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 JANUARY 2024 Pizza & hope It’s a month after Christmas, but I’ve been wondering about hope a lot. I don’t know about you, but it seems hope doesn’t mean everything turns out the way we want. As one author wrote, “To the Scripture writers, hope is the absolute expectation of coming good based on the character of God.” If hope is tied to knowing God’s character, then I want to know God’s character more deeply. This has been my prayer for our students as well: that they would know God’s character. That God would heal and restore their vision of Him. God is doing this with Allie*. The best way Allie knew to manage life was to focus on work and what’s ahead. Though her mom passed away over a decade ago, she hasn’t felt like she’s grieved – but rather, it’s been unacknowledged. But in the last few years, Allie has come to know Jesus as a God who meets us in our pain and suffering. Jesus wept – and teaches us how to mourn. We do not have to ignore or be afraid of negative emotions. So last month, we did something practical: we baked pizzas with a group of friends. Pizza was her mom’s favorite. And somehow, in the seemingly mundane evening of rolling dough, spreading cheese and sauce, God was healing Allie’s vision of Him. God wants to meet us in our pain – nothing is outside of His sight. We can bring our whole selves to Him. And she plans to continue this new tradition every year! I’m praying that as Allie knows God’s character, she will hope. And that as she hopes, she will know God’s character more deeply. Do you need your vision of God to be healed? May this be true for you and me as well. May knowing God’s character cause you to hope. And may you know God’s character more deeply because you choose to hope. |
| RECENT SNAPSHOTS |
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| Our first ever Winter Retreat! We took a few students away for 24 hours to relax, fellowship, and be in God’s presence. We meditate on how God breaks the fourth wall – His presence is not just an idea, but a reality. About 1/3 of those there were new to our community! One student said: “The message was timely and what I needed to hear; it was a reset. I came back from retreat and felt like I was able to cultivate the daily rhythms that I’d been wanting to for so long.” And how do you have fun when it’s 0 degrees outside? You build indoor forts! |
| (Left) Yale Chi Alpha at SALT! Every January, Chi Alpha students/staff in the Northeast gather for a conference in Philadelphia called SALT. This year, a few of our students were able to attend – one even brought along her sister who we’ve been praying for. It was great to be in God’s presence together, eat good food, and connect with friends! (Right) A blast from the past! I had so much fun being the SALT “emcee” with my friend, Josh. Josh was my campus pastor at UVA and the director of my training program. I wouldn’t be in ministry without his mentorship and friendship, so it was a delight to host together! |
| PRAISES – We met Chad* tabling in August. As someone who practices another religion, he respected our dedication to faith. After different connection points, he ended up coming to our Winter Retreat – and is even starting to get involved in a core group! – While a core group was eating dinner, a girl walked by who recognized a few of the girls. After learning they were headed to study the Bible, she asked to join! As they read Acts and explored the Holy Spirit, she said that it seems the Holy Spirit brought her to this group. – One of our fellows invited Ethan* to the retreat. Knowing he has no faith background, we were surprised to see him sign up – especially since this was his first XA event! During a time of prayer, he expressed that he’d never seen a community like this during his 4 years. We are praying that God meets him during his last semester at Yale! – Ben met Jacob* playing volleyball in September. Jacob’s only exposure to the Bible has been hearing them as bedtime stories from a relative. Last week, Jacob reached out and asked if he could be part of their core group! We pray they would experience union with the God who created them. PRAYER REQUESTS – Ben & I anticipate a busy and challenging month ahead, both ministerially and personally. We’re asking for God’s strength and grace to be faithful daily! -Twelve students started Discipleship Training Course. We pray this course helps them take the next step in their discipleship to Jesus – and that some would become future core group leaders! PS – Be on the lookout next month for a special newsletter with some exciting updates! |
 Thank you for faithfully praying for and partnering with our ministry at Yale. I am grateful to have an incredible team of partners. Please let me know how I can be praying for you! If you are interested in partnering with me financially, click the button below to sign up on my secure giving page. |
Contact Me jenny.groff@yale.edu 703-944-4131 * All names edited for privacy |