Miracle of Grace

Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see. - C.S. Lewis

My first sermon

Among the many miraculous things that occurred in December, one will stick with me. I gave my first sermon. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Kristen, you're a campus minister. Of course you preached a sermon. That's not exactly a miracle." I hear what you're saying. It's not like the lame got up and walked, or the blind opened their eyes to see. But, even still, try to consider who I was just a few years ago. 

Before I finally let Jesus get a hold of me, I was a suicidal kid with no hope. The bucket of my identity was full of bitterness, arrogance, hatred, and an assortment of other empty things. I trusted absolutely no one, and wouldn't dare let anybody get close enough to try and change that. I was Kristen the Hider. Kristen the Invisible. 

But Jesus saw me. 

He's much taller than the walls I'd build up in my heart. At the right time, when I was still powerless, Jesus stooped down to lift me up. He put me in FOCUS, and surrounded me with people who were going to care about me even when I didn't want to be cared for. He completely transformed me from the inside out. 

It is undeniably an act of God that I, Kristen the Hider, could ever stand before a group of God's people and preach from a place of vulnerability. Jesus did that. It's amazes me that he could take a caterpillar like me and teach me to fly. Everything I am has come about by a miracle of God's grace. 

Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe in grace? 

These girls certainly do: 

Here we all are getting full on Mexican Food. It's one of our more attractive pictures. 

Here we are after Corefa Class. We'd just finished up watching Nacho Libre. Ingrid, Devan, and I just about have every word memorized. 

I really love this picture of Stacey. This is her, hanging out in the student union. Doesn't she look happy to see me? 

Winter Camp! 

We had a restful break, but we are so excited to start things up again with Winter Camp! All 9 of the FOCUS campuses will converge this weekend at Sky Ranch for fellowship, worship, and fun. That'll be all over next month's blog! Be praying that God moves in student's hearts, just like He moved in mine. Pray that He would draw these students into His kingdom. Pray for miracles of grace! 

Family night! 

Pretty soon, we'll be hosting family night at FOCUS! You are all welcome to come to that, just to check out the ministry that you've already invested so much into! It'll be Feb. 3rd from 5:30pm to 7pm. If you're interested in coming, let me know so that I can get you the address! 

KFG

Finally, thank you so much to everyone who gave to our Keep Focus Growing campaign! WE COULD NOT do what we do without your generosity. 

A million thank yous, 

To the best support team in the world, 

K Stroud