Tom Lin

The first month of the school year is always a critical time for our staff in their outreach to new students. Here are a few tidbits to give you a glimpse of things we are celebrating:

• On Sept. 21-23, I spoke at the Central Region’s first-ever IV Regional Fall Conference, with over 250 students participating. And we witnessed one student make a decision to follow Jesus within the evangelism training track at the conference!

• At Coe College (Iowa), a Chinese international student gave her life to the Lord during an outreach event on campus.

• At Grinnell College (Iowa), 40 students showed up for a SMALL group outreach event and a record 18 students returned for the actual small group Bible Study the following week!

• At Washington U. (St. Louis), the International students ministry hosted a creative “Furniture Giveway” to reach out to new international students. Over 100 students came, and the fellowship received much publicity in the campus paper. Here’s the online article.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. InterVarsity’s Expansion in the Great Plains. A recent visit to Kansas City revealed that there is a clear need and opportunity for IV to be on campuses in KC. After several meetings with my Regional Leadership Team, we have formed a Strategic Framework for expansion into Kansas and Nebraska beginning with a “planting team” in Fall 2008. Please pray for this expansion, and for a “planting team” to be raised up.

2. IVCF National Meetings, Oct. 1-4. Pray for my participation at InterVarsity’s national “fall meetings” in Madison, where senior management throughout the U.S. gather. I hope for much learning from my peers and national leaders, and good work to be done on national issues and priorities.

3. Wycliffe Family Retreat, Orlando, Sept. 27-30. Every 3 years, a Wycliffe Board meeting is open to spouses and family. This will be the first time Nancy is participating, so please pray for good connection between her and other spouses, and a joyful time for our entire family (yes, Abby & Olivia will be coming!).