A new beginning

FOCUS Staff 2017-2018

It's finally happening. The time has arrived for me to start the FOCUS Apprenticeship!

As I start reflecting on my experiences going into the apprenticeship I can't help but feel so very appreciative of what God is doing in my life. Thank you all for joining me for these next ten months and partnering with me to invest in the lives of Richland/UTDallas students.
This process, going in, has definitely been an experience to say the least. I have come to learn what it means to lean on God and trust in Him to provide. With classes, working full time, and fundraising, this summer has proven to be hectic. I had little time to look at the work God was doing in myself and those around me, and now taking the time to look back I realize just how faithful God has been. It is certainly difficult quitting your job and having to fundraise for the next couple of months, which definitely had me questioning my decisions, yet as this school year comes closer and closer I become much more excited for what God is doing through this ministry and on the DFW campuses.
I have officially started the apprenticeship and wanted to take a second to remind you guys if you haven't submitted your donations please do so soon.  With that said I wanted to tell you of a few experiences I've had so far.

Staff Retreat

The apprenticeship started off with Staff Retreat to Bethel Ranch. Going into this I was definitely feeling uneasy and intimidated. I did not know what to expect or how I would relate to the rest of the staff coming in, yet I am so grateful for the staff in welcoming my fellow apprentices (shown below) and myself. They made us feel like we were right at home and that nervousness quickly dissipated.
Through the staff retreat I got to build new relations with some of the staff I did not know and strengthen my relationship with those I already knew through plenty of laughter, games, worship, and reflection time as a group. We got to focus on the thought of taking the time to incorporate listening to God in our lives, alone and as a ministry. This was definitely a sweet reminder that my God has been constantly present in my life, how good He is to me, and how I should look to invite/ recognize His presence in my circumstances more and more. This thought, of taking the time to listen to God, was strengthened by an article we read by Henri Nouwen. It read... " The discipline of solitude, as I have described it here, is one of the most powerful disciplines in developing a prayerful life. It is a simple, though not easy way to free us from the slavery of our occupations and preoccupations and to begin to hear the voice that makes all things new." I want to invite you to reflect on this thought as well, as I think it is good to take the time out of our lives and see just how good God is among what we might consider moments of tribulation, where it is hardest to do so.
We also got to hear a bit about what our calling to ministry has looked like. This shows me that I am not alone in some of my experiences and just what mighty ways God is working in, in each and everyone of us.

Apprentice Team
Left to right- Myself, Kristen Stroud, Caitlin Quiroz, Dawn McElroy, Jalen Quintana, Rhett Hayes
Take the time to check their Ministry updates as well at Staff updates

 

Here is a testimony for you to be encouraged by:

We are quickly headed into the new school year so I ask that you pray for our student leaders and staff, that the Lord may use them in powerful ways in their campuses.
Thanks again for all the love and support I have received and stay tuned for further monthly ministry updates!

With love,
Eduardo