“My name is Tyler and I just finished my first year at UCLA. I went to Rancho Bernardo High School where I was involved in Student Venture. With high school how it is these days (academic pressures, extra curricular activities, drama with friends, the social scene and what society says is ‘normal’ for teenagers), I see how so extremely important it is to have a group like Student Venture on campus. It points students to the gospel and teaches and encourages them to follow Christ who loves them and has a plan for them. For me, getting plugged into a Bible study with Student Venture and going to ‘Big Mondays’ (monthly outreaches), was a way to keep me grounded and grow in the one thing that truly matters the most in life—following Christ.

“I was not always the most passionate person about my faith in high school and had more than my share of stumbles. Weekly Bible study and my great leader, Shawn, were invaluable in helping me learn and grow in my faith. I am intensely involved with Campus Crusade for Christ at UCLA and on complete fire for God. I’ve grown in my walk with Christ so much, especially this last year, and I have a personal and strong faith that wants to follow Christ with all my heart. And where I am now can be greatly attributed to my involvement with Student Venture, and the great work God did in my life through all of it.”

Sadly, percentages of students who leave their faith as they exit high school and enter college are high. Because of this, Student Venture desires that every college-bound freshman get involved with Campus Crusade for Christ’s ministry at their campus. We believe this is a critical step to help them in their walk with Christ!

Family Stuff

On June 19th, Kristie hosted eight neighborhood women for a night of inner and outer beauty. Our neighbor treated everyone to a Mary Kay facial and then Kristie was able to share about where we can find true beauty as women. She shared that only though a relationship with Jesus can we have the character qualities that make us truly beautiful on the inside and out. Jesus will transform us into people who live out love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That evening three women indicated that they prayed to have Jesus take control of their lives and five want to come back for the next three weeks for a follow-up Bible study.

Please pray for our time at our biennial Campus Crusade Staff Conference in Colorado this month and that God will provide the additional funds to cover the costs. Pray for Hannah and Ethan as they stay with grandparents — or maybe we should say pray for their grandparents! : )

Hannah donates to Locks of Love.

In June, Hannah had 10+ inches cut from her hair. She gave her hair to Locks of Love. Prayerfully, her hair will encourage some little girl somewhere who is going though a difficult time. This was a big step for Hannah to let go of her hair. To catch the whole story, visit Kristie’s site.

Ethan graduates pre-K!

What a big day! I can’t believe our little guy is going to kindergarten next August. Please be praying for us as he enters elementary school. At this point I’m feeling a little overwhelmed about what next year will look like, scheduling therapies and the different needs he may have. Please pray for the principal’s wisdom to place him in the right class. Pray that we and the school will work well together and that Ethan will be able to thrive in this setting and not become frustrated by his lack of fine motor skills. He is a smart little guy and has such a sweet heart! He is continuing to love gymnastics and we’ve seen his body strengthen over the course of his sessions.