If you weren’t aware, we were out of town for two months this summer – on a 6-week mission trip called TriBeca in New York City, and at the biennial Campus Crusade Staff Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado. TriBeca was incredible – 20 people decided to become Christ-followers, students from around the country took significant steps of faith in their relationships with God, an art exhibition sparked many spiritually significant conversations, and spiritual movements were started on several campuses where none existed before. I (Jonathan) had the privilege of guiding Carlos, who I met on Jones Beach in Long Island, in a prayer asking Jesus to be his forgiver and Lord. Kerri had a tremendous impact discipling Emily and Mallory, two students from North Carolina. We both enjoyed talking with people using Soularium, an image survey in which photographs are used to spark God conversations and inspire art.
The Staff Conference was a meaningful opportunity to worship and hear from God about our place in life and ministry. We heard from Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz ; Chris Tomlin, a popular worship leader, and many others. We also began an important dialog about connecting Albany students with students and humanitarian activities in Africa. We’re exploring working with Crusade staff at Brown University to create a year-long experience for students which will combine campus-based “raising awareness” activities with local service opportunities, and will culminate in a 6-week trip to Uganda (and possibly Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania).

Thank you, Terra, for helping to make this summer possible for us through your finances and prayers!