COUNSELOR APPLICATIONS ARE LIVE!!! This is such an exciting season to be apart of for Impact 2017 as we prepare to add counselors. The push is on to reach out and encourage students across the campuses of Texas A&M and Blinn to apply for Impact Counselor. We see this as a time to be faithful to God in our presence on campus as we go out on behalf of the Kingdom and engage the masses of students. Not only do we have a chance to promote the position of counselor, but we also have the opportunity to be intentional with thousands of students who will pass by our teams passing out flyers. Most people will pass by quickly and continue about their day. However, we are reminded to make an effort to see all of these students through the lens of God, making a conscious effort to reflect the image of Christ through our words and actions.
It has been a major blessing for some of our leaders to have awesome, fruitful conversations with different people on campus. God is so good and we marvel at how He allows us to be apart of His plan. Joshua Gregory, Co-Chair for Alpha Zebulun, had an unexpected conversation with an older man named Wayne. Wayne approached Josh as he was passing out flyers and was eager to hear about what Josh was promoting. Josh had an opportunity to share about the mission of Impact and how it is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “The conversation shifted away from Impact and the Gospel, but I realized I had an opportunity to love this guy just by actively listening to him.” Brenna Freeman, Co-Chair for Alpha Simeon, also had an amazing moment come from a conversation with a potential applicant. He had applied last year, but did not get the position. However, through the process, he realized his need to get plugged into a local church. Since then he has gotten plugged into a church and a small group where he has found a great source of encouragement and community. “Not only is Impact helping plug freshmen in through retreat in August, but the Lord is also using the application process to direct His people to the church.”
““Not only is Impact helping plug freshmen in through retreat in August, but the Lord is also using the application process to direct His people to the church.””
It is in times like this we see an active and present God who moves our eyes from a singular focus or task to a broader more responsive mode of operating. The opportunity to rely on His Spirit within us and live in the peripheral moments proves to always bless. We are reminded that He is using Impact not only for August but for every day we are given to minister in Bryan / College Station.
PASSING THE TORCH
The group of leaders God has placed in Impact for 2017 are truly phenomenal individuals that realize the hope they have in Christ. As these leaders prepare to receive and lead counselors, they reflect and share insight about what their Co-chairs and Prayer Teamers meant to them.
Joshua and Austin, Co-Chair and Prayer Team partners for Impact 2017, meet for the first time filled with memories from their past Impact experiences while excited for what lies ahead.
Connor McMillian, Co-Chair for Omega Reuben, shares that, “My Co-Chairs and Prayer Teamers were awesome guiding forces that helped me further understand the mission of Impact and prepared me to live out that purpose daily. Now as a Co-Chair, I am eager to step into this role of equipping my counselors to serve the freshmen.”
Mandy Weidenheft, a Prayer Teamer for Delta Naphtali, describes her Co-Chair and Prayer Teamers as people that, “exemplified Christ-like love in every way possible. I was just a freshman, I had no clue how to be a counselor and they lovingly showed me what that looked like.”
Hannah Dombach, a Prayer Teamer for Alpha Asher, explains that, “I loved my Co-Chairs and Prayer Teamers’ joyful enthusiasm for Jesus and His Gospel. Hopefully, I can do what they have done for me over the years: to inspire my camp to passionately pursue Jesus’ face and be transformed more into His likeness day by day.”
When building initial relationships, it always helps to throw in a little competition! Prayer Teamers for Impact 2017 compete in a group relay at last month's Co-Chair / Prayer Team Retreat.