Team: Players, Coaches, Owners, Fans

Go Giants! Go Yankees!

Now I know many of you are from Pennsylvania, Maryland and even Queens and consequently can’t stand my opening line, but have you ever thought about why?  Sure, Jerry Swierczek, you may argue it’s about pure talent… but even when the Phillies lose? Or how about you Rick Lockhart? The teams you cheer for are solely because they are located in the place where you’re originally from, but my friend Tommy Waters supports teams from a whole different state. So why do we support the teams we do?

My answer is simple, common, & without really good reason – I’m from New York, born and raised in the Bronx, so I support the teams who represent my community.

Some of you may tease later but in all honesty, these teams have no real eternal value. Yet so many around the world put so much money, time, and even prayer toward their achievements. How about us, the body of Christ?

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

Who do we glorify with our riches, prayers, attire, and time? Ourselves? Our favorite sports team? Our God? I was recently challenged with looking at my life to see what my heart truly gives attention and glory to.  What or who do I promote?

Being a full-time missionary is like being the field coach of a team.

I recently was hit with this concept of being a coach to student leaders who are leading ministries on their campuses. They are the players on the field, I am their coach, and you are all part of the team after the same goal. God owns it all. Some of you pray and some of you invest financially but together our efforts help advance God’s team through college students in New Jersey to reach the world!

Whatever role you play, first I want to say thank you. Without you, this may very well be impossible. Next, I want to challenge you to increase your investment in this team and support of God’s work. Maybe through prayer every week at church or through financial gifts, whatever the Lord wants you to do.

God has placed me as a coach. Will you continue to support this team?

Everyday of my life...

Luke 21:4 "For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

I am a full-time missionary. My boss is God. Every day of my life I choose to serve Him and His mission to accomplish His vision through the organization formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, now called Cru.

Using a picture survey to start spiritual conversations

I spend my workday talking to students who have always 'known" Jesus but don't fully know His transforming love (discipleship & training). I spend multiple days a week starting spiritual conversations and building relationships with the students, faculty and staff that God brings across my path who don't yet know Him (evangelism).

Tammy  (my director) & I at a Jersey Metro staff mtg

Twice a week I gather with a group of individuals (my staff team) who are deeply in love with Jesus and passionate about seeing the same vision come to reality across the state of New Jersey so that it ultimately impacts the world. Together, we pray for the college students that flood the campuses and the faculty that guide those students in their knowledge of this world. Together, we listen to God and pray about how He may want us to encourage one another and encourage the students to action; Action in prayer, action in planning and action in stepping out on faith to see those plans come to pass.

Because this is what I do with my time, I have a team of supporting friends and family who financially support me to be able to be on campus without concern of finances or food or shelter or health. From financial gifts of $10/month to annual $800 promises or even groceries for a few days, stamps for the week or gas cards in the mail. Because of people like you, I can be used by God to reach the increasing number of students around the world. Thanks you.

If you would like to help in any way, check out the how you can give note on my facebook page or visit give.ccci.org and use account number 0597677 or simply ask me.

Generosity develops Growth

It just breaks my hears when students have to choose between going to Fall Retreat, where they're challenged to live a surrendered life to God, and going to RADIATE, our winter conference where they're encouraged by students from around the region and built up in their faith. Why is money Satan's biggest threat to the growth of the church body?!

There are five students at Kean alone that I can name off the top of my head who will not be attending this year's Fall Retreat unless God provides a miraculous $75 for the two freshmen and $99 for the upperclassmen new believers. Please pray with me as I go to ask local churches and Kean Cru supporters to sponsor a student and help transform a life.

@ Work this Week: Strategic Planning for the Semester!

I'm BAAACK!
Wow! When I think about what the Lord has done over the past two years, I just can't help but say THANKS!Thanks to God for providing me with the friendships and relationships to encourage me through the support-raising process of ministry and thanks to YOU for allowing God to work in your finances and through your prayers to help move this mission!

I am excited to tell you that I have gathered a team of partners, like many of you, who have currently provided 90% of my monthly financial support! After speaking with my support coach and Jersey Metro Directors, I've been given the opportunity to be "on campus" working with my team! There are still details to work out concerning what exactly I will be doing but basically this means I can report to the field I felt God call me to 2.5 years ago! PRAISE GOD!

Last week I was able to attend a staff retreat where the 21 team members of the Jersey Metro Ministry were able to connect and build relationships. This week it was time to plan the details of the ministry for the next semester. With just a little over 20 staff and volunteers who are able to be on the 32/60 campuses of New Jersey, there are many details to consider and lots of work to accomplish! Thank you for your prayers this week as we seek the Lord and listen to where He is drawing this ministry. 

I'm sure you are all curious to hear what campuses I will be working with and how God will use us to bring students to the knowledge of Him!...More to come soon! :)