Fall conference was a blast! We had 28 students sign up and go with us. While there, they heard the Gospel of Jesus in a very clear fashion as we went from John 2 to 5 in the large group study. Students had opportunities to discuss the message each time, and I think it was a fruitful experience for all of them. On top of this, we had ample time to hangout and bond. We went to an apple orchard together too! Some students did a corn maze, while others picked apples together. I really enjoyed this occasion to get to know students better.

This semester I have had the chance to preach once more. I preached on Ephesians 4:17-32 and spoke on the new life that Christians are called to live out. It was a sweet moment and I really enjoyed getting to exposit God’s Word.

In addition to this, I have also been co-leading our freshman Bible study. Each week we have a solid group of five to six freshman come to talk about the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew’s Gospel. This is one of my favorite studies to do and so far it has been really rewarding! I also bring a new flavor of pringles each week and the students have taken to ranking each flavor from best to worst. Cheddar is the winner so far!

Lastly, one on ones have been really good this semester. In particular, I have had the pleasure of meeting with a freshman guy (I will call him O) who is not a Christian but continues to come to our events looking for community. O is very quiet and shy, but slowly we have been building a relationship over reading poetry and talking about movies. In our last meeting he let me read a couple of Psalms with him. Please be praying for God to use these meetings and for the gospel to blossom in his life.

The semester is beginning to wind down now, but there is still plenty left. We have a Halloween party and a Christmas party planned along with a few other things. This is the point in the semester when students begin to disappear because of school, so please pray that they will find time to continue to come and hear God’s Word in large group and small group.

Seminary has been chugging along full steam ahead. Everyday is like a firehose of Scripture, theology, and history. I am currently right in the middle of my midterms (hence the “throes”). I think I am doing well, but I would appreciate continued prayers for my studies as I approach my greek two midterm. So far, seminary has been a fantastic experience. I am savoring every moment of it.

Gabby and I took an early trip back to Tennessee for my fall break. We got to see some of our dear friends and spend some time with her family. It was wonderful to see everyone and get a much needed study break!

Gabby is continuing to love her new job and received an excellent review of her work thus far. Our new church has also been incredibly welcoming and we have been sucked into a men’s group, a women’s group, and a coed group. We are very thankful for this community that God has provided for us.