A Change in Perspecitive Prayerfully

Since I've been back to Tampa for break many people have asked me how the first semester went, and I must ask God for forgiveness for the way I have been apt to respond. I tend to emphasize how hard it had been, how often I questioned why I told Him "Yes," how different the ministry strategy is from the one at the University of South Florida. My response, infused with negativity, prompts listeners to encourage me with truths about God's use of suffering to mature us. While it usually ends with a hopeful perspective on the fruit that will yield on the campus, I am finding that instead of focusing on God's great work in and through me and the rest of the team, I focus on my ignorant response.

The most difficult thing about this semester was not the part-time job that seemed to get in the way, the barrier to getting time in the dorms, the difficulty developing authentic relationships with the girls, the fight to be confident in who I am and how God has gifted me. The most difficult thing was not my campus director constantly challenging the way I think about and interpret life. It was not the discovery that I ultimately believe that no one really cares about me and that no one will meet my needs or yours. The discovery of my lack of trust broke me, but that was not what made this semester HARD.

My heart is what made it hard. My pride stood in the way of me being on the same page as God, so I often found myself fighting him. And of course being humbled by the fall. Out of this pattern came a desperation for the gospel in my daily life. I needed to be reminded that Christ died for my sins, all of them. That my sin does not surprise him. In fact, that is why He came, to save sinners, so why would that sin keep me from Him if I believe that?

I needed to be reminded of the perfect life he lead and His suffering. I needed to be reminded that because of his death and resurrection, I am united with Him. And rather than focusing on my shortcomings, I need to lean into Him and embrace all that I have in Him.

I needed this!!!! And the more I clung to it, the more I saw hope. And the more I spoke of him, our Lord, with power and conviction from His Spirit. I remember one student who attended our large group study faithfully for weeks and then disappeared. I called her one week to see to if she wanted to get lunch and catch up. She mentioned that she hadn't been to the study because of her rigorous soft ball schedule and mandatory study hall. I asked her if she wanted to get together weekly to go over what we discussed in bible study and she said that she would love to.

The first week she brought a friend and it was amazing. We were looking at an encounter with Jesus in the gospels with an inductive or investigative approach, asking questions like, "Who is in this passage? What stands out to you in this verse? Why do you think he said this? Why do you think Jesus said that? How do you think the rich man felt?" and etc. In the end, we were looking Jesus in the face and hearing his message, and it was beautiful. After praying, I asked if they wanted to do this again. My friend from the study said she really wanted to and that she would invite others as well.

This excited me because you only invite people to something that you enjoy. The next week she ended up being sick and we weren't able to meet, but I'm looking forward to the spring semester to meet with these girls again.

Why don't I share that story more often instead of focusing on my hardships? God gets the glory out of it all, but I pray that I would fight for joy and a more positive, loving, and gracious perspective.

Go Fish!

Last Thursday our large group bible study looked at Luke 5:1-11. We all dug into the scriptures like detectives trying to discover exactly what God wanted to say to us through the. We looked at the details and the significance for them and saw how God puts us into impossible situations so that we can depend on Him. Sarah, my co-laborer, roommate, and friend, facilitated the discussion and did a great job. The study is actually called a bible discussion group, designed to draw in believers and non-believers a like. We say, "We just get together and discuss the Bible." But we know as leaders and followers of Christ, who is the Word, that the word is living and active. Each Thursday we experience it piercing our hearts and the hearts of students.

This past Thursday meant a lot to me. While responding to the verse 10-11, one of the students, Ashley, pointed out each of us (Nav Leaders) as fishers of men.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. (v.10-11)

She said that each of us were examples of fishers of men. We left everything to come on this campus and be fishers of men and that's why all of them were in that room, because were doing that. We were about saving people. A tear began to well up in my eye as she recounted why in the world I was here, in Bowie, MD, going through the growing pains of ministry and challenged to persevere. For souls. And a student, A STUDENT, saw that. She sees what we are about. And that is so refreshing. Now I am praying that as people see us they will also catch the vision to be fishers of men.

One Shot of Rest Please!

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (Isaiah 30:18)

After work Monday evening, I couldn’t ignore the knot of anxiety twisting in my chest. Would I cook when I got home? I still needed to write my newsletter. I was behind in my administration work, and I needed to call and connect with some of the girls on campus. There was so much to do, and I had forgot to put my shift at Barnes & Noble in my planner. The weekend had been full and awesome, but being an introvert, I felt like I was being pressed by an unyielding iron, and I was calling that iron God. I ended up picking up something to eat and choosing to take some personal time to refresh myself. But the knot would not let up.

“Should I write? Should I read the new Nicholas Sparks book? Should I practice the guitar? Or should I take a bath?” I asked myself over and over. Surely, I wouldn’t waste my little bit of alone time just sitting here. Between these questions I felt an urge to spend time with God. “But I already spent time with you today. Good, long time! How much more time do you need? I need my time!”

And so I resisted. I read. I played the guitar, but the anxiety refused to subside. So I took a bath, got ready for bed, and “relaxed.” Afterwards, I laid in the middle of the floor of my bedroom. I could feel God drawing me to spend time with him, drawing me to His waters to be refreshed, but I didn’t trust that He would really refresh me. I was too tired to get into the word. So I just started talking to Him about everything, about the tears behind my eyes that I had been holding in all day, the emotions I did not understand. I had been reading The Cross-Centered Life by C. J. Mahaney earlier that morning, and yearned to live a life centered on Christ, and most of all, I wanted to be with him, and I wanted to throw off my flesh that taints all my good intentions. It was beautiful. I ended the time singing hymns and praising him.

“Why should I gain from His reward?” I sang. “I cannot give an answer! But this I know with all my heart, his wounds have paid my ransom!”

I thought of Samantha, one of the students God has allowed me come along side and mentor, and I praised God for His grace towards her. I thought of my team and His grace towards us. And I thought of you....Oh, how I praised God for you, that you would even desire to be apart of this team through gifts and/or prayer. God has been brewing something in me. He let me taste a little bit last night and it was so sweet! In the midst of my imperfections, my being prone to wander, in the midst of my doubts and fears, He gave me a taste of his goodness. And it was better than my Cafe Au lait w/ Soy and two pumps of vanilla. It refreshed me inwardly. I was touched by the lover of my soul.


Sipping the Love Latte
I came here wanting to blow Bowie out of the water with my ministry plans. God drew me here to teach me about love--His love, my love for Him and how to extend that same love to others. I’m learning how to love my teammates, the students I reach out to, and those I work under. To sum this first quarter up,
I’m learning to let go, trust God, who is love.

God will accomplish His purposes. He does not NEED me here. I GET to be here.

Last Friday, I laid in bed, miserable with body aches, perpetual sneeze attacks and sniffles. I couldn’t take that I had spent a third day “resting up” and not on campus or working on bible studies or administrative work. God was teaching me to trust Him with my schedule again and to remember my value is not found in my works. As I breathed in His comfort and assurance, my phone buzzed with a text message. Earlier that week I had asked a student to pray about partnering with the ministry as a student leader. She was supposed to let me know that night. The text message was her informing me that she enjoyed bible study the previous night - the one I missed. Instead of texting her back, I called her and asked if she had prayed about her role in the ministry.
“Yes, I prayed,” she said and paused. Though I really wanted to see her commit to the ministry, I had a great peace that God would do what He wanted. “I prayed. . .and I want to take a step of faith. I don’t know what this is going to look like, but if I don’t like it I can always quit.”
I laughed. “That’s right. You can.” But in my heart, I knew that would not be the case. God had provided a friend for me to share my life with. My heart smiled. God was working in this girl’s heart even as I was absent from campus. Once again he was showing me that He does not NEED me to be here. He has invited me to witness and be apart of what He is already doing.
I find it hard to believe that it has only been a little over a month since arriving in Bowie, Maryland. The Lord has been moving powerfully in my life already, and in the lives of many new friends!



Here is a glimpse into what God has been doing in my life…

First Couple of weeks I struggled with the question, “Why am I here?” I struggled with comparing myself to my teammates. Two of them are extroverts and seem to always be connecting with so many people, while I felt like God wasn’t providing any opportunities or that I was getting in the way. I was chasing students, rather than waiting for God to provide. He kept knocking on my heart and asking me, “Will you let me into this area of insecurity? Will you trust me?” I also struggled with feeling so alone in a new place. God has been teaching me about his love. I’ve been walking more in faith these last couple weeks, and I’ve seen the Lord provide an opportunity FINALLY!!!! And yet I’m still called to not find my worth in that. When there is nothing going on and when there is too much going on, my worth is in Christ and His faithfulness.

On campus, God has opened doors immediately for meaningful freshman relationships…Sarah and I have connected with over twenty girls and have a seen a few come to Christ. Now that we are a month in, we also see the Lord bringing a couple girls for us to pour into and disciple. Robert and Brandon are the male missionaries on the team and they have over forty freshmen meeting for bible studies and prayer. We are seeing God move in amazing ways. Now, with all of this momentum, I can see first hand the reality of Matthew 9:37-38, “The harvest is plentiful, and the laborers few…” Your prayers and financial support are making a difference!

Here is a typical week in campus ministry. On Mondays I spend about three hours spending time alone with God and then I connect with students. On Tuesdays I spend another three hours working on bible studies that I will do with some of the girls and on the staff bible study. Then, I go back to campus to connect with students. On Wednesdays I have a staff meeting where we touch base on what’s going and
go through ministry training. I usually connect with students in the evening as well. Thursday looks like Tuesday. Friday I do administrative work and fundraise. Saturday is my day off. Sunday is my day of rest. At some point during the week Marvin (the campus director) meets with me for about an hour for more ministry training and at some other point I connect with his wife, Pam, for accountability.

As of this week, I am still trusting the Lord to raise up my remaining $6545 in financial support. Continuing to fundraise amidst a busy campus schedule has proven more difficult than I imagined, but I am confident of the Lord’s calling and therefore His provision as He moves in the hearts of additional ministry partners.

If you haven’t already, would you be willing to pray about joining me in ministry at Bowie State University as a financial partner?

Twelve partners investing $45 per month for twelve months would allow me to reach full support and minister that much more freely. Jesus used twelve ordinary friends to change the world. I am praying for twelve extraordinary friends, like you, to change Bowie State University!


Thanks so much for you prayers and support! And thanks for taking the time to read this update. I hope this gives you a better picture of what is going on here. I will be mailing out a newsletter in October.

With you in Christ,

 Laura Welch

P.S. I’m 80% funded! Praise God for His provision! And if you would like to give please click on my picture at the top right of this page.

Exposing My Fears and Growing in Faith

The four of us sat quietly looking at each other as Navigator veteran Eugine Burrell asked again, "What are your fears as you approach campus ministry at Bowie State?" I looked to Rob first, and then my roommate Sarah, both of them being extroverts and my finding there unction to speak and outwardly express themselves as an opportunity to either think or slink back into the background. Maybe they won't realize I haven't spoken, I think to myself.

As I predicted the extroverts opened up, and then Brandon shared, and then . . . unfortunately I had to speak. Many fears were exposed: fear of imperfection (the idea that one has to be perfect before ministering to others) coupled with the fear of failure, the fear of being on campus again and not having a selfless focus (many of our college experiences were not others-focused), fear of not having a purpose or being needed, and then finally mine, which was the fear of not being accepted among the students and, thus, not being used by God. I didn't want to share my fears, because I thought I sounded stupid. Coming from Florida, I'm used to more cross-cultural experiences, and I've become accustomed to relating with all different types of people. Coming to an HBCU, I didn't think this black population would accept me as culturally one of their own. This was my area to trust God in.

Would I have faith that God called me here for a specific purpose, to touch the lives of specific young women?

For the most of the week, I bogged myself down with negativity. I would look in the mirror and ask myself, "Why am I here?"

On Wednesday the 26th we officially began our ministry at Bowie State. We helped move in many freshmen and had them fill out surveys. Depending on how they answered, we could follow them up and share the gospel while also connecting with them relationally.

I prayed that morning that I would trust God that He can and will use me on this campus. And I met so many girls, shared the gospel with three of them and hung out with one of those three today.

I am so amazed by the potential relationships God has presented. I met four cool girls, whom I look forward to getting to know. Please join me in praying for them, that God would draw them to himself and that they would cling to Him. That they would seek Him with their whole hearts. As a matter of fact, let's pray that for ourselves and lets pray that God would give us the eyes of faith, that we may walk by faith and not by sight.

Check out my facebook video update

Called to Give Back

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, for you had become very dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8

God used this verse to call me to the mission field this Spring while I was wrestling with counting the cost of ministry. The verse caused me to look back on the past couple years, my involvement in The Navigator ministry on my campus and even my involvement at a local church. He reminded me of all the leaders who took time out of their day to spend one on one time with me either in the word, or in the application of the word, or just to talk about life. It was in these meetings that I learned about God’s grace (why it’s so amazing), servant-leadership, and what it means to be the church (the beauty of authentic relationships in Christ). These individuals all spurred me on to not keep this knowledge to myself, but to share what I’ve learned with younger students. In time, as they continued to be patient with me, God began to break my heart for people and to give me the burden to share Him with others. I became very passionate about discipleship, investing my life into the lives of others that they might find their purpose in Jesus Christ and experience God satisfying their deepest desires through Him.

I graduated this past May and have been given an opportunity to give back to students what God so graciously gave me while I was in college--hope. I’ve been invited to help launch a ministry at Bowie State University, a Historical Black College/University in Bowie, Maryland. Due to the lack of campus ministries at this school, students have little opportunity to understand how eternal life in Christ connects with them as African American collegians. I am excited to build relationships with them as I intentionally spend time with them, not only sharing the gospel with them but also my own life as many others have with me. I will also help train students to do the same with their peers. Our hope is that we can build a foundation in these students that they can build on for the rest of their lives, leaving a legacy of changed lives behind them.

Because my job is a full-time ministerial position I have the responsibility of raising my support this year. In order to report on campus on time (by August 15), I need to raise 75% of my monthly support. I’ve been asking people to prayerfully consider partnering with me by giving monthly gifts of $50-200 a month.

If you are interested in joining my financial support team, you can click on my picture at the top right corner of the page.

Your Partner in the Gospel,
Laura Welch