We were able to see repeatedly that God is in control this last month. Of course we know this but it was so encouraging to see this through various opportunities in the ministry.

One way was through our regional staff conference near Penn State University. From March 6-9, Jenn, myself and the kids got to enjoy the company of about 80 ISI staff, ministry reps and others (let us know if you can find us in the group photo!). It was such an encouraging time to hear from various leaders about what God is doing in their ministries across the region! One of the best parts was hearing specifically about how God raised up new staff to take over directing the ministry at Penn State itself. Although things seemed like no one would step up, God is in control and raised someone up at the right time. We also got to prayer-walk the entire campus. May the Lord use these seeds of prayer for Penn State and the region as a whole! 

Another way the Lord helped us experience this was through the Friday large group during that weekend we were away. Since the whole staff team was at the conference, the team and I had to decide whether we should cancel or trust the night with our student leaders and church volunteers. Praise God we did the latter because once again God showed us He is in control. Our student leaders Martin, Alwin and Andrea did a phenomenal job overseeing the entire night. From the opening prayer to the desserts at the end, we are so encouraged by their leadership! In addition to this, we had church volunteers step up as well-–helping with our small group Bible discussions, bringing and serving dinner and cleaning up! Praise God!

The next week we had another opportunity to see God work. For our home groups on Friday 3/14, we needed a new location for the group Jenn and I usually host at our home. Praise God He once again showed He was in control. A former professor, and founder of a partner student ministry on campus, affectionately known as “MAZ,” opened his home in Hoboken for us. In fact, we were able to fit even more than our usual 8-10 students; 16 students came out ! We had delicious Italian food and a lively discussion on “purpose and eternity,” where we once again share the scriptures and the gospel with our students.

We praise Him for all of this! God IS in control even when we feel like ministry or life is stretching us in a million directions. Please continue to pray for the souls of all these students. As you know, our students are mostly non-believers from Hindu, Muslim, Chinese and other backgrounds and yet they keep joining us and we keep sharing the gospel with them. Pray the Holy Spirit drops the weight of His conviction on them and we begin to see more and more fruit of salvation. Thank you !