Start of the Year - Day 8 "The Alpha Party"

Tonight we had our opening party of the year - called the Alpha Party.  The goal was to give a clear explanation of Student Life (our university ministry) and what we do, and for all the new students to meet the Movement Builders (Bible study leaders & Disciplers).  

We had about 103 students (it was hard to count)!  This is by far the largest start of the year we've had!

We had a good time of worship, a few games, 3 testimonies from students describing how God has used Student Life in their lives, introduction of our local missionaries, etc.

We then had all of our Movement Builders come up front (wearing the new shirts that Elton & Linson printed).  What a sight!  There were 16 of them, many had never led a group, but have gone through training in the past month and are ready (one more training tomorrow).  Last year we ended with 11 Movement Builders and we are praying for 22 this year - 16 is a good start!

I spoke on what God did in each of our lives when we trusted him to save us - amazing things including the opportunity to be used by God in other's lives for the rest of our own life!

I also explained a bit more about Student Life (we're a movement, not a fellowship - we teach discipleship and every student has the opportunity to develop their own ministry - each of us learning how to help fulfill the Great  in Matt 8:18-20).... and then about how the discipleship works - every student who leads a group is also in a group and has all the support and encouragement that he needs.  

Then all the Movement Builders (MBs) went our into the midst of the students and found 4 to 8 new students to come into their groups.  It was very exciting to watch - especially the new MBs.  One new MB came up to me after everything was over and showed me his list of 6 guys and said, "I'm so excited, I have my group"!

Thanks for praying for this ministry - God is doing amazing things!  It is such an honour to be able to see God use us in the lives of these students (who will be used by God to the next 50 years to disciple others).  

Elton & Diane preparing the feast (Susan is BBQing)

We ended the evening with BBQed hot dogs and fruit salad that the students prepared.  Two former Student Lifers did the BBQing - because the other student leaders were all heavily involved in the program (thanks Sine & Susan)!  Several students commented that this was the best Alpha Party ever (a great compliment because it's the first one that the young staff and student leaders planned without Eva, who passed away last August).

Please be praying for Elton, Lillian and Greg (our 3 PNG missionaries) that they we have the stamina and energy to keep going.  They're a bit tired.