Catching up on Life

Hello all,

It has been far too long since everyone last heard from me. Life responsibilities have stepped up ten-fold since my last summer in Africa. I recently graduated in the worst time possible for employment. As a single man this conflict would barely be a cause for worry because I have a tent, woods, and survival skills; however, a week after graduation I got hitched. So now I am responsible for my wife's well being as well as my own. My woman does not want to live in the woods so we moved into a little on bedroom apartment. With bills, mouths to feed, and future plans financial structure is necessary. Thankfully I was able to land a job from NC State (where I graduated). Here I will be doing research on lagoon sampling. Whoever said that crap didn't matter? I have a four-year engineering degree and I am doing research on animal waste and I LOVE IT!!! I am such a dork. Anyway, I am learning a lot through this opportunity that will eventually provide me with knowledge and experience I can take overseas.

God isn't done with Aya (my wife) and my life. He is calling us to go on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. This means that, as I work, we will be raising financial ministry partners so that we can have the funds to meet students at NC State and challenge them with the fact of Christ. We will also have a tremendous opportunity for spiritual multiplication with discipleship and Bible studies. This will hopefully, with God's power, give students an unshakable foundation set on Jesus Christ. Regardless, Aya and I are dedicated to this calling and we look forward to see how God will stretch us through this time of tremendous responsibilities.

I have been challenged with acts of righteousness maintaining my spot in the Throne Room of God; however, that is a lie! Only the blood of Christ allows me to approach the Throne in confidence. Any other attempt will produce immediate death and separation. It doesn't matter if I have led students to Christ, been in God's word, and feed the hungry...I still deserve God's wrath. Therefore cling to Christ. Throw yourself prostrate at the mercy seat of God through Jesus. Let this humility fuel your life and your time in His word and prayer. Do not lean on acts. Be encouraged of the gospel.

John