 When you make a disciple, you can transform the world“Wow, you’ve been serving in Chi Alpha for a long time!” someone said when I shared that I’ve been in campus ministry since 2016. I laughed and agreed, but the statement caused me to reflect: why am I doing this? Last month, I was a bridesmaid in a wedding that reminded my heart of something my friend and UVA Training Program Director, Josh Moran, would remind me: “when you make a disciple, you can transform the world.” It was the wedding of two Yale Chi Alpha alum, one of who was the first student I befriended at Yale! God has transformed each of their lives as students – leading them into true joy and freedom, working through them to reach other Yale students with God’s love. I’m excited for how God is going to bring Himself glory through their marriage — and for the generations to come. But what was equally incredible was to looking around and see Hannah’s family worshipping Jesus. Hannah was not only a witness for Jesus on Yale’s campus, but her life in Christ overflowed into her family. We celebrate at what God’s done in her family through Hannah’s life in Christ. Indeed – when you make a disciple, you can transform the world. The gospel transforms families. And as I looked at the crowd, filled with other Yale Chi Alpha alum and students who had flown and driven miles to celebrate. They’re now in the tech world, in consulting, training to become doctors, Many of whom who were brought into the family of God by this couple. Yes – when you make a disciple, you can transform the world. The gospel transforms communities. So why campus ministry? Because we have the privilege of impacting one student’s life. There are thousands of college students beginning a new school year these next few weeks – will you pray that Jesus would meet the one? But also because their transformed lives will impact others. Will you pray that these students’ discipleship to Jesus would have a multiplication effect — throughout the Northeast and beyond?   (Left) So honored to stand next to this sweet friend, alongside other women from Yale Chi Alpha. These friendships are a testament of God’s grace! // (Right) Chi Alpha group photo!    Celebrations! (Left) Ben completed his Chemistry doctoral program last month! After 5 years in the lab and several months of writing his thesis, it was rewarding to see it come together at his defense. (Right) Grateful for 5 years of marriage! Managed to getaway for a weekend in New Hampshire to reflect on this past season and anticipate what’s to come.   (Left) Northeast LIGHT in June! LIGHT is the annual staff training conference that I serve on the planning team for. Thankful to get to work with this fun team! (Right) Got to spend time this summer with Matt, the Northeast Area Director! He and I collaborate daily to serve the Northeast. He’s a great boss – and as you might notice on the whiteboard behind us, we’re excited to see what these next few months and years hold for the Northeast.   We’ve moved! (Left) Packed up our New Haven apartment at the end of July and moved to Philadelphia! We gave great attention to making sure my plants survived the move. (Right) The view from our new apartment! We’re slowly settling into the city and rhythms here.  We thank God for:Fruitful support-raising season. We’re grateful for each new ministry partner and for your investment in God’s work on campuses throughout the Northeast.Smooth moving process. There were many moving pieces this summer, and we thank the Lord for bringing us to our new home! Please pray for: Patience and favor in establishing ourselves here. Starting over somewhere new has its joys and challenges! Every Chi Alpha group in the Northeast as they begin fall start-up. May God orchestrate divine appointments and fill each minister with strength and joy as they meet students.Wisdom for this work, particularly in how to best support each Chi Alpha minister and help teams be effective. I’ll also be traveling several times over the next few months, which is a new rhythm for me! I’m asking for physical strength.  Thank you for faithfully praying for and for enabling me to serve campuses and ministers across the Northeast. Together, we are serving students, blessing campuses, developing missionaries, and cultivating healthy teams. 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.partner with me |
| Contact me jennyjgroff@gmail.com 703-944-4131 Our mailing address is 1614 Christian Street, Unit 3, Philadelphia, PA 19146 |