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Its harder then it looks

December 22, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

We have an amazing group of leaders working to see students and faculty from every corner encounter Jesus. Each bring expertise and experience that enable us to focus our outreach. But how do we work together for the benefit of campuses across the US?

Last week we gathered staff in the Every Corner program to discuss this collaboration. They highlighted bright spots and challenges in this work. Please pray for me and Henry Lucey-Lee, director of InterVarsity Arts Ministry, as we lead this program and learn together how to collaborate in ways that most effectively expand our work.

A powerful foundation

December 22, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

Ezra 3 tells the story of Israel rebuilding the temple. At the laying of the foundation many celebrate with joy, while some of those who saw the former temple weep. The various responses are indistinguishable but can be heard far way.

Many of our staff are in a space like this, rebuilding work well established in the past. Our invitation to them is like the Israelites, hold the joy and weeping together as worship before God. And our prayer is that this sound will testify to the work of God in this place.

As you could imagine, the weeping can overcome the hope that foundation represents. Pray that God would help our staff to see and celebrate the new thing growing in their midst.

“I don’t know if I can do this”

November 11, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

In the midst of the pandemic, nurses have been under particular stress. This study reports that 2/3 of nurses surveyed reported decline in physical health, 2/3 experienced symptoms of depression, and 2/3 are considering leaving nursing either now or within a year.

Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF) is stepping into this gap. Recently, NCF held an online webinar about the challenges facing nurses and how to cope. 101 participants joined! In front of everyone, a first semester nursing student asked, “Is it worth it being a nurse? I don’t know if I can do this…”

The whole online audience froze. Then another nursing student relayed how Jesus had helped her through the past year and a half of school, excitedly sharing how much she loved nursing and being used by God. After that, a nurse, still working at the bedside in her 70’s, testified to God’s sustenance through 50 years of practice. Finally, all 101 joined in prayer for the student, whose vulnerability allowed that holy moment.

Join me in praying for the important work of NCF in this season amongst their 130+ student chapters and 45+ professional nurse chapters across the country.

The Joy of being Together

November 11, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

Over 160 InterVarsity student leaders from across Michigan gathered at Aspire, a one-day conference to equip students for God’s mission on campus.

Timothy Lin, Regional Director of Michigan, shared:

It has been over two years since the last Michigan in-person student conference.

Students were so hungry for community. As soon as they arrived, they sought new cross-campus friendships. They soaked up everything we could teach them. Many indicated their commitment to reach out to classmates with the love of Christ.

Four students came from St Clair County Community College (SC4) in Port Huron, Michigan. We just restarted a chapter on campus this fall, and these four came to Aspire ready to learn everything about leading this fledgling chapter. Over lunch, they told me, “We had no idea how big InterVarsity is! We can’t wait to help grow our SC4 chapter.” And a couple of weeks later, they did just by that passing out “welcome bags” around campus and inviting students to their Bible study!

I love that the Lord is working in and through these 160 student leaders to share about God’s Kingdom on campuses across Michigan. Please pray for their courage and boldness to share about Jesus with their friends.

A New Beginning

October 5, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

Our students, staff, and volunteers come back to campus this fall with a different group then they left with in February 2020. On campus we experience continued change with classes of students arriving and graduating. In addition, in most places the pandemic accelerated the change.

Some groups are starting from the ground up. Others have students leading things, like in-person Bible studies, that they have not experienced. This work takes a mindset shift from leaders to start fresh, training core skills. Things like leading Bible studies and sharing the Gospel.

It can be discouraging to start over, though it is so encouraging when a new student begins to grasp these core skills. Pray with me for our leaders as they train this generation of students.

Where is the next throw

October 5, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

Over the last month students, staff, and volunteers hosted gatherings, stood at welcome tables, and served incoming students. This is a physically and relationally demanding season for our community. In addition our staff continue to navigate changing realities and regulations on campus.

As I sat on campus praying with one of these staff, he remembered a conversation before the year began. One of his prayer partners shared the story of Jesus calling Peter (Luke 5:1-11). In it Jesus invited Peter to throw out the net one more time after a night of fishing. We then prayed asking where Jesus was inviting this group to reach out next.

Join me in praying for InterVarsity leaders across the country to respond to God’s invitation, like Peter, to throw the net again.

Double the opportunity

September 7, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

In the first two weeks on campus, students make connections that shape their time in college. After a year plus of primarily virtual interaction, two classes of students walk now through those two weeks.

For InterVarsity groups across the country, these are critical weeks inviting students to engage with God in life-giving community.

Preparing for these weeks we gathered to pray, compiled resources (check them out!), and bought a lot of supplies. Join us in praying for great connections and many to say yes to Jesus.

Do you know a student heading to a campus this fall? Go to Everycampus to find the Gospel communities on the campus or resources to start a new one.

Signs of Life Springing Up

September 7, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

A brick wall, not very inspiring right?

Last week, I participated with colleagues around the country noting #signsoflife we saw on campus. I shared about a wall.

It stood behind a staff, a toddler when I first met him, now sharing with me about his ministry at the University of Arkansas. I walked past this wall 20 years ago when I staffed the campus. Now a staff team invites students to encounter Jesus. This wall reminds me of the continued work of God through many seasons, even as He moves us to new places.

Across the country, InterVarsity chapters focus on new student outreach on campus and virtually. Please pray for them and also share with me #signsoflife you see around you.

Engaging Faculty

May 7, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

In this pandemic, we see college and university faculty connecting digitally and pursuing God together. From a faculty roundtable at Northwestern in January with 900+ participants, to 180 faculty engaging in a digital Camino, to our highest number of participants (297) at the Believers in Business Conference. Last week an event on race and theology drew 90 faculty from across the country.

Like for others, it has been a challenging year for faculty and InterVarsity’s work. At the same time we praise God for His movement amongst faculty. Join me in giving thanks to God!

Do you know a faculty member that would like to connect to other Christian faculty? Connect them with us.

More real

May 5, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

So many things pull our attention – phone notifications, full garbage, current caseload numbers, etc.

In Luke 10:38-42 we read the story of two sisters, one pulled by the distractions (many good things), one drawn to focus on Jesus. My attention is similarly pulled and the invitation is the same, draw my focus to Jesus.

Not sure about for you but I have a lot of very real tasks on my list each day. I was reminded recently, the supernatural is actually more real then the natural. My invitation – seek the very real presence of Jesus today. I do not disengage with the real tasks around me but do them with attention on him. May it be so.