Dear Citylife,
It’s hard to believe, but we’re at the end of another semester. At Harvard, we explain our ministry in three ways: “For Christ, for each other, and for Harvard.” So, here’s a snapshot from those three angles.
Loving Christ
At the end of last year, a senior (and roommate of one of our students) came to Christ from a Muslim background, and this year several students and I have been able to have great, in-depth discussions about Christ. Interacting with roommates and friends from non-Christian and even non-religious backgrounds is a regular part of life!
As a key strategy for Christian growth and outreach, we consistently come back to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Our campus-wide meetings have been a study in the book of Exodus: “Redeemed, Wandering, Worshipping”. It has taken us back to some of the most basic issues of sin, redemption, and the knowledge of God. Similarly, our community groups have been studying 1 John, and working through the practical implications of living in communion with God.
Loving each other
Throughout the semester, community groups have been not only a place to talk about Scripture, but also for students to get to know each other better. Prayer is central to it, and we continue to work toward caring for each other better. God’s been working in a number of students’ lives to deconstruct some of their deepest struggles and also to build them up stronger. This happens in a myriad of small conversations over meals or between classes. But it also happens on occasion when these extremely busy and promising students put their own schedules on hold to help each other. One of the surest signs of God’s work at a place like Harvard is when they put their own concerns on hold for a fellow student in need!
Loving Harvard (and beyond!)
We’ve also set our hearts on caring for Harvard itself! Our students are regularly involved in a wide variety of aspects of Harvard’s life and life of the city around us. A group of us were able to pack cold weather care bags for the homeless just a few weeks ago. An obvious way to help in a city like Cambridge.
Moreover, we continue to support various efforts such as the Veritas Forum with other Christian groups.
Additionally, this year I’m serving on the executive committee of the Harvard Chaplains – keeping me engaged with the wider religious community. This group of religious leaders has been an eye-opening and stimulating group to serve alongside. It’s a privilege to have this opportunity!
From Heather (’13):
“I think the aspect I love most about RUF at Harvard is the community. Here I’ve found a group of people who really care for each other, who are working through the hard questions of faith and the everyday challenges of life and are helping each other grow to love Christ more. We started off my freshman year as a tiny little family, and over the past four years I’ve gotten to see that group grow and change in amazing ways. Whether we’re in Bible study or watching movies, having a late-night debate over the finer points of Reformed theology, or struggling through a bleary-eyed morning prayer service, fellowship with these friends has supported and challenged me during my time here. I will always be thankful for the love I’ve received from them and for the chance RUF has given me to be involved in these people’s lives.”
Prayer Requests
- Join us, as usual, in praying for the Christians to have a deeper grasp of the gospel and its implications for their lives. Keep praying for our witness and new Christians to come to faith in Christ.
- Please pray that these students would turn more and more toward caring for each other.
- As we keep growing, please pray for leadership development – identifying and training them.
- Pray that we will continue to love the Harvard community (and the city too). We want to remember that our witness is not to ourselves but to the community.
- Some costs will be rising in 2013. Ask that God will provide the additional funds needed.
Finally, as reminder, your financial support makes us sustainable. Please consider giving as the year closes.
Most importantly, your prayers are crucial to our ministry! Without the Lord, all of our work won’t matter. Keep us in your prayers, and we trust that God will continue to work through us at Harvard.
Merry Christmas!
Jeremy M. Mullen
