Video update - about 6 minutes.
Fall semester at Georgia Tech has begun, providing lots of opportunities to build on development for returning students and to meet new students on the campus. But first we have family news to share: we are expecting a second child this spring, due in early April! If you want to see ultrasound pictures or just keep up more closely with our family, see our blog - http://babyvestal.blogspot.com .
Discipleship & Mobilization
The group of 4th-year guys we have at Tech right now - some in a group with me, some with another Campus Outreach staff guy - have consistently encouraged me as the strongest group of student leaders we've had at Tech so far. These men are deeply honest with one another about their need for Christ; they push one another on to pursue God - often making decisions to serve others' interests over their own, and they partner together to serve and reach others with the Gospel. As they prepare to graduate - some this year, some next - we want to help them anticipate the transition and think clearly about their decisions in light of God's call on their lives and His eternal Kingdom. Please pray with us for these men to be life-long healthy, joyful & fruitful (John 15:1-11) laborers. They include Josh, Jon, Matt, Robert, Matthew, Luke, Robbie, Keith and Jonathan. Praise God for what He's doing so deeply in so many!
I hope to also travel this semester to Athens and Dahlonega to meet with students there who are approaching graduation. Please pray that I would have wisdom, discernment and love to serve these students and the staff on those campuses in the area of mobilization.
Recent Events
Two weekends ago we held a leaders' retreat with about 30 students at Perimeter Church. Friday night we had a time of worship together, introduced a Galatians study and our theme for the semester - No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets, citing a compelling missionary biography. The explicit Gospel-focus of the study and the intention of our theme seemed to complement each other well. On Saturday we talked about multiplying our lives by investing deeply in a few, as Jesus did with the twelve. During the weekend I was able to lead a discussion with the guys on Biblical manhood and also talk about the nature and importance of church contrasted with the role of a ministry like Campus Outreach and encourage the students to plug into both accordingly.
This past weekend seven of the 4th-year guys mentioned above went fishing with me in Dublin. We had a great time on the pond and out of the city. Each of them shared where they are in considering post-graduation opportunities and the feelings (e.g. anxiety, fear, excitement, purpose, etc.) that surround that stage. We took an in-depth look at Psalm 25, prayed together, and discussed what basic elements we hope to be present in our lives at any given stage and place. Regarding any of the qualities we named -- whether growth in the Word, a healthy community or a clear and purposeful mission -- the best preparation for the future is faithfulness in the present.
Staff Development
For the second year, I'm leading our new staff through a theological course from our authority church - Perimeter. "Theological Foundations for Leaders" consists of ten lessons, a review week and an exam. Please pray that these studies would help the staff develop clarity in their theological convictions but more importantly deepen their appreciation for the Bible and their personal walks with God as they "grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
THANK YOU!
All that God continues to do on these campuses and in these lives rests on His own plan and work of redemption... and He has chosen to use people - like you and us - in real ways. Thank you for partnering with us through prayer and giving. Thank you for sharing with us in Christ. We hope to hear from you and trust you're doing well in His grace.
Blessings,
Michael & Amber, Sam, (plus baby-on-the-way) Vestal
P.S.
Don't miss this excellent video on the CO Atlanta website. All but one of the students interviewed were on SBP with us this summer. The last to share - Matthew - has become a good friend of ours here at Tech. Also, Amber has some fun posts about our growing family here.
If you'd like to be removed from our list or if you have a different preferred email address, please let me know.
Fall semester at Georgia Tech has begun, providing lots of opportunities to build on development for returning students and to meet new students on the campus. But first we have family news to share: we are expecting a second child this spring, due in early April! If you want to see ultrasound pictures or just keep up more closely with our family, see our blog - http://babyvestal.blogspot.com .
Discipleship & Mobilization
The group of 4th-year guys we have at Tech right now - some in a group with me, some with another Campus Outreach staff guy - have consistently encouraged me as the strongest group of student leaders we've had at Tech so far. These men are deeply honest with one another about their need for Christ; they push one another on to pursue God - often making decisions to serve others' interests over their own, and they partner together to serve and reach others with the Gospel. As they prepare to graduate - some this year, some next - we want to help them anticipate the transition and think clearly about their decisions in light of God's call on their lives and His eternal Kingdom. Please pray with us for these men to be life-long healthy, joyful & fruitful (John 15:1-11) laborers. They include Josh, Jon, Matt, Robert, Matthew, Luke, Robbie, Keith and Jonathan. Praise God for what He's doing so deeply in so many!
I hope to also travel this semester to Athens and Dahlonega to meet with students there who are approaching graduation. Please pray that I would have wisdom, discernment and love to serve these students and the staff on those campuses in the area of mobilization.
Recent Events
Two weekends ago we held a leaders' retreat with about 30 students at Perimeter Church. Friday night we had a time of worship together, introduced a Galatians study and our theme for the semester - No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets, citing a compelling missionary biography. The explicit Gospel-focus of the study and the intention of our theme seemed to complement each other well. On Saturday we talked about multiplying our lives by investing deeply in a few, as Jesus did with the twelve. During the weekend I was able to lead a discussion with the guys on Biblical manhood and also talk about the nature and importance of church contrasted with the role of a ministry like Campus Outreach and encourage the students to plug into both accordingly.
This past weekend seven of the 4th-year guys mentioned above went fishing with me in Dublin. We had a great time on the pond and out of the city. Each of them shared where they are in considering post-graduation opportunities and the feelings (e.g. anxiety, fear, excitement, purpose, etc.) that surround that stage. We took an in-depth look at Psalm 25, prayed together, and discussed what basic elements we hope to be present in our lives at any given stage and place. Regarding any of the qualities we named -- whether growth in the Word, a healthy community or a clear and purposeful mission -- the best preparation for the future is faithfulness in the present.
Staff Development
For the second year, I'm leading our new staff through a theological course from our authority church - Perimeter. "Theological Foundations for Leaders" consists of ten lessons, a review week and an exam. Please pray that these studies would help the staff develop clarity in their theological convictions but more importantly deepen their appreciation for the Bible and their personal walks with God as they "grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
THANK YOU!
All that God continues to do on these campuses and in these lives rests on His own plan and work of redemption... and He has chosen to use people - like you and us - in real ways. Thank you for partnering with us through prayer and giving. Thank you for sharing with us in Christ. We hope to hear from you and trust you're doing well in His grace.
Blessings,
Michael & Amber, Sam, (plus baby-on-the-way) Vestal
P.S.
Don't miss this excellent video on the CO Atlanta website. All but one of the students interviewed were on SBP with us this summer. The last to share - Matthew - has become a good friend of ours here at Tech. Also, Amber has some fun posts about our growing family here.
If you'd like to be removed from our list or if you have a different preferred email address, please let me know.
