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Jacob Gaines - End of School Year

Dear Ministry Partners,

 

The end is here, but only for a time.

Semester Highlights

  • Collin Wylie Free Lunch: During this Free Lunch and Bible Study, we went through the book of Acts. The study was led by the Wylie BSM President, Saleem, and we averaged about 10 people. It was full of amazing conversations that I and other students were blessed to have.

  • February Gathering: I got the privilege of preaching at Wylie BSM's monthly worship night. It was over Ecclesiastes and I got to share that without God, everything comes to nothing. About 20 students were there and it seemed to hit home.

  • Chai and Chat: We give out chai in the business school, JSOM, every Wednesday around 4. There is always a spiritual question on our sign for people to answer. Every 3 weeks, we change the sign to "Ask Us a Spiritual Question." During these questions, we get to share the Gospel in numerous ways and also be able to attempt to answer questions people may have. A lot of people ask: "What is the meaning of life?" My answer: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37&39 (paraphrased)

  • Beach Reach: For a week I was with a group of students who shared the Gospel boldly. We were at South Padre Island for spring break and gave free van rides to whoever needed it to wherever they needed to go. We had 4 salvations on our van! The event itself was two weeks long and had over 300 salvations! Jesus' love is active in the lives of both the people who are far away from Him as well as the people actively serving Him.

  • Leadership Retreat: We got to equip our students in ways to share the Gospel both in school and out of it. A lot of events were also planned for the upcoming semester and it was a good bonding experience.

  • Spring Banquet: This happened on Monday, May 4th, at First Baptist Plano. The spring banquet always has a special place in my heart, for this is a time of honoring seniors, praying for them, and sending them off to serve the Lord wherever they may go. We get to write personal notes for the seniors, give out awards, and just have a really good time. And I only got choked up a little bit!

Continuing On

Many of our students will return to their homes across the country and the world for this summer. Though this does not mean I will be idle. We will be hosting a weekly worship night and game night every Monday and Friday, respectively, in June and July. This is for our students that live in the area or that didn't go home. We want to have something for them.

I will be helping with the planning of the Big Howdy. This is a collaboration between BSM and a lot of other Christian and non-Christian organizations to welcome international students to Texas! We pick up arriving students from the airport and take them to their new homes. We are welcoming faces and share Jesus' love through action. We also help provide furniture for a lot of students, for many arrive to a bare apartment. The biggest part, however, is a big welcome party that gets international students connected to local organizations, local churches, and friendly locals. We tend to host about 1000 international students with this event.

During the rest of the time, I will be support raising. With new responsibilities and the cost of living increasing, I will be reaching out to more people to also join in supporting this ministry.

Thanks

Thank you all so much for your support in both prayer and money this past two semesters. It was a step of faith for me to take this position, and God provided y'all to support me! Thanks to you, I am blessed to be able to share the Gospel and pour into college students full time! It's one of the most pivotal points in a person's life, especially for their faith. I get to help strengthen faith, share faith, and be there for people. This could not have been done with you all, and I am so grateful.

Ways to Pray

  • That all of our students will pass their finals and that Jesus will bless them with peace as they study and complete projects.

  • Safe travels for our students as they return home.

  • That students will stay in the Word during this time away.

  • Pray for summer Refuge and summer game night to flourish. Pray that it nourishes and encourages our local students both spiritually and physically.

  • Wisdom is need while planning the Big Howdy. Pray for wisdom, clarity, and good decision making.

  • Pray that God will provide the additional people necessary for my support raising goal.

  • Pray that I use my time well and lead my family well.

 

To God Be The Glory,

Jacob Gaines