Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Chi Alpha @ American University. May the grace and peace of Immanuel, the God who is with us, be evident in your life today and throughout the New Year.

Mexico missions trip apps due tomorrow!

If you thinking about joining us in Mexico on spring break, applications are due tomorrow @ TNW. If you still need to pick one up, you can download the apps here:

First timers
Returning team members

Please note you will need to have the release form notarized. Christine Gettings, the assistant director of Kay is a notary public. Her desk in in the center section of Kay's office area. You can call to check her schedule, 202-885-3321. Email Mike or Julia if you have any questions and feel free to spread the word about the trip!

A Note of Thanks

About a month ago @ TNW, Kelsey Cambronne encouraged us all to write cards to Chi Alphans abroad. They were a hit! I've received several notes of thanks already. I received another one yesterday from Cynthia Caul, a recent AUXA alum now serving with the Peace Corps in Ghana and I thought I'd pass it along:

Dear Chi Alpha!

Thank you so much for the card you sent me. It was incredibly thoughtful. It arrived on Thanksgiving evening and put a true smile on my face during a very trying day for me. Sometimes it can be very difficult to motivate myself to stay here; the idea of two years is very daunting. But, I know, I'm here for a purpose, and I always try to keep that in mind. I don't always know, arguably never know, just exactly what that purpose is, but it is so uplifting to know there are people back home supporting me as I try to figure it out. It truly gives me strength in a time of ambiguity and uncertainty. I wanted to wish you all a blessed holiday season, and along with that, a blessed finals seasons, as well.

Don't stress too much and know that there are so many people who would give everything to be in the position to write those papers and take those finals. I know you all know this, but I know when I was at AU, I could often use the reminder. I hope this letter finds you well. Again, I extend my greatest appeciation!

Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Happy Finals and New Semester!
God bless you!

Love,
Cynthia

Some great words of advice as we enter into the last few weeks of the semester! There are still a few more things coming up on the Chi Alpha calendar. Check out our events link on the left and I'll see you there.

What are you Doing for Spring Break?

It's not even Thanksgiving--kind of early to be talking about spring break isn't it? Not when you're making plans to go global with Jesus. Two weeks ago, we unveiled our 2009 Chi Alpha Spring Break Trips. Here's the scoop in case you missed it:

Toronto, Canada. Our team will be working with The Center for Student missions in Toronto, Canada. CSM works with 30-40 different missions and social service agencies that address both the physical and spiritual needs of the poor and homeless in the city. We will have the opportunity to serve by making beds in homeless shelters, giving food to the homeless on late night sandwich runs, going on prayer tours, cleaning up neighborhoods, and that's just the beginning. Our time in Toronto will be a chance for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in one of the most diverse cities in the world, and at the same time, discover in a very personal way more of God's heart for those in need in the world's urban cities. For more info email Eleiah.

Yucatan, Mexico. We're heading down to work with missionary Dave Godzwa (my twin brother). The team will be doing light construction/renovation for a church in the area and outreach in the community through music, drama, testimonies, and service. Spanish proficiency is helpful, but not required. For more info email Mike.

Need more to make a decision? We have informational meetings for these trips coming up. The Toronto team is meeting this Thursday, Nov 13, @ 5 pm in the Tavern and the first Mexico meeting will be on Sunday, Nov 23rd @ 4 pm in the Kay Lounge. Come find out how you can make this your best spring break yet!

Don't worry...

"So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT)

We're on the eve of probably the most anticipated presidential election in our nation's history. Years ago, when this campaign started, it was hard to imagine the world in which this vote would take place. There's still a war is going in Iraq and Afganistan, but significant instability has developed in our relations with countries in almost every part of the world. This coupled with a all factors pointing to a global recession there's good reason to worry about the outcome of this election no matter which way you're leaning. And the fact that most of you reading this have voted by absentee ballot already, it may seem like there's nothing left to do but worry.

But then I come across this passage of scripture. Jesus tells those surrounding the hill he's sitting on not to worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear. Let's think about this. Craig Keener in his NT Bible Background Commentary writes,

"Most people in antiquity had little beyond basic necessities--food, clothing and shelter. Because their acquisition of these necessities often depended--especially in rural areas--on seasonal rains or (in Egypt) the flooding of the Nile, they had plenty of cause for stress even about food and clothing. "

So translated for our 21st century ears, Jesus' message goes far beyond our food, beverages, and clothes. He's really saying don't worry about anything at all. Instead we should "seek the kingdom, and live righteously," or in other words discern the will of God and do the right thing.

So what does all this mean for tomorrow's election? Well, if you haven't voted yet by all means do so, but do it prayerfully. Allow your kingdom worldview to effect how your fill out your ballot. If you've already voted, spend some time tomorrow in prayer for the outcome and that God's kingdom would be revealed through those who have been chosen to lead. And finally, remember this: Your vote, though important, is only one small way to determine the course of a society. Our responsibility as believers is that each day, not only Nov 4th, we would "seek the kingdom, and live righteously." If we do this little by little, day by day, we'll see the change we're really looking for.

The Whole World

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it

Psalm 24:1

What a night we had last Thursday! It wasn't a regular TNW, but as I listened to Dr. Ross' lecture I couldn't help but worship the God who created our world so perfectly. We'll stay on a global scale this week as we focus on God's plan to redeem it's inhabitants. Our speaker is a missionary in the Middle East, AU alum Jeremy Talyor will join us to talk about giving Jesus a year in Japan, and we'll unveil our Spring Break Mission Trips (oh yeah, they'll be worship too). It's our desire that every student who's a part of Chi Alpha have an opportunity to pray, give, and go on a short term trip to be a part of God's work around the world. This Thursday you'll get a chance to learn how. It's a TNW you won't want to miss!

In Awe

We were in class last night! Dr. Hugh Ross' lecture, "What Darwin Didn't Know" was filled with some of the latest scientific research. I'll admit, it was a stretch for me to keep up with him, but one thing was very clear. We live in an amazingly designed world. It was an honor to have Dr. Ross join us and to be able to welcome so many visitors. If you missed the event last night, or if you would just like to hear more, the What Darwin Didn't Know Conference starts tonight, 7 pm @ Christ Church on Embassy Row, 3855 Massachusetts Ave NW, just a couple blocks south of campus or you can log on to the Reasons To Believe website. Both will provide an awe-inspiring look into our God-crafted universe.