THE SMELL OF FALL

FOOTBALL MINISTRY

The UCLA football season is off and running.  The team is currently 3-0 and ranked 12th in the country.  Though the season is still young, this team has shown toughness and resiliency.  I believe these qualities will serve them well as they play out the remainder of their games.  
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to travel back east to be with them as they opened their season against the University of Virginia.  Being on campus and out at practice is one thing, but to be present with them on a road trip can go a long way in establishing greater rapport and trust with the guys.  

One of the ways I was able to do this was by leading the team's chapel service the night before the game.  There was a great turnout for this, as many as 20 players/coaches attended.  Overall, I had a great time of connection with many of them before and following the chapel.  My hope is to build upon these relationships as the season continues.

My chapel message handout

SOCCER MINISTRY

Last season, Jenny and I had the pleasure of serving as co-chaplains to the UCLA women's soccer team.  For each home game, we lead the girls in a 20 minute devotion from God's Word.  We often would experience great attendance during those times, seeing anywhere between 8-12 players showing up at a time.  Can't really describe what a joy it was for us to get to know these young ladies and witness their desire for spiritual growth.  
The team ended up winning the National Championship last season, which was awesome.  Yet, to know that many of these same ladies were being intentional about their spiritual development was even sweeter to us.

This season has brought many new faces to our pre-game devotion time, (literally half the team showed up for our first chapel) and we are, once again, looking forward to serving them and encouraging them as they seek to deepen their relationship with Christ.

FALL QUARTER

UCLA doesn't officially begin its new school year until October 6th.  While we are really looking forward to reconnecting with many student-athletes who have been away for the vast majority of this summer, we are just as eager to meet all the new freshman.  Also, we are excited to relaunch our weekly athlete fellowship, which has been on hiatus for most of the summer.  Please pray that our ministry on campus provides a safe place for student-athletes to explore and deepen their commitment to Jesus Christ, within the context of a loving and diverse community of people who are on similar journeys.

TALBOT   

I am currently enrolled in one class this semester at Talbot Seminary.  This particular class focuses specifically on what the Bible says about Jesus Christ, Salvation, and the Holy Spirit.  I'm at the 60% mark towards completion of my Master's program.  With only 10 classes left, I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  
Please pray I can receive some scholarship assistance from the school in the coming months, which will help supplement the costs associated with finishing this program.

Thank you for the many ways you encourage us through your prayers and/or financial support.  We are blessed to be able to serve the Lord in this way.  It's awesome to know, though it may feel like it at times, that we aren't alone in the battle for the souls of men and women.  
All we have to do is think of each of you and be reminded of God's favor upon our lives.  Thank you for quietly and uniquely standing behind us.  

God Bless!