November Update

ROC Students during the HallOUween
Hotdog Outreach
It’s currently week 12 of the semester, which means that we are officially ¾ of the way through another academic calendar here at Reach Out on Campus. It’s honestly surreal to put that in writing because it seems like just yesterday we were handing out cookies and meeting new students during move-in weekend. It really has been a terrific semester so far, and it’s been incredible to see the ways that God has been moving the hearts and minds of students in our community.

As many of you know, at the end of October ROC held its 3rdannual HallOUween Block Party outreach. It was a wonderful night and despite being a lot of work and planning, it really was a joy to be a part of the event. Our ROC students showed up in record numbers to reach out to their community and share Jesus through a small practical act of love. Despite attendance for the event being down due to rainy, cold weather and Homecoming falling the weekend before, we gave out all the hotdogs in less than an hour! It was incredible. 

In the midst of the chaos that is the Block Party I was encouraged to watch our students lovingly engage each person who walked by that night. Nearly as awesome to witness were the reactions of sincere appreciation and gratitude. Several times that night our students had to turn down offers of money, and even explain in detail why they were giving away free hotdogs. 

With just a few weeks left in the semester we are still looking forward to a busy couple of weeks. This coming weekend (November 16-17) several of our students will be attending the International Conference on Missions in Cincinnati. Many of them are eager to catch up with friends they have made on the mission field, find out about ministries they can serve with, and even be encouraged through worship and teaching. This year at ICOM the Association of Campus Ministries will be putting a spotlight on our Ohio Ministries since the convention is being held in our home state. We are eager to share about the ways that God has been working through our students here at OU. 


Once we return from Thanksgiving Break we will have just two short weeks of classes before finals. OU’s finals week is December 10-14ththis year. Each year during finals, we try to show our students a little extra love by having food, coffee, and a place to relax at the ROC House. Once again, it’s just a small act of love during a stressful time in their lives, but it is greatly appreciated. 

As we wrap this semester up, I want to say that I’m excited about the things that our student leaders have planned for Spring Semester. The calendar is chock-full of great things like Bible Studies, mission trips, retreats and more! One of the cool parts of the ministry of ROC is that even as we wrap up a great fall semester; plans are already in place for amazing things to happen in the spring. Please join me in praying that God would bless these events and multiply our efforts. 

As Thanksgiving approaches we are mindful of the many ways that God continues to bless our faith community. Certainly, your ongoing support and prayers are among the most incredible. For that we are grateful. 

Blessings,

-Dodger

ROC Students at the ROC Halloween Party