG_7925.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ73EVmbP54hhJChoHmtKQJb-t5kx1KVnJ5fVuvOVJdt6KozQSczTWoKrZLGdQxmxr6GrbGcUnUA513KGPgrvPiCE64DvygSbZS5M-AI8pHjUP3Ji8OLqqEK6PhCR8nNz0QMfWIwrPZ-EOzaXXHbeMWtLFiTb6mnHXMZnAg9V1ACvqh468Zp381hm9ig/w400-h300/IMG_7925.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvjZIH6ngfEbB4KZGOExeAVQzpSrBTERX-_TvjI1lJtE-NGtQARoBjeTCwZnk_Y0SKO-I8xApBVwUZK1amMWOIFLHGPu23LBQejf4LREW-MPrdsYFtL6tX1ayrF70RysI2hQacguCskk7aQm3Xvi0XspfRPnJblQKjDeaErsYNp4Wibn5cOoPCNE-5A/s4032/IMG_4604.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvjZIH6ngfEbB4KZGOExeAVQzpSrBTERX-_TvjI1lJtE-NGtQARoBjeTCwZnk_Y0SKO-I8xApBVwUZK1amMWOIFLHGPu23LBQejf4LREW-MPrdsYFtL6tX1ayrF70RysI2hQacguCskk7aQm3Xvi0XspfRPnJblQKjDeaErsYNp4Wibn5cOoPCNE-5A/w640-h480/IMG_4604.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group photo after our first Thursday Night Thunder meeting! It was awesome to get to be with everyone on Thursday Night - we have a lot of fun personalities in our group this year! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju4FwKp23fIh4zeGt3tLTfwMQsDXBPjacnMuE5L0kkc40B486sappvgf5rYhiJ5o-AYsT9y0EWUEdUcS2mINofNUCYIvbaTijV3yQ8WM2oVTSNu417DSSjfZP7dST2-dUjXkSj_1bnbI0K_6AxJnyc2lbhdjSFtS-Ss9vgYTku8-YQPEA4B5BaAWg6A/s2048/IMG_4565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju4FwKp23fIh4zeGt3tLTfwMQsDXBPjacnMuE5L0kkc40B486sappvgf5rYhiJ5o-AYsT9y0EWUEdUcS2mINofNUCYIvbaTijV3yQ8WM2oVTSNu417DSSjfZP7dST2-dUjXkSj_1bnbI0K_6AxJnyc2lbhdjSFtS-Ss9vgYTku8-YQPEA4B5BaAWg6A/w640-h480/IMG_4565.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did an Arcade-night and afterwards we got pizza together! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGy2MND_ndI4cFN43CiIXtKk8bqHuwmhUOo6gHpM4UmkP4urFYP_1u8TJNInzrDM7lZV_eVy-3zfuIend5-pBovBaQWttfvwXjcXpnwQMc78bs1qd5FzRLzkpiMrBDzbJ3MgZO88HjkAIXG16KSEu9HkAVhLR1r5bHhGZqruz2Uk308q5aU5KrbdZ2eA/s4032/IMG_3364.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGy2MND_ndI4cFN43CiIXtKk8bqHuwmhUOo6gHpM4UmkP4urFYP_1u8TJNInzrDM7lZV_eVy-3zfuIend5-pBovBaQWttfvwXjcXpnwQMc78bs1qd5FzRLzkpiMrBDzbJ3MgZO88HjkAIXG16KSEu9HkAVhLR1r5bHhGZqruz2Uk308q5aU5KrbdZ2eA/w640-h480/IMG_3364.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had the privilege to speak at our first Thursday Night FOCUS of the year. Our theme this year is "Come & See". In our sermon series, we are inviting the students to <i>Come & See</i> the many aspects of who God is; I can tell that our sermon series is really resonating with the students! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9FyL7mqDn_PtxF5gV6y5yb6TmKawmDGc4orGkfWDsHobwUGYd-aobgmGVz-NAxOkt0xmSJsYRbWPyNRBOpf-hMyPRcolGbOuOyzvYNyI_8476twrNidGqdeudqH4ea1SaD7z4cN4BX_jfmBnmm1FtFFwgzj9OvWLzBAJqt-GZtYeCNUU9NJI9mhY4w/s4032/IMG_0732.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9FyL7mqDn_PtxF5gV6y5yb6TmKawmDGc4orGkfWDsHobwUGYd-aobgmGVz-NAxOkt0xmSJsYRbWPyNRBOpf-hMyPRcolGbOuOyzvYNyI_8476twrNidGqdeudqH4ea1SaD7z4cN4BX_jfmBnmm1FtFFwgzj9OvWLzBAJqt-GZtYeCNUU9NJI9mhY4w/w640-h480/IMG_0732.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My core this year! I get to lead w/ Yoni (student in the black/white striped shirt) and he has been an absolute blessing to my life. I love getting to work with him and serving alongside him. Please be praying for him, he got in a car accident about a week ago and is currently working with his insurance company to handle all of the details. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffz6BxL33OgEHMiwqpHwMQsOxKDjSirf8SJ0l9Y0-N3_pUiLWZo3z6rmcoEtQ7B1mgT2_NZevADdi98ix2vZ53x8-KElpyoLb9epgrvBJIgJkeC1JC5ZPKP3a833PYseXi4vmcpbGnLUM93Dr36NGFgtUQVZMHbpDbZ7UIQ7p_RG9TXiywBUJOoPzbg/s3147/IMG_0724.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3147" data-original-width="2059" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffz6BxL33OgEHMiwqpHwMQsOxKDjSirf8SJ0l9Y0-N3_pUiLWZo3z6rmcoEtQ7B1mgT2_NZevADdi98ix2vZ53x8-KElpyoLb9epgrvBJIgJkeC1JC5ZPKP3a833PYseXi4vmcpbGnLUM93Dr36NGFgtUQVZMHbpDbZ7UIQ7p_RG9TXiywBUJOoPzbg/w418-h640/IMG_0724.heic" width="418" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is me - as a young lad w/ my sister, Meron. We are walking along a riverwalk in Windsor, Ontario. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqo6Uk-Hfi3yYPly2NdUIo2AsQCuONJ0dUBvWe4TfjsPUU0yIEusmf262uNxgjoD8odN9P4ZuNfmhvLI_I6fgJd_uKDudbijERDwjqMG1U9zhmFjQi7nW3AL6yMLsy7TrG3_Llwo6ON4vWMC4sGjJEHYsllS6TknNLGI2T7CRNYCdNH6pvylA-q1yww/s4032/IMG_0715.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqo6Uk-Hfi3yYPly2NdUIo2AsQCuONJ0dUBvWe4TfjsPUU0yIEusmf262uNxgjoD8odN9P4ZuNfmhvLI_I6fgJd_uKDudbijERDwjqMG1U9zhmFjQi7nW3AL6yMLsy7TrG3_Llwo6ON4vWMC4sGjJEHYsllS6TknNLGI2T7CRNYCdNH6pvylA-q1yww/w640-h480/IMG_0715.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did an Super-Smash-Brothers event on campus during welcome week - it was awesome! We had a bunch of new students come and hang out with us! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbUrhVsZXOO67DKoc2cKQrP2hE21kD3X7A9KgNf1FZDtAwlWPH-WHpkSeHRoUiJ86-3sk95XdYKCGHcwYKVPRFf8KFpKylsfqv9bssBa8pRUOPzeFIkQY1dC-1mjmpWjET5SE5cBiZeBGNIz0WGS_hBzOlGTGcTxmCV9Icxz3N1lBhPsmw0gUp_5KKA/s4032/IMG_0707.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbUrhVsZXOO67DKoc2cKQrP2hE21kD3X7A9KgNf1FZDtAwlWPH-WHpkSeHRoUiJ86-3sk95XdYKCGHcwYKVPRFf8KFpKylsfqv9bssBa8pRUOPzeFIkQY1dC-1mjmpWjET5SE5cBiZeBGNIz0WGS_hBzOlGTGcTxmCV9Icxz3N1lBhPsmw0gUp_5KKA/w640-h480/IMG_0707.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The campus has been more open in letting us advertise around campus with fewer restrictions. Hopefully we are able to connect with more & more students that way! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXji6v0vbRW5OgkAqyuaxiFbJl0cSX1_j5Mkd6XOFrmXEiFW20RfB3FKrw_kvscYYHj5xcW18CowOG5Wr7afPkvwPWirtSO6UplZZNxxADkGFLpomDLo54NKLy2sXLPpqxOEGhuRN_pf7CmCIp__NFLLD0A5P6AnJiy8ryqDBQUcbi0dyeCx-Z7bnRGA/s4032/IMG_0663.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXji6v0vbRW5OgkAqyuaxiFbJl0cSX1_j5Mkd6XOFrmXEiFW20RfB3FKrw_kvscYYHj5xcW18CowOG5Wr7afPkvwPWirtSO6UplZZNxxADkGFLpomDLo54NKLy2sXLPpqxOEGhuRN_pf7CmCIp__NFLLD0A5P6AnJiy8ryqDBQUcbi0dyeCx-Z7bnRGA/w640-h480/IMG_0663.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire w/ our FOCUS table at Welcome Week! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Thank You</b>! So much for believing in me and walking with me along this campus missionary journey :) </p><p>I'm looking forward to an awesome year! Let's do this!</p><p>Sirak </p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-70183633468311667562022-08-15T18:53:00.002-07:002022-08-15T18:53:22.878-07:00The Calm Before the (Beautiful) Storm!<p> My friends :) </p><p><b>Summer is almost over and I am 100% pumped for the school year! </b>Thank you for all of your continued support and partnership through these last 10 years of campus missions work. God has been faithful to grow & develop me in this very unique mission field. </p><p>Summer was a great time of rest & remembering God's faithfulness through countless relationships throughout the years. Campus ministry has provided me with a wealth of friendships that have truly blessed and encouraged me in ways that I have no words for. </p><p>Our Dallas staff team is hard at work preparing for welcome week events, room reservations, and kicking off the year strong with an open heart; ready to meet a new generation of students we can love & serve. </p><p>I hope you all are encouraged by the photos below - thank you so much for believing in me and our mission to love college students!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCN0gC1FGsOgguoO_sOzgfbifPomUANZLz-JhNGBC8dZXevJxdD3Xyymqhx9mqeCofmFHxQEKS_QsIqpjNFHvyBu30Xqfv3rJTi3COO7LryNtHKDO4mSKX1gGJIM7Nb4dmzl0W03xkjU_YAR0F3aQi89DeqlyZqr10_AIIBaCQ3lMWZI_uccW6lBzUQ/s4032/68187812279__B33EC12B-02DF-443B-9066-EB25DD64245D.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCN0gC1FGsOgguoO_sOzgfbifPomUANZLz-JhNGBC8dZXevJxdD3Xyymqhx9mqeCofmFHxQEKS_QsIqpjNFHvyBu30Xqfv3rJTi3COO7LryNtHKDO4mSKX1gGJIM7Nb4dmzl0W03xkjU_YAR0F3aQi89DeqlyZqr10_AIIBaCQ3lMWZI_uccW6lBzUQ/w300-h400/68187812279__B33EC12B-02DF-443B-9066-EB25DD64245D.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had an awesome staff retreat last week and Becca (one of our Collin FOCUS staff) got baptized! It was awesome to see!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCALRWzTXS88pB9iYKDEdcmv4Xx-_p6tg1aVjE01jMi1xrJZI4VRZY96g1gJk7vpf12NwIpmosk60dsFOzlAeoWkc8lv47RFvC4CGxp-m_TXjZjlTl7LjOR7v4WUV2OgjYVQ2J1RVZIop96upv8pQ2c37_7Ep-TNV54I6fkIyX-4TZ86rpG6GxN40rpQ/s4032/IMG_0459%202.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCALRWzTXS88pB9iYKDEdcmv4Xx-_p6tg1aVjE01jMi1xrJZI4VRZY96g1gJk7vpf12NwIpmosk60dsFOzlAeoWkc8lv47RFvC4CGxp-m_TXjZjlTl7LjOR7v4WUV2OgjYVQ2J1RVZIop96upv8pQ2c37_7Ep-TNV54I6fkIyX-4TZ86rpG6GxN40rpQ/w640-h480/IMG_0459%202.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was tough saying goodbye to our 2021-22 FOCUS staff - they are off to do great things for the kingdom in their respective vocational fields. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SycIHCwwjZJaXdiTTsQxez7Vo4P62SWqP7hZfv8qLI83Ak_eIGhjWUQ3XSpClqNZ8sZKkjcCDwC8f6pJklG4lwaRq2PTGFJcxpjqP2UBje-PO__bDy1IMGrwZNUquWA1xq9grklhMVhc4Dj-JcjR-O91heRT6bUUMqg4Mq8j8-4KnaPLsYkFCJq9jA/s4032/IMG_0460%202.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SycIHCwwjZJaXdiTTsQxez7Vo4P62SWqP7hZfv8qLI83Ak_eIGhjWUQ3XSpClqNZ8sZKkjcCDwC8f6pJklG4lwaRq2PTGFJcxpjqP2UBje-PO__bDy1IMGrwZNUquWA1xq9grklhMVhc4Dj-JcjR-O91heRT6bUUMqg4Mq8j8-4KnaPLsYkFCJq9jA/w400-h300/IMG_0460%202.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Thursday Night Summer FOCUS meetings were such an encouragement this summer. We have a great group of students across our campuses and I'm excited to see what the fall semester has in store for us! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4XqJUK0RRkR3fTGdgWyTTK28XpsuSi5Mu3R9iA4ayfI9kltLTAXEUvKsF5cpH83MXW87alp_VS0KMtjEl3tO-rV0vmhtN1SifWTktf_s6mRcg8AxuWjbpXvhH-PiN2g0ASPB0ulUNcubPM-kbWK5WhjVQdBMWButEubjl7Hpe68sWpaajNsDw-RnBw/s4032/IMG_0615.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4XqJUK0RRkR3fTGdgWyTTK28XpsuSi5Mu3R9iA4ayfI9kltLTAXEUvKsF5cpH83MXW87alp_VS0KMtjEl3tO-rV0vmhtN1SifWTktf_s6mRcg8AxuWjbpXvhH-PiN2g0ASPB0ulUNcubPM-kbWK5WhjVQdBMWButEubjl7Hpe68sWpaajNsDw-RnBw/w300-h400/IMG_0615.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also, I turned 34 years old this summer! Feeling old! :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKERe09fwmLsqjw-C8x9ku-hhcjb7w-Pe4MXdmbmS6P7J8rXyrNLIW8D5fpAypPF5ouegeSK2yWfhgLUDlmbEbYF3xJ7SGlQ_EbS6rt0gKoAs-oopUfWL8KuTzEuVVsvIqo4bhSc5eJ36go2tIBoPkGR86ByYUpv6epyB3DURiw3497YlJeuLeIBjtAw/s4032/IMG_0618.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKERe09fwmLsqjw-C8x9ku-hhcjb7w-Pe4MXdmbmS6P7J8rXyrNLIW8D5fpAypPF5ouegeSK2yWfhgLUDlmbEbYF3xJ7SGlQ_EbS6rt0gKoAs-oopUfWL8KuTzEuVVsvIqo4bhSc5eJ36go2tIBoPkGR86ByYUpv6epyB3DURiw3497YlJeuLeIBjtAw/w400-h300/IMG_0618.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, my wife, my beautiful mother and brother!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAJ1FWeIvWWGB-ABpsv6x3Z5ct99AH8uv2HmRpamq8oqC5GzT4QZtCwX-VufyIpP3c2QWmP0iFmbnZxA1Uoe7K1vbP5ibyzuwHqJfwP790HUFov0jtHUc3jWAhSN3ElWMOqrKOO81Oy6z-vWZaERk5u9RdDxooC3TI8LmEQzRjRbrph9SF31FUY20zA/s4032/IMG_0644.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAJ1FWeIvWWGB-ABpsv6x3Z5ct99AH8uv2HmRpamq8oqC5GzT4QZtCwX-VufyIpP3c2QWmP0iFmbnZxA1Uoe7K1vbP5ibyzuwHqJfwP790HUFov0jtHUc3jWAhSN3ElWMOqrKOO81Oy6z-vWZaERk5u9RdDxooC3TI8LmEQzRjRbrph9SF31FUY20zA/w640-h480/IMG_0644.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had an awesome SMU/Dallas College student leader training over the weekend. We have a fun group of students that are excited about this fall. Please pray for each and every one of them that they would be bold in connecting with new students as new friendships are built!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Cqgi9vGky9BgYzlt3uZT9oOdmr0NX3euUfneYYHDYu1gbX805L9Gvqo0DByXrtT_WhSmFtURqC0h9jdIbKmZq6-lZ1yWgX79lG-JBZb2YT3PFqOJb9NlM-GZTzU9fugwcU60WJlZ7vTsnDWYYd7xbvhmA8HQZnUOfwysIE4VO461oleAJcBd-iUwhQ/s4032/IMG_0646.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Cqgi9vGky9BgYzlt3uZT9oOdmr0NX3euUfneYYHDYu1gbX805L9Gvqo0DByXrtT_WhSmFtURqC0h9jdIbKmZq6-lZ1yWgX79lG-JBZb2YT3PFqOJb9NlM-GZTzU9fugwcU60WJlZ7vTsnDWYYd7xbvhmA8HQZnUOfwysIE4VO461oleAJcBd-iUwhQ/w480-h640/IMG_0646.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of our leader training from this past weekend!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ57QDdZTWnU8L9rWkk92ylGzojqO6dhlYufkfZThf73JFF3aknejzcIZHG1TOoNPwYNqqZMlLWibfve_fHAdejvS0kFa7XZ69T7Cl25hqDdjhps2Na0gssTKAZtUjL8nOnG5mo7hcKrb4V0Btozlkfv8M6LH9fdjpE4iPG95nh2mL2s6UDu1QuyXVpw/s9560/IMG_0648.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3804" data-original-width="9560" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ57QDdZTWnU8L9rWkk92ylGzojqO6dhlYufkfZThf73JFF3aknejzcIZHG1TOoNPwYNqqZMlLWibfve_fHAdejvS0kFa7XZ69T7Cl25hqDdjhps2Na0gssTKAZtUjL8nOnG5mo7hcKrb4V0Btozlkfv8M6LH9fdjpE4iPG95nh2mL2s6UDu1QuyXVpw/w640-h254/IMG_0648.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grateful for this group of students! I'm excited for what this year has in store for us.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Thank you so much for believing in me all of these years :) I'm blown away that you all would partner with us as we get to love college students! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need prayer for anything in your life.</p><p>Please pray for us as we jump into Welcome Week next week. It'll be jam packed with meeting new students, connecting with their hearts and hearing about how FOCUS can serve them this year! </p><p>Thank you for your support!</p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak</p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-70703129400045280832022-06-13T08:49:00.001-07:002022-06-13T08:49:04.592-07:00Summer Is Off To A Great Start :) My friends & team :) <div><br /></div><div>Summer is off to a wonderful start! Thank you all for letting me reconnect with you and share about the vision to love college students this year! </div><div><br /></div><div>This summer my goal is to re-connect with graduates, Richland FOCUS alum, and friends/family that have been instrumental in my ministry journey. I couldn't do any of this without you! </div><div><br /></div><div>Summer FOCUS is off to a get start (see photos below). There are many new students that I am meeting week to week who are excited about learning what it means to follow Jesus. Awesome stuff! I feel honored to get to be a part of their journeys this summer before we hit the ground running in August. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please be praying for our FOCUS staff as we support-raise in preparation for a great school year this fall :) </div><div><br /></div><div>There is so much to be grateful for :) THANK YOU for your support and for believing in me and the mission to love college students. I hope that the pictures below are encouraging and uplifting to you! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODrw6yGwrpbsIpSE3bLrC1hg3h7IY1nWWryiZSd1DnJkluhz0A4Ikdbma5ndrXYyttuEDnkPP3SzTVC_DkLnpfm5_r0gmePqg_2KCWz2odxkVY2nhDJc4TTAMg55xe303RJ9ZaLv3rWa0fGzL_IS430Kd1Nrs1yG99JDvRWtZ3He860Up3MiDc7c0LQ/s4032/IMG_0402%202.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODrw6yGwrpbsIpSE3bLrC1hg3h7IY1nWWryiZSd1DnJkluhz0A4Ikdbma5ndrXYyttuEDnkPP3SzTVC_DkLnpfm5_r0gmePqg_2KCWz2odxkVY2nhDJc4TTAMg55xe303RJ9ZaLv3rWa0fGzL_IS430Kd1Nrs1yG99JDvRWtZ3He860Up3MiDc7c0LQ/s320/IMG_0402%202.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love getting to meet up with Yoni every week to study the Bible together. He will be a sophomore at Richland College this fall - he has been a true gift to our ministry! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge31P9m7rkIyQeUwnyH7IQr8-Ct6rMiCP7DQlYfjh0EEenuQxXEZaTFo9nYhQdpvZT4A8UMQmdJOC9l-jtftZY_VdY68tq3SMTIEd2U6g_IeYQ5VuQmp3KpCwBj8EoD6sJmLKynxrk5fFj4Qmc1oTpXkaNK4yGZc6ih7g91V69nwkbN1M18bOIKnY2BA/s4032/IMG_0459.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge31P9m7rkIyQeUwnyH7IQr8-Ct6rMiCP7DQlYfjh0EEenuQxXEZaTFo9nYhQdpvZT4A8UMQmdJOC9l-jtftZY_VdY68tq3SMTIEd2U6g_IeYQ5VuQmp3KpCwBj8EoD6sJmLKynxrk5fFj4Qmc1oTpXkaNK4yGZc6ih7g91V69nwkbN1M18bOIKnY2BA/w640-h480/IMG_0459.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spent some time honoring our FOCUS staff who are transitioning off of staff and into the workplace. (From left to right: Ashlyn, Amber, Taylor, Garrett, Alex, Austin N. Austin B. Cole, and Connor) We are going to miss them! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7__SE3Ppna7TzNNUwbdZg1IBKiMb9OY5APb3MzxIptCou3Gm-XfjmJzGgbRZogADbE5dR0phF3DGiI9sYnlMOCJ36pfFYvP9-aYA4dx7tY8vnYjPM7X7mAtJBnU-_uIEsxzi6P0gqB6vb9W_HMD0N_ilA8dn9BBreuXnN8AreJXcT-kH8Rivw1pexg/s4032/IMG_0460.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7__SE3Ppna7TzNNUwbdZg1IBKiMb9OY5APb3MzxIptCou3Gm-XfjmJzGgbRZogADbE5dR0phF3DGiI9sYnlMOCJ36pfFYvP9-aYA4dx7tY8vnYjPM7X7mAtJBnU-_uIEsxzi6P0gqB6vb9W_HMD0N_ilA8dn9BBreuXnN8AreJXcT-kH8Rivw1pexg/w640-h480/IMG_0460.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first summer FOCUS meeting! :) It was a blast! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kz6Wf4jMbVs2ULsdTvnn_ohnXuOgoyj69JcOUCZ5pHy7J7-AYkCU-8--rizzW1bBSmGmc3_zyzXzvF18A4-DsXEB1Dsl7s55lFm83R0PG67l5NoCWIKaZd-Dc645D5w4oRP5SlLyyTWphvjLnjj0zzslC7mxVa_TBpM-FVGjn1KiWHBeGd6B5VY_Xw/s4032/IMG_0432.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kz6Wf4jMbVs2ULsdTvnn_ohnXuOgoyj69JcOUCZ5pHy7J7-AYkCU-8--rizzW1bBSmGmc3_zyzXzvF18A4-DsXEB1Dsl7s55lFm83R0PG67l5NoCWIKaZd-Dc645D5w4oRP5SlLyyTWphvjLnjj0zzslC7mxVa_TBpM-FVGjn1KiWHBeGd6B5VY_Xw/w480-h640/IMG_0432.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wife (Sloan) had an ankle surgery about 5 weeks ago. She is recovering great and it off to a great start! We're expecting a full recovery.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAqna8lz8GwqYVNV0nkJzlWh3dPJsBfhHDGqP3rM83uzVyzwBQnTqIbvmjl__DMJYFgbJeG_0ARXOGvcSi3lvOToMSDcm9BA0KPavJ_KcYq7-JiA7lV0E2UwMcXuyI5PbOrQcNwpEU8mRt_6BlpZ07i4WlQh1w4wQzvrszb57xLnvyg_ZQWAtedTObQ/s5449/22-5-05%7C%20End%20of%20year%20party%7C%20Trang%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3633" data-original-width="5449" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAqna8lz8GwqYVNV0nkJzlWh3dPJsBfhHDGqP3rM83uzVyzwBQnTqIbvmjl__DMJYFgbJeG_0ARXOGvcSi3lvOToMSDcm9BA0KPavJ_KcYq7-JiA7lV0E2UwMcXuyI5PbOrQcNwpEU8mRt_6BlpZ07i4WlQh1w4wQzvrszb57xLnvyg_ZQWAtedTObQ/w400-h266/22-5-05%7C%20End%20of%20year%20party%7C%20Trang%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS men!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5Q00hcO3xx7i22IyPIGz3LQrLBCL2ug3LAf4gy7A9ECp07miL74cqWw_MkZRlSxrgpB5fES_k-sLaJNc963pV9BbiXFmk4UUDn5RAXxbU9NfqbvivfOz4-DBmzmA8iK47IksDy_SQbeddqXZYDS8BZqSyd5ThkjbqMNsg-i718yeTojkdfZqP8H9MQ/s5695/22-5-05%7C%20End%20of%20year%20party%7C%20Trang%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3797" data-original-width="5695" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5Q00hcO3xx7i22IyPIGz3LQrLBCL2ug3LAf4gy7A9ECp07miL74cqWw_MkZRlSxrgpB5fES_k-sLaJNc963pV9BbiXFmk4UUDn5RAXxbU9NfqbvivfOz4-DBmzmA8iK47IksDy_SQbeddqXZYDS8BZqSyd5ThkjbqMNsg-i718yeTojkdfZqP8H9MQ/w400-h266/22-5-05%7C%20End%20of%20year%20party%7C%20Trang%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS women! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />God has been so good this past school year and I'm excited for what the summer holds! Please do not hesitate to email me if you need prayer for anything going on in your life!<div><br /></div><div>Your brother & campus minister,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sirak <br /><div><br /></div></div>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-88774467788116326572022-05-13T09:38:00.001-07:002022-05-13T09:38:09.000-07:00The End of a Beautiful Year!<p>My friends! My Team!</p><p>Thank you for your support and walking alongside me this year. I am blown away at how fast this year has flown by and at how <b>faithful</b> God was in creating a community on campus at Dallas College Richland Campus that loves & welcomes any student that shows up! </p><p>Thank you for believing in our mission to love college students & help them receive & respond to the love that God offers :) I couldn't be doing this without any of you. I hope that these pictures remind you of what your support is going toward - lives that are being changed for God's kingdom! </p><p>I know that lockdown/campus shut-down was 1.5-2 years ago, but, I can sense that things are starting to get to normal. Students are ready to re-engage, come out of their shells, and be a part of the community campus life that we are hoping to build on campus. Please be in prayer for us as we reflect on the past year, prepare through the summer, and hit the ground running come the fall! </p><p>Enjoy the pictures below!</p><p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6WJY0W4oKXa2GmY4hjztRXgyvI82HfLuD8JNN7VrnPSsDWJc_z4m0Yc4qao01NnfrZE3nBUbPjOfqMQ1Ku8kuM5he0W5qvB-8oIQsM5kOIJmYMMKidBGUEnUihGS2Yvvbv5d7aAs7KecNeoWNly_nifPjHI0H6E1TLiK6x-PKtY7xMzbBGpFN3gcig/s2048/IMG_7344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6WJY0W4oKXa2GmY4hjztRXgyvI82HfLuD8JNN7VrnPSsDWJc_z4m0Yc4qao01NnfrZE3nBUbPjOfqMQ1Ku8kuM5he0W5qvB-8oIQsM5kOIJmYMMKidBGUEnUihGS2Yvvbv5d7aAs7KecNeoWNly_nifPjHI0H6E1TLiK6x-PKtY7xMzbBGpFN3gcig/w480-h640/IMG_7344.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our students brought their nephew to our end-of-the-year party and he was hanging out & having a blast (see the little boy behind me...). He was so fun to have around!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMPcbr7M2VTAbKWujm1CNQaDLUMEpd7zE8i4tXXFZGuia-i8PSfbI2jhlEPrGuFnCBpaqJXgXifoNMEWbLIdBgexagYFzZ-EuAvFZj2fbZgSiIOpGWeKZbJpnTEfIPtYf4o4YM9cFsRDbs7UNT4eC7kkkH0DU5Mec8_P9ZexJTuFjCxEcwiKkXKVFTw/s4032/IMG_0402.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMPcbr7M2VTAbKWujm1CNQaDLUMEpd7zE8i4tXXFZGuia-i8PSfbI2jhlEPrGuFnCBpaqJXgXifoNMEWbLIdBgexagYFzZ-EuAvFZj2fbZgSiIOpGWeKZbJpnTEfIPtYf4o4YM9cFsRDbs7UNT4eC7kkkH0DU5Mec8_P9ZexJTuFjCxEcwiKkXKVFTw/w480-h640/IMG_0402.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have been doing a 1-on-1 bible study w/ a student named Yoni. He has been a huge blessing to spend time with and get to know. I am grateful that God crossed our paths with one another. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vgaybQ9Qi2ibz3Ac2aAJraH1ep7-UalEnpBlMNqCKwVhuj7CySIR7ZklVLoZ0GdegP0f5GSKVrtkENBxmfDCnDUMQ2G3-h1cLDbMrqc1anH1-g4JQhIGrxdW6qc9futcOWebYLfK6WSuz1gCmCMJZSdW8twtajKL-2oybu3luPeAFQUUnHTCS4J_nQ/s960/IMG_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vgaybQ9Qi2ibz3Ac2aAJraH1ep7-UalEnpBlMNqCKwVhuj7CySIR7ZklVLoZ0GdegP0f5GSKVrtkENBxmfDCnDUMQ2G3-h1cLDbMrqc1anH1-g4JQhIGrxdW6qc9futcOWebYLfK6WSuz1gCmCMJZSdW8twtajKL-2oybu3luPeAFQUUnHTCS4J_nQ/w360-h640/IMG_0397.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Miller, a good ministry prayer & good friend of mine, has been coming to our Thursday Night FOCUS events and our students 100% love having him there. We spent a few minutes honoring & celebrating him! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhWIsS8HOJRbU__y-gdrp0MASVb75MOgyg3wGYmibKAAR6UU8aUgqFmlMcms6HqAKD21fKabupf4EI7KvcPwB6BphxlgHaiUVMCesPaV_NSp55lG5zcsl0JT4alZmKpqlhwIjLpKUJxXC1X4ZZxYzl_Dv0GPM7HdaOd-e7x4CE-2rSj2lWknV1AtgQg/s4032/IMG_0390.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhWIsS8HOJRbU__y-gdrp0MASVb75MOgyg3wGYmibKAAR6UU8aUgqFmlMcms6HqAKD21fKabupf4EI7KvcPwB6BphxlgHaiUVMCesPaV_NSp55lG5zcsl0JT4alZmKpqlhwIjLpKUJxXC1X4ZZxYzl_Dv0GPM7HdaOd-e7x4CE-2rSj2lWknV1AtgQg/w640-h480/IMG_0390.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fZraJdtP7R9LgF-iYJBsJ3Zj6TguUnLQVP90qVWTSQUX34f-_aefIP2JOIVT4KwvGFOQZuPvoDP79BNMfTJ94y6wkX1ZZDYGt7XhRaud9ANUAzhMv5QrxcLB-xf3lBLzNS3KhuhJIntULzHdILLeIEQJSVuiqpGhIhTqy1eZb8c863qxFsvpGLcDPA/s4032/IMG_0388.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fZraJdtP7R9LgF-iYJBsJ3Zj6TguUnLQVP90qVWTSQUX34f-_aefIP2JOIVT4KwvGFOQZuPvoDP79BNMfTJ94y6wkX1ZZDYGt7XhRaud9ANUAzhMv5QrxcLB-xf3lBLzNS3KhuhJIntULzHdILLeIEQJSVuiqpGhIhTqy1eZb8c863qxFsvpGLcDPA/w640-h480/IMG_0388.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For our students that are transferring to a four-year university, we laid hands on them to pray for God's guidance and blessing over them! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxDZxdbyEQSxqB-79zwmWBFi20SeN_niPVx2oWHOxOn-yQDdWWxzkbSbCezbAYsIaeKYWUh4NjpYoHGokK_n1D_o5_mRXsbEHiLxDmd7enBtpjIqNvOThw7dXZt1IYos3fqySZ5O0SyQADljqP4EnfOZ-MhEDcHzJybcyALTCNCE_Vom4gAZukSJslw/s4032/IMG_0384.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxDZxdbyEQSxqB-79zwmWBFi20SeN_niPVx2oWHOxOn-yQDdWWxzkbSbCezbAYsIaeKYWUh4NjpYoHGokK_n1D_o5_mRXsbEHiLxDmd7enBtpjIqNvOThw7dXZt1IYos3fqySZ5O0SyQADljqP4EnfOZ-MhEDcHzJybcyALTCNCE_Vom4gAZukSJslw/w640-h480/IMG_0384.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connor Clements has served this year at Brookhaven Campus and has been such a faithful & reliable part of our ministry. We are going to miss him! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKTs_tWg5KqoTyl8F-cLUqlGmGu6ecBBETBvM3e7e1cWEHAK1V1RIlxcoZYk2NaGZTiEtqif6mCBB8CkbHE9brdq6A_y7jZ0IR7blQ2ElzxoX472qRVvxdDHTCQ2Z6V_Q_2Cgm9jx9g3bSTdQCQtbdxuFp0GYuJlrLjyJHv8DBJGjn9IkE0ZzHrvQEg/s4032/IMG_0383.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKTs_tWg5KqoTyl8F-cLUqlGmGu6ecBBETBvM3e7e1cWEHAK1V1RIlxcoZYk2NaGZTiEtqif6mCBB8CkbHE9brdq6A_y7jZ0IR7blQ2ElzxoX472qRVvxdDHTCQ2Z6V_Q_2Cgm9jx9g3bSTdQCQtbdxuFp0GYuJlrLjyJHv8DBJGjn9IkE0ZzHrvQEg/w640-h480/IMG_0383.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For our end-of-the-year party, we did a meaningful sharing time where our students got to share & talk about how they've seen God move in their lives & the lives around them! It was great :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeETcrp4ohMFVybrBagCALrkZTk0Idn9nhPJNEgLZZM2u4Lcj0eiSfSadVeR67P8GZC56cY_LYmhRS6g-bMHqVCDivJK2NaxelT_p57BFlwD7_o3erJbrh_34EhwRvWFvEeEUEnP3mfAJ--ztHy1xFvzoZOLNjcJ82xQiw7yIIW3XCMD6ehaA0ZehHg/s4032/IMG_0379.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeETcrp4ohMFVybrBagCALrkZTk0Idn9nhPJNEgLZZM2u4Lcj0eiSfSadVeR67P8GZC56cY_LYmhRS6g-bMHqVCDivJK2NaxelT_p57BFlwD7_o3erJbrh_34EhwRvWFvEeEUEnP3mfAJ--ztHy1xFvzoZOLNjcJ82xQiw7yIIW3XCMD6ehaA0ZehHg/w480-h640/IMG_0379.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFK3DeJgHfsh_7HM0Oa1_BEDPrIt-YjqDqF_OpCZ-ucTAbY9BwanH8AS0Azt9rIxxJguGPlTsVR3n-YGeIstp7a6JNflSMEh5WoqU_Uv0tdiS5zvfPkRWTc0BpIk1pLmWR-RsHjYGKF0tnw8OSqMUQb-zXZPo4oYpr3cmTqt7BMu2rRrn6U1KDWHuUA/s4032/IMG_0372.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFK3DeJgHfsh_7HM0Oa1_BEDPrIt-YjqDqF_OpCZ-ucTAbY9BwanH8AS0Azt9rIxxJguGPlTsVR3n-YGeIstp7a6JNflSMEh5WoqU_Uv0tdiS5zvfPkRWTc0BpIk1pLmWR-RsHjYGKF0tnw8OSqMUQb-zXZPo4oYpr3cmTqt7BMu2rRrn6U1KDWHuUA/w400-h300/IMG_0372.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdxNX3jRcZ18SqtX4ZAojmPY7Xp2kF7uHd4MmyZO4Lur5acSB-IYMXcjHt4buO3JOcC023W6b3GyopPvZZ14hbYJQ96zXzAqg5U6VN6pSAOaEyYwK8B8p5V20USTyt17T2nDC0DAJHoyEooKMu6ZlKz0rnzk7l6GzihSOLqPYfS7v_NVx-P2bFxo_tQ/s4032/IMG_0366.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdxNX3jRcZ18SqtX4ZAojmPY7Xp2kF7uHd4MmyZO4Lur5acSB-IYMXcjHt4buO3JOcC023W6b3GyopPvZZ14hbYJQ96zXzAqg5U6VN6pSAOaEyYwK8B8p5V20USTyt17T2nDC0DAJHoyEooKMu6ZlKz0rnzk7l6GzihSOLqPYfS7v_NVx-P2bFxo_tQ/w640-h480/IMG_0366.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For our final core of the year, we decided to go out and get lunch together at a local Vietnamese restaurant. Bryan, Chris, Yoni and I had a great time sharing stories and talking about our summer plans! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vyYImJ2Vc8URlkHfLCSFRqF93Wc1nHJ-xkW_6Lj-ZU80c7eArBTWDUFN-r9nbcsNJT__Xsp0U4MFRehDAghg6ww4xrdT9HuRljYzWCxolqC39f7aEY5d6EpWT9onFvfrDUtgeemFWKSNJRKeRSJBiuhI0s9waRsyNv8QVB34K8-2DAg80n5rMwwFBA/s4032/IMG_0332.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vyYImJ2Vc8URlkHfLCSFRqF93Wc1nHJ-xkW_6Lj-ZU80c7eArBTWDUFN-r9nbcsNJT__Xsp0U4MFRehDAghg6ww4xrdT9HuRljYzWCxolqC39f7aEY5d6EpWT9onFvfrDUtgeemFWKSNJRKeRSJBiuhI0s9waRsyNv8QVB34K8-2DAg80n5rMwwFBA/w400-h300/IMG_0332.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For some reason we all got interested in watching YouTube videos about the Universe. It would take 10-15 minutes to marvel at the Universe before we would begin our core discussion! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jFW2LdDxlf9ts7KkRwy-wWN0MG_yj3sHp7Ac1S3C4dGiyViDTRFcq6ZeueGZN7w2ZnJEczou5Odhe2UarqVHngkftRFnJRfQTA9q9KSEjULHe4JNqLrAUbgW1dATomzbqfSZQIp00xrXSFJA7iRldUieF8jpTucIFfqCkF2qfR8jwVZyjPfbY63q5w/s4032/IMG_0236.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jFW2LdDxlf9ts7KkRwy-wWN0MG_yj3sHp7Ac1S3C4dGiyViDTRFcq6ZeueGZN7w2ZnJEczou5Odhe2UarqVHngkftRFnJRfQTA9q9KSEjULHe4JNqLrAUbgW1dATomzbqfSZQIp00xrXSFJA7iRldUieF8jpTucIFfqCkF2qfR8jwVZyjPfbY63q5w/w640-h480/IMG_0236.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWUsmVp-VmtBAJxB6r_meE_7gVRCvJNroAXr4geaaDh0iCUp7a8EYKbhjcEcBSHgmkj-ULnf9GGsxk1tv-mz3kvvxZJsgwFVACIygKH802ROPI2ojLZm4h6W8YBpJn4BM07SF8PHFODVzG5VoXjY1w4PzGT4V9zXcfRiLt5QRTbk4tj4VJ-7L8uIODA/s4032/IMG_0224.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWUsmVp-VmtBAJxB6r_meE_7gVRCvJNroAXr4geaaDh0iCUp7a8EYKbhjcEcBSHgmkj-ULnf9GGsxk1tv-mz3kvvxZJsgwFVACIygKH802ROPI2ojLZm4h6W8YBpJn4BM07SF8PHFODVzG5VoXjY1w4PzGT4V9zXcfRiLt5QRTbk4tj4VJ-7L8uIODA/w480-h640/IMG_0224.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSczSMQ3SzLOJZhp0vEgjWOUaB8f6oVYR3o4lxpiRfxS2a5LqlDbt0un13Zm6yFfQA85OCl1d_z8o6Mm32sspjaFjRpjPPvsMEsImrSIGobuwslfBmHqXNv5pcZP_fMMiYlgf8iBS1SGxcLbktvXThSscQNOb8jQpDnyffoDk2RQExkvmAktXPxjBEA/s5449/22-5-05%7C%20End%20of%20year%20party%7C%20Trang%202_Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3633" data-original-width="5449" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSczSMQ3SzLOJZhp0vEgjWOUaB8f6oVYR3o4lxpiRfxS2a5LqlDbt0un13Zm6yFfQA85OCl1d_z8o6Mm32sspjaFjRpjPPvsMEsImrSIGobuwslfBmHqXNv5pcZP_fMMiYlgf8iBS1SGxcLbktvXThSscQNOb8jQpDnyffoDk2RQExkvmAktXPxjBEA/w640-h426/22-5-05%7C%20End%20of%20year%20party%7C%20Trang%202_Original.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm thankful for each and every one of these students! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV-xFT5x9ZC6F5TSBSgkkHi2-HyS7k7tBJkWxlB6oG5KpECITGScXRfj18J7M6lIbxmETfjSNBybVL8ElnAoTdYE3Lrqwu6in9JxU6hLexYGXx-MXA9KlNv6-Z5Z3waED3nj_h65lOTrAIu9FLwwHTcnFbQ5htvz7KIx9-tXgPtkbXIjhwIQ_bg3GWg/s5695/22-5-05%7C%20End%20of%20year%20party%7C%20Trang%201_Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3797" data-original-width="5695" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV-xFT5x9ZC6F5TSBSgkkHi2-HyS7k7tBJkWxlB6oG5KpECITGScXRfj18J7M6lIbxmETfjSNBybVL8ElnAoTdYE3Lrqwu6in9JxU6hLexYGXx-MXA9KlNv6-Z5Z3waED3nj_h65lOTrAIu9FLwwHTcnFbQ5htvz7KIx9-tXgPtkbXIjhwIQ_bg3GWg/w640-h426/22-5-05%7C%20End%20of%20year%20party%7C%20Trang%201_Original.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandra & Claire have done an amazing job this year loving & serving our students :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you all so much for believing in me this year! I'm blown away that I get to serve these college students alongside you all. </p><p>This summer, I'd love to connect or re-connect with you! Do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything from me. I'll be in touch!</p><p><br /></p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak </p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-87712230189823087562022-03-23T14:32:00.000-07:002022-03-23T14:32:11.299-07:00Spring Is Here and It's Lovely :) My friends & my team :) <div><br /></div><div>February & March have been amazing months full of spiritual friendships being formed, connecting with new students and being reminded of God's faithfulness. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today in core, we had a great conversation on how anger can impact the way we see others & ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (verses 4 - 7)</div><div><br /></div><div>We reflected on how our culture encourages us to be easily-angered and triggered by all of the pain we see in the world. Our culture encourages us to have our opinions read & on hand to throw at someone we disagree with. Our "opinions" are the truth we win with. </div><div><br /></div><div>Paul argues that the only thing to make ANY difference in the world is: <b>Love.</b> Loving one another. Patiently loving one another. Kindly loving one another. There is a freedom we have when we confidently decide to love & embrace our brother & sister as our own - especially in a world that is bent on dividing and judging. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know that I can be the chief when it comes to anger. I can be too quick to assume and lash out against those around me - especially the ones who are trying to love me! Oh, the irony. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have around 6-7 core meetings left. Please pray that as we engage with the scripture that the students hearts would be open to what God wants to share & press onto them. God's word is truly living and active! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you so much for believing in our mission, I'm honored to get to be alongside you all as we love & lead this next generation of college student. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the pictures below :) Your support is going a long way to connect students to the message of our living God! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhWtxneAZIbtfQceCTber4ILzGYXrw21nABI8X16zcL3aA6QXhKUf09YqLWJuBWBiYAQjVZF8w-x-U0X-WJI6Ud_m8TXHEtBDgLq-a92m0fLi6gAgBqJaU0SVBvRM9fs05Og7zU5ErHTV8HP6FoxDUINqA1FBeofTFfiRUh1VZhnRDurSEnhei3tLzQ/s1104/207B031E-EE2B-4483-AA5C-B9FD7A7C656C%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1104" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhWtxneAZIbtfQceCTber4ILzGYXrw21nABI8X16zcL3aA6QXhKUf09YqLWJuBWBiYAQjVZF8w-x-U0X-WJI6Ud_m8TXHEtBDgLq-a92m0fLi6gAgBqJaU0SVBvRM9fs05Og7zU5ErHTV8HP6FoxDUINqA1FBeofTFfiRUh1VZhnRDurSEnhei3tLzQ/w400-h400/207B031E-EE2B-4483-AA5C-B9FD7A7C656C%202.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This June my wife and I will be celebrating our 4-year wedding anniversary. Wow! Time truly move so quick :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC73rtd4yblVIZ5kyh0EgtAon_s3Seg6LZbfQ5V_zePpVQam00I4cAccr0-pvANS_uTFKNurf5wxkTmqH3mWKhNpYZYwLW5kFWS8X8MhuYIZxZe3sRLIVGvjudzZJjLaLUZVK-474TqSdtM1BPiipZApCL8xKl_13Oq1DxahCIWIEYNK9L40VqidvATg/s4032/66658080535__29ABA1CA-3FD3-4F1D-99FB-8ACBC2E96CDC.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC73rtd4yblVIZ5kyh0EgtAon_s3Seg6LZbfQ5V_zePpVQam00I4cAccr0-pvANS_uTFKNurf5wxkTmqH3mWKhNpYZYwLW5kFWS8X8MhuYIZxZe3sRLIVGvjudzZJjLaLUZVK-474TqSdtM1BPiipZApCL8xKl_13Oq1DxahCIWIEYNK9L40VqidvATg/w640-h480/66658080535__29ABA1CA-3FD3-4F1D-99FB-8ACBC2E96CDC.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had to cancel our staff retreat in January due to a small COVID outbreak. We ended up rescheduling our staff retreat to February and we had a great time!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw5dLzFpPt8xJ5FcrXhZlSKcyIT6IIyLQ7IEEDABjNTazNgLS4qvTJBsJhe4Plql3S3eptSmwB2TKo0wFnyILeOya4FizfRPLQ5jf9PHELjKObbdPIr8GA7wh1jMP7WutQ_piItsIK5G7v488WfQFhw9qcUhzG_l4TrIfO_TFnZuLB9_KDhq5lgK7uA/s960/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw5dLzFpPt8xJ5FcrXhZlSKcyIT6IIyLQ7IEEDABjNTazNgLS4qvTJBsJhe4Plql3S3eptSmwB2TKo0wFnyILeOya4FizfRPLQ5jf9PHELjKObbdPIr8GA7wh1jMP7WutQ_piItsIK5G7v488WfQFhw9qcUhzG_l4TrIfO_TFnZuLB9_KDhq5lgK7uA/w480-h640/IMG_0079.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful for all of these wild crazy students :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVieb2byUsgBeCdaVvH7KvFx8N3JMqWJXhGzTIWXnfWGSPo7DlldOvObdxsfkn8pUkVVxXAjotawJjsbqbt85faeyEgGX8zM_m4OOYiZn6TEVurD8Vo63_ajZ6LkKJ5E6ZoTu5vtOPZBpFILn57_OecFrW-IyI5Uu1CCi5u5I-qrfuq7-8l6WPjZvGBg/s4032/IMG_0148.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVieb2byUsgBeCdaVvH7KvFx8N3JMqWJXhGzTIWXnfWGSPo7DlldOvObdxsfkn8pUkVVxXAjotawJjsbqbt85faeyEgGX8zM_m4OOYiZn6TEVurD8Vo63_ajZ6LkKJ5E6ZoTu5vtOPZBpFILn57_OecFrW-IyI5Uu1CCi5u5I-qrfuq7-8l6WPjZvGBg/w400-h300/IMG_0148.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few weeks ago it was just Bryan, Oliver and me in core. Even though the numbers were low, we had an amazing discussion! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ba1J9-_AnbB3wNKWWycKjWlMQeRjEVeHYhtlr5FQwm5m705HgnlIwlhwAj5YA-oQJTC7M0zPqN31zL6mmD96ul12S5H3RbwGDFgllp_2F7oXOur_zjai655aFn4Un-Q0-bpuWm8k0SROtMtrncfEfc8UKFmCBGeWj2Vhl9_Wmcb0ilstUTJUqN5fdQ/s4032/IMG_0165.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ba1J9-_AnbB3wNKWWycKjWlMQeRjEVeHYhtlr5FQwm5m705HgnlIwlhwAj5YA-oQJTC7M0zPqN31zL6mmD96ul12S5H3RbwGDFgllp_2F7oXOur_zjai655aFn4Un-Q0-bpuWm8k0SROtMtrncfEfc8UKFmCBGeWj2Vhl9_Wmcb0ilstUTJUqN5fdQ/w480-h640/IMG_0165.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haley, one of our Richland students, did an amazing job leading us through Investing In The Vision! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifCYI6QyUpCl2wjoCfMUF2IvXank81X7lWj3hYnkj1nnwwXS8695ik739KaUcrkDZAJWGw_STMzYSL7V0Vm-4UzK6lWkINKxGMMvdF9p_JdbeqAc1TMaT2CTqNb6kqJZKH0r1uP6N_ZMDrUPE-WyIeLK822xIzayKDt_vkaU2aFVPpT0yGaVnbg02FQ/s4032/IMG_0166.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifCYI6QyUpCl2wjoCfMUF2IvXank81X7lWj3hYnkj1nnwwXS8695ik739KaUcrkDZAJWGw_STMzYSL7V0Vm-4UzK6lWkINKxGMMvdF9p_JdbeqAc1TMaT2CTqNb6kqJZKH0r1uP6N_ZMDrUPE-WyIeLK822xIzayKDt_vkaU2aFVPpT0yGaVnbg02FQ/w400-h300/IMG_0166.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursday Night Thunder has been such a blessing & a great time this year. It's hard to think that the school year is almost over. Please be praying that we finish the year well and that we have a great summer :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-z3TVPK2eoKQQFcBA7Akn1dKNSxQQPKKTVeDU2hQvA1yey-P3HA-k5YCwBW-bfc0iftHP9iAfSVNx356-LtdUwVOl500PDLuv2EAItQzupUtxR_GZhHDBK-Ply0t5CQzpy12LpF75YTrvVMDhYrcH4_j2yi25kz1Ac4DxrmDBDZ5m5Ef08xjvbUSe-g/s4032/IMG_0211.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-z3TVPK2eoKQQFcBA7Akn1dKNSxQQPKKTVeDU2hQvA1yey-P3HA-k5YCwBW-bfc0iftHP9iAfSVNx356-LtdUwVOl500PDLuv2EAItQzupUtxR_GZhHDBK-Ply0t5CQzpy12LpF75YTrvVMDhYrcH4_j2yi25kz1Ac4DxrmDBDZ5m5Ef08xjvbUSe-g/w400-h300/IMG_0211.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our directors team making a decision about something important :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-nj0Fs1rZN4RRilPZXRtMudildvYEu4WXNnB-JYBhM5LG3GPKhCySQrdAlH0TLd_WVK8gvJNUKgME6OEwyKX-nCFhjtIf8xmcGqjy3f5ZuaUDXfKl6eqTnOomTAlC1to_lv5gLVP1Boaac6H134zjCCMkNfoRQ4NtPe1Wt0FmMyj9wxXx1g-vtc9pg/s2452/IMG_0719.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="2452" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-nj0Fs1rZN4RRilPZXRtMudildvYEu4WXNnB-JYBhM5LG3GPKhCySQrdAlH0TLd_WVK8gvJNUKgME6OEwyKX-nCFhjtIf8xmcGqjy3f5ZuaUDXfKl6eqTnOomTAlC1to_lv5gLVP1Boaac6H134zjCCMkNfoRQ4NtPe1Wt0FmMyj9wxXx1g-vtc9pg/s320/IMG_0719.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Showcase was a blast! We got to raise a lot of money to help send students to SICM! It was a great experience and I got to remember how much I love playing guitar!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Thank you again for believing in me and our mission! I couldn't do this without you!<div><br /></div><div>Do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have anything in your life that you'd like prayer for!</div><div><br /></div><div>Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sirak<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-10780689223977646482022-02-10T06:39:00.000-08:002022-02-10T06:39:06.000-08:00It's Been A While! (Much to share!) <p> My friends & team! </p><p>It's been a while and I have much to share but before I begin I want to say: Thank you! Thank you for believing in our mission to love college students and show them what a new life in Christ can look like. God has put so many brilliant, talented, and powerful students in our path and I am excited to be a part of their stories during their time at Richland. </p><p>FOCUS Winter Camp was amazing (see pictures below)! We met so many wonderful students across our campuses who are living mission-filled lives during their time as students. I am touched by their openness and warmth towards one another. I'm grateful to get to be a part of the change happening in their lives. </p><p>It is powerful to know that all it takes is one conversation to change the direction of someones story. We have been emphasizing and praying for outreach to be a core value in Richland FOCUS. Many of our students are afraid to meet new people and engage with them on a personal level. It is much easier to be glued to our phones and believe that all of our interpersonal connection should happen through technology. </p><p>2020 taught many of us the limits of human connection via technology. We are relational beings who long for personal connection with one another. It is work to emphasize these things, but it is worth it! Pray for us as we lean into these topics and try to understand what God is calling us specifically to do as we love our students. </p><p>I hope that you are all encouraged by these pictures. Your support has paved the way for so many students to be befriended and loved. Thank you so much for your support!</p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4PsB5MxwWXjDUN3CYnFWjvNmH3vV2hQeyBCl95WYCWpmniUollDPkEB9CTO7ORqpFU5S4vRjmp-ZRF9yvLwr9ew23aschmhd_A1FjPzobLjbI0hxQ1ww0P9_iweGXkFf3T7Ngqq5bL-KDtFW32v3QNzFwIFbv5xJ9qCi7RFG2QfTm9tkRbJiG3ELdgg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4PsB5MxwWXjDUN3CYnFWjvNmH3vV2hQeyBCl95WYCWpmniUollDPkEB9CTO7ORqpFU5S4vRjmp-ZRF9yvLwr9ew23aschmhd_A1FjPzobLjbI0hxQ1ww0P9_iweGXkFf3T7Ngqq5bL-KDtFW32v3QNzFwIFbv5xJ9qCi7RFG2QfTm9tkRbJiG3ELdgg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our end-of-the-year Christmas service was great! It was so powerful to be a part of. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwb0Rh2S1ivf2mBJFX-s2uVQ4ADT7bQkTTnIZikYBKw1smjM8U0RNQYPDqY0uwbttVKFvLVarL5rXSo_vw57XeALo0oWDYpZmos_JsoaDlYRzdIgTSEtK-_7wEUeqHauxjZXHrUO336pGO5kcTbbZXjqV41K2jNrxf1o9NtmTnDYeTjjnn_yJPC8eq8w=s7530" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3788" data-original-width="7530" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwb0Rh2S1ivf2mBJFX-s2uVQ4ADT7bQkTTnIZikYBKw1smjM8U0RNQYPDqY0uwbttVKFvLVarL5rXSo_vw57XeALo0oWDYpZmos_JsoaDlYRzdIgTSEtK-_7wEUeqHauxjZXHrUO336pGO5kcTbbZXjqV41K2jNrxf1o9NtmTnDYeTjjnn_yJPC8eq8w=w400-h201" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhByuFI_nZheHfrB8f4yRrgFT9j5OXB7gxRpb8u08jMktoj-6D0VtzcqlSbI8dycZNf8N_Pbns-eAQOnPWThFJR7OIE7KveGdlG8SaQ27aj3D0VR7olCWoqosx6B1bXg7t_f9fiHzYF-ej5dmUUh82mb0XxB7ws2_NeK4JVRN9TaHSPM6VkfscN1ez2Mg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhByuFI_nZheHfrB8f4yRrgFT9j5OXB7gxRpb8u08jMktoj-6D0VtzcqlSbI8dycZNf8N_Pbns-eAQOnPWThFJR7OIE7KveGdlG8SaQ27aj3D0VR7olCWoqosx6B1bXg7t_f9fiHzYF-ej5dmUUh82mb0XxB7ws2_NeK4JVRN9TaHSPM6VkfscN1ez2Mg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I enjoy our Wednesday, 2pm core small group. The students are always willing to share & engage with one another. Bryan (2nd from the left) and I have been leading it together. I enjoy working with him so much! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-13JgKjl966SmeqNbLGaN5OlRqYbqFNTze6QREF00KGGDTTAo0UygpY5DzIGwm1Kc9dMcA8n0uNWMr0FCpKAjqU8rgtev1rvF04dqtXbolZIcD4IaCTuwaqk1BMnYW9wr8bvKoy4OEM1luEXXeE1F-lvzoPMFw8YzUggsq7oWBF-Z6QlliHgr0U_WTA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-13JgKjl966SmeqNbLGaN5OlRqYbqFNTze6QREF00KGGDTTAo0UygpY5DzIGwm1Kc9dMcA8n0uNWMr0FCpKAjqU8rgtev1rvF04dqtXbolZIcD4IaCTuwaqk1BMnYW9wr8bvKoy4OEM1luEXXeE1F-lvzoPMFw8YzUggsq7oWBF-Z6QlliHgr0U_WTA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our FOCUS Worship Class was powerful! I appreciated all of the students coming to engage and share with one another as we discover and discuss the history and tradition(s) of Christian worship.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidO4zRU6gc6annEwZi0J37m6CxdT2K17OROSbdbPdVrWxzMTxg49rJm_poWN-PeYB6r1aN7UbJ45SvTSG_Ei7RpBdZjAEot-fXdxjcHBqTv-jbQA3lu5dnk53b4Iw4wgpEnecG-o6adEy9lIJWSY24ywYs1GmECV-TFGKuRvGcSv3nwTFFJ4iDcfrmGg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidO4zRU6gc6annEwZi0J37m6CxdT2K17OROSbdbPdVrWxzMTxg49rJm_poWN-PeYB6r1aN7UbJ45SvTSG_Ei7RpBdZjAEot-fXdxjcHBqTv-jbQA3lu5dnk53b4Iw4wgpEnecG-o6adEy9lIJWSY24ywYs1GmECV-TFGKuRvGcSv3nwTFFJ4iDcfrmGg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursday Night Thunder is a gift because it creates a space for us to love and know one another. I am thankful for the students God has placed in our lives and I am thankful to be a part of this part of their Christian journey. It's a small part, but, college is such a unique and special time in our lives!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFjcPFg8Z4cyDbqQESKorQrFd3P8GSbhV1zQNbQcrVVpAwigTV1YQyHPQeeV4k6xrXt_qqTKU9LQj208Kw-2nZg_-R18-dl2TypSX5fleTEnbYQNO11Su5faTLSc3GYR7xvasqZmwdPWBdDYZK000RddLBWd8QskjNnXuyZFm1gwxCNpLWddlIjmKY3g=s888" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFjcPFg8Z4cyDbqQESKorQrFd3P8GSbhV1zQNbQcrVVpAwigTV1YQyHPQeeV4k6xrXt_qqTKU9LQj208Kw-2nZg_-R18-dl2TypSX5fleTEnbYQNO11Su5faTLSc3GYR7xvasqZmwdPWBdDYZK000RddLBWd8QskjNnXuyZFm1gwxCNpLWddlIjmKY3g=w518-h640" width="518" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS students at Winter Camp! It was a blast!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiejmIPJLNnMvoEAiVf43rhBZxmtkJrHRyEazUwuDGnPbX-adSBt9o8Yrgpsg3NvEY8Gt2H4QUlvhQeZ3nvwrNI6kHOxAcjoEom5fP64qKrRzAuZoIupifGSgd24dwummWAK46-52XIgAxd73oVLaLA21-1TFiQE2CICMZQb90Z11jiTkagnZCp2JO9QA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiejmIPJLNnMvoEAiVf43rhBZxmtkJrHRyEazUwuDGnPbX-adSBt9o8Yrgpsg3NvEY8Gt2H4QUlvhQeZ3nvwrNI6kHOxAcjoEom5fP64qKrRzAuZoIupifGSgd24dwummWAK46-52XIgAxd73oVLaLA21-1TFiQE2CICMZQb90Z11jiTkagnZCp2JO9QA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Camp 2022 was such a beautiful experience. I am honored to have gotten to be a part of It! We have very special students in our ministry! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGsCp6SE8sgB806Ux_xNAARXmaiHdjD-3Vh3YCzRx01kBMMl8EQ7byZKnYt4MoDU70zjHC-RtjJnKqFjwan9fZpfmXKbUDLdUqpVv0IJEIfQfoa5zznQ0dk4UVIq1fR--fv-4VgbbMGh_vs8INWRYPTbAp2SUKyEiX08Jl_2AtN5OXZWtUPr1lxEVYKQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGsCp6SE8sgB806Ux_xNAARXmaiHdjD-3Vh3YCzRx01kBMMl8EQ7byZKnYt4MoDU70zjHC-RtjJnKqFjwan9fZpfmXKbUDLdUqpVv0IJEIfQfoa5zznQ0dk4UVIq1fR--fv-4VgbbMGh_vs8INWRYPTbAp2SUKyEiX08Jl_2AtN5OXZWtUPr1lxEVYKQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the back of one of our Winter Camp sessions! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtszVHYSagW9LAXDia8XWfxJjJsp3v4VrFTHugtNzu8sq81jfWTiWNJnSix5-ujLcCo0gCr6ZpqUZKTWuyBriCNLnYUuNNeEdbzFHVXXv0TMKj22mujlqVkM2UxW4ttBJsBBzU0Xb25n1eqsbiwBQF8Zck0BPlmkKZyCa7VunkO3R-L9yTJ9za88LJTA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtszVHYSagW9LAXDia8XWfxJjJsp3v4VrFTHugtNzu8sq81jfWTiWNJnSix5-ujLcCo0gCr6ZpqUZKTWuyBriCNLnYUuNNeEdbzFHVXXv0TMKj22mujlqVkM2UxW4ttBJsBBzU0Xb25n1eqsbiwBQF8Zck0BPlmkKZyCa7VunkO3R-L9yTJ9za88LJTA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We brought in Rikk Watts, a retired New Testament professor who has taught at Regent College in Vancouver, BC. I appreciated the way he engaged and shared about the New Testament in an open & relational way. I picked him up from the airport and dropped him off so we got some time with each other to talk. I am grateful for him coming and speaking with our students! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoYyq8Zfo6Ia4024yI0bRsc2oW51LZoH1DrJEGk79U3ZEz_WyyJhdGjFPPDweY3Lv3YnPYF0_0HT2fj7zlBYkqMCAnJCqFkzzeqyBEMlBqfjasurIeHX8DITqqw0xVNy1C5t_mtLStul8KdlTfRSPV4PkUnBsMRSkOlpSEobapN09ITFyAgX0VA6Iu_A=s5564" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3677" data-original-width="5564" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoYyq8Zfo6Ia4024yI0bRsc2oW51LZoH1DrJEGk79U3ZEz_WyyJhdGjFPPDweY3Lv3YnPYF0_0HT2fj7zlBYkqMCAnJCqFkzzeqyBEMlBqfjasurIeHX8DITqqw0xVNy1C5t_mtLStul8KdlTfRSPV4PkUnBsMRSkOlpSEobapN09ITFyAgX0VA6Iu_A=w459-h264" width="459" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Richland FOCUS ministry; grateful for them and their hearts this year! They are a sweet & special group of students.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu5mgPVwZF4EAxd55pYYD18AxNw6Y_gHXjnT8Kpm1tBu6cLo1jEsZaF-04F4W2kvTGtJSTmB3_4UI-n5Hluyn7YEUWMge6kmLbu9CkM9ieINOyRoz0R_RdrpHRCTJOqoRhkgr2LVT2gw7s89kd5F5gj9gXfviOdzpEkBdjxqb0kWsglupefO5YynuIxA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu5mgPVwZF4EAxd55pYYD18AxNw6Y_gHXjnT8Kpm1tBu6cLo1jEsZaF-04F4W2kvTGtJSTmB3_4UI-n5Hluyn7YEUWMge6kmLbu9CkM9ieINOyRoz0R_RdrpHRCTJOqoRhkgr2LVT2gw7s89kd5F5gj9gXfviOdzpEkBdjxqb0kWsglupefO5YynuIxA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our Richland FOCUS alums, Josue Mulumba, recently graduated from UTD! I'm so proud of him. He was involved in Richland FOCUS in 2018-19. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you so much for your support and for believing in what we do! I am honored to get to serve alongside such brilliant other staff and students. Please pray for our Richland FOCUS ministry - that we would be attentive to the needs around us and LOVE our students in the way Jesus would!</p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p>Sirak</p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-6365591046010932022021-12-13T12:19:00.002-08:002021-12-13T12:19:19.394-08:00A Restful Break & Re-Charge<p> My friends & my team! </p><p>I hope that you're all having a restful December. This has been a very restful month for me. God has been good and has been reminding me of his faithfulness and providence. </p><p>About 3 weeks ago I began a 1.5 - 2 month sabbatical. I have absolutely loved getting to serve college students since 2012 and it has been intrinsically rewarding like nothing else I have ever done. I have seen so many lives impacted on the college campus and I'm always encouraged to reflect on God's faithfulness at the end of the semester.</p><p>Me & my directors decided that it was a good time to rest and take time to seek God in this season of ministry. </p><p>It was a little stressful to begin with, but, I have been reminded that our Richland ministry is in good hands with our team: Sandra, Joey, Claire, and Connor! They are deeply connected with our students and have been doing an amazing job! I have missed getting to see them each week but I appreciate their diligence and faithfulness in the work that God has entrusted us with.</p><p>God has given us such a sweet group of students. They are committed, friendly, and consistent in building spiritual friendships on campus. I am currently in Eugene, Oregon visiting my friend, Daniel, and on my way out I ran into one of our Richland FOCUS students at the DFW airport at 6:30pm on Sunday! What a small world...</p><p>Thank you so much for your support & for believing in our mission. I'm blown away to get to serve this next generation of students as they grow and are formed into followers of Jesus.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVOhf52Ljxts-X6W781JEra1f28yczpIVlE48BGGi26gLkxOYIwcHd3DJqBfzm3tYKd3kS4JthFmhm_vZ29SjyOaUONpwrpaoOI3Qivqw8o7tP0fnoBiHe1RgXVcb4s1cTu4RxSWQz1_-_ElQ0h3YSAS7v7TYlIwAxTYCZzd-eX_MjBrlhew5s_TBe-A=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVOhf52Ljxts-X6W781JEra1f28yczpIVlE48BGGi26gLkxOYIwcHd3DJqBfzm3tYKd3kS4JthFmhm_vZ29SjyOaUONpwrpaoOI3Qivqw8o7tP0fnoBiHe1RgXVcb4s1cTu4RxSWQz1_-_ElQ0h3YSAS7v7TYlIwAxTYCZzd-eX_MjBrlhew5s_TBe-A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've loved getting to lead core w/ Bryan (to my right). He's been an awesome partner to get to serve students with. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl6Mpxd3hIDQw-rjT-y4v5FTTAgGnwgiIpvpok71IK2RG9hjGVXe7LxO5YHFsaYZY1HINSKklwDA7Cn5pyO8BcvZ3lZsJMv_dZRWV37iQINNwqPvfzT1gnGsUrsa3ctX6RQuINYvnlmjrH6R0bhESWL_H2EDUsqFpyZatEqEYStFj1jSxPr4700FBq6Q=s8372" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3902" data-original-width="8372" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl6Mpxd3hIDQw-rjT-y4v5FTTAgGnwgiIpvpok71IK2RG9hjGVXe7LxO5YHFsaYZY1HINSKklwDA7Cn5pyO8BcvZ3lZsJMv_dZRWV37iQINNwqPvfzT1gnGsUrsa3ctX6RQuINYvnlmjrH6R0bhESWL_H2EDUsqFpyZatEqEYStFj1jSxPr4700FBq6Q=w640-h298" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At our end-of-the-semester Christmas party, Joey did an awesome job sharing the Christmas story with our students and sharing his heart with us. Grateful to work with him!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaasKsABLLHSrb2cewR8X_OmXnBjRqPZGUmfbT93M7cmFq01AuwHP6IVYz9abCMznEki0aYRsU1pwgPu5NgtyeXHiGueRZWA7xG0Qqcft5FbF68Cj65UgXNnjCPVhUnUlo0TAJjlV1x3RQYmXUtlSVU1ZGTFspGEYoVFILEQnousgXzzY9l90cBQ_dJA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaasKsABLLHSrb2cewR8X_OmXnBjRqPZGUmfbT93M7cmFq01AuwHP6IVYz9abCMznEki0aYRsU1pwgPu5NgtyeXHiGueRZWA7xG0Qqcft5FbF68Cj65UgXNnjCPVhUnUlo0TAJjlV1x3RQYmXUtlSVU1ZGTFspGEYoVFILEQnousgXzzY9l90cBQ_dJA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitxfIUFqfNpOdscb51VSO6humtcuQYB-04gGpeH7_0Q89znT5WCfMU-qRigRf0r6gzPX7ilZPWfkEwnYN1hDpI7JJWIklIA-JHfVkliTXiMN4J0poYOL8utjVBuo0yttMWCwGVlPgsNHuvYRqZIukqznaAZEzUpqvvflTnstNqux7z_B9jFfZLohbixg=s7530" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3788" data-original-width="7530" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitxfIUFqfNpOdscb51VSO6humtcuQYB-04gGpeH7_0Q89znT5WCfMU-qRigRf0r6gzPX7ilZPWfkEwnYN1hDpI7JJWIklIA-JHfVkliTXiMN4J0poYOL8utjVBuo0yttMWCwGVlPgsNHuvYRqZIukqznaAZEzUpqvvflTnstNqux7z_B9jFfZLohbixg=w640-h322" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas party was a great time! The students were excited to share & celebrate what God has done all semester long. I am so encouraged by this group of young adults that have been showing up consistently all semester. I'm excited for what spring 2022 holds for us!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>As always, thank you so much for believing in our mission to love college students. This has been a peaceful time of rest for me and I am encouraged knowing that you all have believed in me for so long. Thank you!<div><br /></div><div>I hope that the rest of 2021 is restful and purposeful for you all. These years continue to fly by - my prayer for us (and myself) is that we are present & available for what God is doing in our hearts :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sirak<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-33015186949487279972021-11-10T10:01:00.000-08:002021-11-10T10:01:02.052-08:00We're almost at the halfway point of the year!<p> My friends & team!</p><p>Just over 50 days left until 2022 and ministry at Richland is in full swing. Thank you so much for your support and believing in us as we have loved & pursued the students that God has put in our path. </p><p>This has been a tough year for some of our student leaders at Richland College FOCUS. A couple of them have stepped down from leadership due to personal reasons. We know that God is good and that he has his hand on every student that enters our ministry. God has provided awesome students that can potentially step up into leadership moving into the spring semester, so please be praying about that! </p><p>Our ministry model is 100% rooted in getting students to minister to their peers as they are developed and shaped into students who do not just attend classes - but are <i>missionaries</i> in their classes! Leadership is <b>hard</b> but it is <b>rewarding!</b> We are so excited for what God is doing in the hearts & minds of the students in our group.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eoBeovasNs/YYwGf9VBs5I/AAAAAAAALZs/to-ccmiqPFsizkln1mM2fC4V8V7Rt5q5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0919%2B2.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eoBeovasNs/YYwGf9VBs5I/AAAAAAAALZs/to-ccmiqPFsizkln1mM2fC4V8V7Rt5q5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0919%2B2.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo from the back of one of our Thursday Night Thunder meetings! Thursday nights have been such a powerful experience for our community to worship and connect with each other. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pF2MCrfedXU/YYwGfyS1cTI/AAAAAAAALZo/7EF46GMT2Ts1ome8jBzcVMo0YskpVJDCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0964.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pF2MCrfedXU/YYwGfyS1cTI/AAAAAAAALZo/7EF46GMT2Ts1ome8jBzcVMo0YskpVJDCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0964.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every Wednesday Bryan (standing next to me) and I get to lead our Wednesday 2pm core. The guys have been consistent, faithful, and engaging with our time together. It's been a great experience getting to know them :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKCt9_ChKoU/YYwGgr1H7kI/AAAAAAAALZ0/vqKRv0C-17IdIJ13Xen3AHlUXEdnYFC5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0988.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKCt9_ChKoU/YYwGgr1H7kI/AAAAAAAALZ0/vqKRv0C-17IdIJ13Xen3AHlUXEdnYFC5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0988.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I attended SMU FOCUS last Thursday night to visit and check out what is going on at our other FOCUS ministry. Amber, Laurence, Sienna, Jacob, and Ashlyn all do an amazing job connecting with and loving those students. I felt touched by Jacob's sermon and the ideas he shared!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />As the semester begins to come to a close please pray for: <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Our FOCUS apprentices and their hearts - this has been a challenging semester for many of them and they are discerning a lot about work, vocation, and ministry.</li><li>Our Student leaders - it is a challenge for many of them to balance so many aspects of their lives, but, I know that they are learning a lot about who they are and where God has them. Pray for them!</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you all so much for believing in me and for your support. I couldn't do this without you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Your brother & campus missionary,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sirak</div><p><br /></p></div>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3973940185276079839.post-81381202307520642632021-10-14T12:41:00.001-07:002021-10-14T12:41:39.664-07:00Sirak's October 2021 Update (LOTS OF PICS!)<p>My friends & my team! </p><p>Can you believe that we're already halfway through October? God has been so good to us as a ministry and I just want to say: THANK YOU for your support & for believing in our mission to love college students. </p><p>We made it through welcome week and our Thursday Night Thunder meetings, cores, 1-on-1s, and outreach days are all off to a great start! I'm blown away at how open & receptive students are now that we are back on campus and getting to meet with them face to face. </p><p>We just finished our Fall Camp 2021 and it was a blast! Our students connected with each other and were so engaging during our sessions. Fall camp is always an encouraging time to be reminded that God is working in the hearts of our students even when we do not see it! </p><p>Thank you all for believing in me and walking alongside me through the years. I love what I get to do with these students and I'm honored to have you all on my team :)</p><p>Thank you for your support and I hope you are encouraged with the pictures below in regards to what your support is helping build on God's college campuses: </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnWYkzJZ4Zk/YWiGvry0VVI/AAAAAAAALW0/FO3nfZ6ExokRlUnHm9TPmiPRzYUaaI_NgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Group%2BPhoto%2B%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="2048" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnWYkzJZ4Zk/YWiGvry0VVI/AAAAAAAALW0/FO3nfZ6ExokRlUnHm9TPmiPRzYUaaI_NgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h422/Group%2BPhoto%2B%25231.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Camp 2021 was a blast! Thank you for your support helping make this happen :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvFugQZU3eg/YWiGvUqqjHI/AAAAAAAALWs/jbWjdbDTMLUnNfe7MVbP7s9ncCnFLLgvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0817%2B2.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvFugQZU3eg/YWiGvUqqjHI/AAAAAAAALWs/jbWjdbDTMLUnNfe7MVbP7s9ncCnFLLgvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0817%2B2.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connor, one of our apprentices this year, has been doing an amazing job helping pioneer Brookhaven Campus! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YD1n5O5Hp84/YWiGva3M15I/AAAAAAAALWw/1VM4GhivSKck7s_11pDu-EPJ6p6ul0FQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0819%2B2.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YD1n5O5Hp84/YWiGva3M15I/AAAAAAAALWw/1VM4GhivSKck7s_11pDu-EPJ6p6ul0FQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0819%2B2.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each year for the 1st week of school we set up a volleyball net on campus to meet & engage w/ students! This year we had an amazing time getting to engage with new people passing by :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i00eBE2FIq8/YWiGwFpmWZI/AAAAAAAALW4/8pYdpb6uXUEQuZRZWbRBo3yIAbLjtDsggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0847%2B3.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i00eBE2FIq8/YWiGwFpmWZI/AAAAAAAALW4/8pYdpb6uXUEQuZRZWbRBo3yIAbLjtDsggCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0847%2B3.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our first Thursday Night Thunder meetings of the year! These students have been great to get to know!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjjdEUkrakY/YWiGwXIoyAI/AAAAAAAALW8/Sr14BgO4hyAty7a4xmGJUnLF7QBQR0BdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0901.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjjdEUkrakY/YWiGwXIoyAI/AAAAAAAALW8/Sr14BgO4hyAty7a4xmGJUnLF7QBQR0BdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0901.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey, one of our apprentices, did a great job preaching on "Life To The Full: A Life of Outreach" - he has a heart for meeting new students and befriending them! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53C6C4Wm-aE/YWiGwngpVPI/AAAAAAAALXA/weU3EnCZZZUBSukeYw75OcdV197B-7WmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0903.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53C6C4Wm-aE/YWiGwngpVPI/AAAAAAAALXA/weU3EnCZZZUBSukeYw75OcdV197B-7WmACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0903.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GTQjxdOFls/YWiGxAa7_XI/AAAAAAAALXE/gqAzCTuyhLIz-wbR-koMTzDuWa-aSvcuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0919.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GTQjxdOFls/YWiGxAa7_XI/AAAAAAAALXE/gqAzCTuyhLIz-wbR-koMTzDuWa-aSvcuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0919.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3gthvp9siY/YWiGxFler4I/AAAAAAAALXI/LG0EebSs4Z8P5SCvYpPr2DM-rRyS51cIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0928.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3gthvp9siY/YWiGxFler4I/AAAAAAAALXI/LG0EebSs4Z8P5SCvYpPr2DM-rRyS51cIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0928.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Fall Camp, we did a devotional sharing time and then took communion with each other! It was encouraging to hear how our students each remember Jesus in their own personal way.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZBTKVu0O0w/YWiGxYPrDbI/AAAAAAAALXM/atycLoP1sw8dNH3_mhOpqbp3Y9SNGjXKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0929.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2048" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZBTKVu0O0w/YWiGxYPrDbI/AAAAAAAALXM/atycLoP1sw8dNH3_mhOpqbp3Y9SNGjXKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0929.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Thank you so much for your support and for believing in our mission. The lives of students are being changed & shaped every day on campus thanks to supporters like you who partner through prayer & monthly donations!</p><p>I'm honored to have you on my team but I'm even more honored to call you my friends!</p><p>Your brother & campus missionary,</p><p><br /></p><p>Sirak</p>Sirak Asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15633567527439074981noreply@blogger.com1