Student Venture Booth at Freshman Orientation at Mandarin HS

For the first time in over 10 years Student Venture has made its dramatic debut at Mandarin High School to the Freshman class of 2010-2011 The excitement in the cafeteria was incredible! Students from last year's Christian Club came to help represent and are full of faith that this year Student Venture is going to have a big impact!
Just this morning I was reminded that it's not anything we can do by ourselves as Zeph 4:6 says, "Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty"

We not only met several new incoming freshmen, but also parents who are so grateful to hear there are other Christian students with morals and values who will be a positive influence for their kids!

Many of the parents I met were transferring their kids from private Christian or Catholic schools to attend public school for the first time. The fear and concern on their faces was undeniable! I'm so grateful Student Venture is here not only to reach out to the lost kids who have no spiritual influence in their life, but also to help those who do have a relationship with God and want to continue growing in their walk with God!

Our after school meeting will give Christian students an opportunity to lead others to the Lord and be a positive example to their peers. We will have weekly discussion groups for students to interact, share prayer requests and pray for each other. We will create a safe and welcoming environment where they will be accepted and loved unconditionally with the grace and forgiveness that Christ offers all of us!

Summer 2010 comes to an End...

It's been a busy summer between the Myrtle Beach Getaway Conference in early June and then spending 18 days in Maracaibo, Venezuela on a Student Venture International Project in July.

Acts 1:8 says to go and make disciples in Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. I have taken this literally to mean Mandarin (suburb of Jacksonville), Myrtle Beach, SC and Melbourne, FL (two SV Conferences), and Maracaibo (mission trip). The Lord has led me to all these places over the past year for one purpose and that is to make disciples!

It has been an incredible journey to witness the growth of the high school students as they have learned how to share their faith with others! Through the ministry of SV, we have seen over 1,064 people come to Christ this past year! But what's even more exciting than that is the fact that we are making disciples who will be able to continue to impact others for Christ for many years to come!

Many of the students I met last year at Mandarin HS and Bartram Trails HS were involved in different mission opportunities throughout the summer. Either with their youth groups or with Student Venture! Summer time can really make or break a kids spiritual growth.

Last Friday night I had 7 girls from Creekside and Bartram Girls Bible study over for a sleepover. It was a great night of fun and fellowship to catch up on what everyone has been doing this summer. This week I will be meeting with the students from Mandarin HS for lunch to catch up and make plans for the Freshmen Orientation happening on Saturday. We will have a booth to introduce freshmen to Student Venture on their campus! The students are helping and its going to be so much fun!

So, as we say good-bye to summer and prepare for another incredible year of student ministry in Jacksonville, I pray for many new adventures of faith for each and every one of us!