Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Student Spotlight: Brooklynn

Brooklynn, sophomore at UTA
This is Brooklynn, a current UTA student.  I'd like to share with you how God has worked in her life (in her own words):

"I grew up with a single mom and was privileged to grow up in a Christian household. Leaving for school was a big step for me, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Coming into college I felt I had two options: I could go off, explore the party scene, and be rebellious in way that I never really have, or I could pursue my faith. During welcome week I met some of the student leaders in FOCUS; they really seemed to be interested in my life and pursued my friendship in a way that I wasn’t used to. I took that as my sign. Since then, my corefas and the other leaders in FOCUS have taught me, and displayed what living life with Jesus as a disciple looks like. Prior to college I was a Christian, but I wouldn’t say I was a disciple. Studying FOJ challenged me in that aspect. I have come to know how freeing it is to give my life completely over to God and let him set my priorities. Most of my favorite memories from my freshman year have centered around, or at least involved, the friends I have made in FOCUS. I have made deep, meaningful, Christ‐centered relationships that I wouldn’t have found, or known how to find without community. FOCUS has loved me in a way that I haven’t experienced outside of my family, and as an orientation leader, I want all of my freshman orientees to have that as well."

Brooklynn's story is exciting to me because she is one of the students I'll be working with at UTA this fall.  I've already gotten to meet up with her a few times.  She has a humble heart and a lot of love for God and His people.  I can't wait to see how God works through her to impact this campus!

Urgent Prayer Request:
Our staff and upcoming apprentices have less than one month to finish raising their financial support for the coming school year.  Please pray that God will provide financially so that all of us can continue to do the work He has called us to do.  It is only through the generous support of our donors that we are able to spend our time ministering to students and making disciples on our campuses.

Ways You Can Help:
- Pray!  I believe that God hears our prayers and wants us to ask for His help during this season of support-raising.
- Give.  If you are not a current financial supporter, would you consider becoming one?  Our upcoming apprentices need supporters who are willing to give monthly over the course of their 10-month apprenticeship that starts August 1.  If you are interested in supporting an apprentice or giving to the FOCUS General Fund, please contact me at kelly@anyfocus.org.
- If you already give to FOCUS, thank you!  Would you consider increasing your current support by 5%-10%?  Even a small increase can help us cover our full budget for the coming 2016-2017 school year.  If you would like to increase your current donation, please contact me at kelly@anyfocus.org.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support.  Let me know if you have questions about FOCUS at UTA or if there is any way I can be praying for you.  I love hearing from you!