Year-End Update from The Larsons
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete!”
-John 15:11
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| Hi There! Many of you received this letter in the mail- if you'd like to read it again, go for it! Otherwise, Merry Christmas to you, friends! |
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To our support family,
For the last few semesters, a focus of our staff team has been on a concept that we call “turf time,” in which we try to answer the question: “How can we meet Kent State students on their turf?” Having our Sunday Gatherings on campus is great, and we love walking up to students to spark spiritual conversation. But, how can we enter into spaces and make ourselves more accessible to those who wouldn’t otherwise talk to Christians? |
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| Our Friday night pancake outreach has been a piece of this effort, and in the same vein, we’ve started doing “Coffee on Campus” on Wednesday mornings by the Student Center. The simple idea of handing out drinks and doughnuts on a busy walkway isn’t groundbreaking, but it is a “turf time” activity that helps students approach us who otherwise might avoid us. |
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| As I reflect on a semester of making ourselves available with free drinks, smiling faces, and listening ears, I am grateful for the people that God brought our way. Dakota has been our most consistent “customer” at the table, who frequently talks to my coworker Lindsay for a half hour (she even helped us clean up this past week!). Evelyn has often stood at the table simply out of the desire to be around others. Early in the semester, I had a long conversation with Jonathan, who said he wanted to find a church on campus. I’ve invited him a few times, and he’s yet to take me up on the offer, but I’m hopeful! |
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| Most weeks, I’ve had extended talks with Carter, a Computer Science major passionate about video games. He talks to me about the games he’s playing, or about how tired he is from schoolwork, but lately, we’ve gotten into more heart-level topics. Recently, I asked him “So, what gives you hope in life?” His answer was somewhat heartbreaking, and it reminded me of just how many students walk around this campus without hope. My goodness, I want Carter to know the love of Jesus! |
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| Coffee on Campus has helped us meet students “on their turf”, and the relationships formed have brought me a lot of joy. We hope that some of these stories will result in people coming to know Jesus! In college ministry, I am consistently struck by how God uses little moments, and how showing up is most of the battle. Small things like a kind word, a short story about Jesus, or a cup of coffee can result in big changes, and it reminds us that we are not the Savior! He is at work, whether that’s through a worship song, a friendship, or a doughnut. |
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As we wrap up 2024, please know that you are an integral piece of the “little” moments of college ministry. Your partnership allows us to hand out coffee, to host people in our home, and to sit with a grieving student. We could not do this without you, and we thank you for your prayer, support, and excitement!
Finally, we want to thank you as our team for helping us reach a more sustainable place of support! We are blown away that God has brought in nearly $700 in new, monthly giving out of our goal of $1,000. Many of you reading this have played a key role in us reaching a healthier spot, especially as we prepare for our daughter to arrive in six weeks! Thank you for displaying God’s heart for generosity, in a way that is so humbling to us. As we continue to share our remaining need of about $300 in monthly giving, please know that it always comes with a foundation of gratitude. With that, we would be honored by your consideration in the Holiday Season! As you feel lead, you can consider helping us in the following ways:
- For current givers, would you consider increasing your recurring gift?
- If you are on our prayer team or have given a special gift, would you join us in monthly support?
- A special gift: A year-end gift is a big way that God provides for our yearly ministry budget!
Any of the above can be done at www.reliant.org/nick.larson or by sending a gift made out to “Reliant” in the included envelope. We are so appreciative of what you’re already doing to partner with us! As the semester concludes, I hope to call you to thank you for your continued support. Happy Holidays to you! |
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Love,
The Larsons
nlarson3@kent.edu
937-613-6266
www.reliant.org/nick.larson
330 High Street, Kent, OH 44240 |
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