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ROC Fall Retreat Group at New River Gorge |
As I write these words I find myself
wondering how it can already be the halfway point of the semester. It seems
like just last week the students were moving in, welcome activities were
happening almost around the clock, and we were giving directions to different
buildings on campus. But the change in temperature and the leaves beginning to
fall from the trees reminds me that we are in fact moving quickly through
another semester.
If the weather cues weren’t enough of
a reminder, ROC’s fall retreat definitely was. Speaking of which, this year’s
fall retreat was absolutely amazing! Not only did we have the spectacular
backdrop of the New River Gorge as the setting for the retreat (which, by the
way, if you’ve never done worship on a mountain top overlooking creation, it is
a fantastic way to connect with God) but God really “showed up” during the
weekend in ways that I don’t believe any of us had anticipated. Our students
came back refreshed and renewed in their mission to Reach OU’s campus with the
message of Jesus Christ.
Speaking of ROC students let me
mention a couple things that I am excited about. While ROC has always been
student led and run, I am really impressed with the way our leaders are
stepping up within the community. First, several of our leaders will be
facilitating a “Discipleship Workshop” in October. This was a workshop that ROC
staff led last year, and students were so encouraged by it they wanted to offer
it again this year and lead it themselves. Secondly, this past week two of our
undergrads offered to teach during Crosswalk since I was going to be out of
town that day. They not only did a phenomenal job, they really opened the door
for other students who have since expressed the desire to teach. Finally, one
of our students will be preaching at a ROC Church visit coming up in a few
weeks! I’m really amazed at the way our students are stepping up to allow
themselves to be used by God.
As I consider all these things, a verse that we used
as the basis for our leadership agreement keeps coming to mind. 1 Timothy
4:10-13 That is why we
labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the
Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach
these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you
because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in
conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until
I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to
teaching.
While verse 12
has been the theme Scripture for just about every youth event I’ve ever
attended, I think we often miss that in setting “an example” young people are
called to action rather than to simply adopt church etiquette. The verses that
precede verse 12 talk about laboring, striving, commanding, and teaching. Verse
13 instructs devotion to the scriptures, preaching, and again teaching.
Sometimes I think that we pass up golden opportunities to call young people to
labor, teach, and preach. In doing so I fear that we not only rob them of the
opportunity to do what God has called them to do, but also rob ourselves of the
encouragement, inspiration, and passion that comes from their example.
I love that
within the campus ministry I am blessed to be able to witness the fullness of 1
Timothy 4:10-13 played out within our community every day. I pray that this
process continues to happen each and every year that God chooses to use ROC on
OU’s campus. Thank you to each of you who play an integral role in supporting
our students and providing them with the opportunity to serve, labor, preach,
and teach.
In Christ,
-Dodger