September always marks an exciting time for us. It is when long formed plans are enacted in an attempt to spread the truth of Jesus to college students who are desperately in need of it. It is a time where we try to meet believers at university and help them to fulfill the purposes of God in their lives. But things are a little different this year.
After chasing several different ideas for Street Level (our campus ministry) doors were being closed in all sorts of ways. Health concerns, government laws, university regulations, and practical decisions lead us to a point of doubts and questions to just what we would be able to do to minister to college students in a meaningful way come the start of the semester. It was clear God shut many doors.
God Knows Best
As always God knows what He is doing and guided us in His perfect timing. The church has rented out the “Street Level Garage” which is the closest non University building to the UW-Superior campus. Our intention is to host our meetings there, create a study space for students, and set up the mobile coffee trailer there regularly to give away coffee and espresso drinks to students.
The past few weeks have been filled with deep cleaning, painting, running electrical lines, hanging lights, installing speakers, hauling furniture and much more to get The Garage ready for ministry. This not only provides a great outreach tool to the campus, it also gives us a practical way for our members to serve God, be challenged and trained, and be used for God’s purposes.
The space has already been put to good use. We hosted a Street Level rummage sale where we met students and community members. We handed out free plants to bring some life to dorm rooms and raise money for future ministry endeavors. Street Level also took advantage of our yard and the last fleeting moments of warmth to have an outdoor movie. Turns out with enough screws, scrap lumber, chain saw, and string you can hang a projector screen just about anywhere.
Ministry Never Ends
There is a lot of work left to do to get this fully ready as well as promoted to students. Please pray that we would remember why we do all that it is that we do. That we would not get lost in the routine and rhythms that we have grown accustomed to. As time moves ahead I hope that we will remain on mission in all areas of our lives. I hope that we will engage or classmates, coworkers, friends and family for the cause of Christ. We seek to make a difference for God’s kingdom. Pray that we would stay away from distraction. We want to seek God and His will for our lives above all else.
