In FOCUS, we have a saying. One on one is how it's done.
I met Reagann when she was a sophomore at UNT; I was a junior. We studied Focus On Jesus together (a one on one Bible study tool that we offer students). That same year she joined my small group, and we've lived together for the last three years.
We weren't likely friends at first. She was quiet and composed; I was an opinionated firework. On paper, our friendship didn't really make sense. But we both loved Jesus, so he worked the rest of it out. We learned to serve one another, to value each other's strengths while being mindful of our own weaknesses. Basically, God taught us how to love each other. And we do, imperfectly albeit, but we do.
What's beautiful about Jesus-centered community is that things like this happen all the time. Two people who wouldn't otherwise be friends at all, find themselves knit together in Jesus' name. In FOCUS, we understand that no-one can become more like Jesus in a vacuum, but only in loving communion with God and his people.
Many friendships began this year, resulting in a sweet harvest of up-coming leaders in our ministry. We'll be taking 22 of those student to Washington next week for the Student Institute of Campus Ministry. Please pray that they'd gain a vision and passion for all that God is doing on their campuses.
If there is anyone in your life who you think may need a friend, I encourage you to reach out to them! It's not hard to be someone's best friend these days, just takes a second of courage and a bit of follow through. Remember, one on one is how it's done. It's how Jesus built a kingdom - assigning value to people one at a time.
Thank you for all your support and prayers,
Kristen Stroud
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