August 2005 Newsletter

Greetings in Christ and thank you for your support of this vital ministry to our college students in Annapolis at this formative time in their lives!

This summer I have had the blessing of continuing to meet with students over the summer months. As the ministry continues to grow and as my relationship with the students continues to strengthen, the number of opportunities to minister to them, encourage them, pray for them, and lead them to Christ and His holy Church have grown.

This summer, in addition to hosting a couple of the students in between their summer plans, I have met regularly with two couples and one of our inquirers—all of whom are eager to grow in Christ and learn what it means to be an Orthodox Christian. It is my privilege to encourage them in that journey to Christ and His holy Church.

One of the couples met on the first retreat I led for the Johnnies (the self-selected nickname of the students of St. John’s College). Now they are to be married and are close to becoming catechumens. Praise God!

I can’t tell you the number of people who have come to me to say what college ministry meant to them while in college. Today, the need for college ministry has only increased as the pressures on Christians from our culture has grown. We Orthodox must strive to meet these students where they are at. Many of them, Orthodox and non-Orthodox are hungry for the truth. Through this ministry we have the opportunity to direct them to Him who is Truth and Life itself at this critical time in their lives.

The new academic year is just a few weeks away. It is my hope to have enough support raised by then to step up my presence on the campuses and offer daily prayer on campus, be more available to the students, and be more present in the events on both campuses.

A board of directors has been formed to help provide for the growth and sustenance of this ministry and a website is up and running to keep you informed of what’s happening in the ministry. You can access the site at www.annapoliscollegeministry.com . The website is being developed by Lily Rowe, one of our board members and also a big supporter of the ministry. Thank you for your support for this ministry and please keep me and this ministry in your fervent prayers! May God bless you!