February 2024

- February 29, 2024

Here is the large group photo of all of the FOCUS ministries across the DFW metroplex. It was taken at Winter Retreat last month!

Hey everyone!!

Thank you for taking the time to check in on how ministry this past month has been! It has been full of fun and meaningful moments. Here's a few of them:

Pizza Theology

This is an event that we put on every semester to dig deeper into an aspect of our faith. It is 4 hours of lectures from various speakers with an hour of pizza in the middle! Considering it is a 5 hour commitment on a Sunday evening (which is prime homework time for college students!), it is always so encouraging to see how many students show up! Check out some of the photos:

This year's topic for Pizza Theology was learning about The Bible! Various of the FOCUS staff discussed Bible translations, how/why certain books were canonized, what it means that the Bible is inspired, and how to practically approach reading scripture. Several students said it was their first time considering the nature and origins of our scripture on a deeper level. If you are interested in listening to any of these lectures, they are on Spotify at this link: https://open.spotify.com/show/16Dvs8bb4ihm7Uc5Iuy35W?si=c94b2ccd07ed4205

More Pizza Theology pictures!

A Night of Black Church

In honor of Black History Month, FOCUS hosted a Night of Black Church at UTD. So many people showed up to learn and participate in the rich cultural history of the African American church in America, clinging onto hope of Christ in the midst of oppression and immense pain. The room was filled with dancing and joy as we worshipped God our Savior!

All of the apprentices dressed in our Sunday best for the event!

Richland College Students looking fabulous for the event!

Last photos! From the left - Ashley (a friend of mine for over 10 years now - wow! - who is part of FOCUS at UNT), Quincy (Richland student who I get to do a one on one Bible study with each week, someone who embodies purity of heart and true joy), Sarah (recently transfered to UTD, but someone who was a huge leader in our community in her time at Richland!), and Thaily (another Richland student who I also study with each week. She is so inquisitive and earnest!)

Special Moments with Richland Students

After one of our Wednesday night services, we had a karoake night. Our sweet students turned it into a spontaneous time of worshipping God together, arm in arm, at the top of their lungs! Here's a video of that, it is heartwarming and contagious to see how much passion and expression they have:

One of our students, Jincy, brought me out to dinner to taste some authentice south Indian cuisine like her family makes. Moments like thes where someone opens up a window into their heart and life are so precious. I am thankful for rich conversations like these, talking about how God's transformation in our lives while enjoying delicious food!

Funny enough, many of our students names rhyme with one another. A prime example here - after spotlighting Jincy, I want to talk a bit about Quincy :) Words cannot express how proud I am of this girl! This semester, my goal for her has been to develop in her leadership skills. She is only 18 years old, but she is wise, humble, and bold. Last week, she led the co-ed small group with another student (Daniel). It was their first time leading and they did fantastic! They got the group to consider what is holding us back from being wholehearted devoted to God. Doesn't her smile just warm your heart?!

More Photos/Videos from Winter Retreat Last Month

Here are some images that I did not have when I wrote my blog last month from Winter Retreat! You might spot Kazayet's dance moves on stage in the video!