My Next Chapter

Transitions & Changes

March marked two years of my employment for FOCUS. When I started working for FOCUS, I could not deny God's hand in the process. I had never directly expressed my interest in the job (I didn't even know it was an open position!) but my sister remembered that the administrator position with FOCUS was my "dream job" and expressed that to the FOCUS staff. 

Hannah King, the new administrator for FOCUS!

This job has been such a gift! I've loved working with the staff at FOCUS. They are some of the most genuine, hard-working, loving and fun people to be around. I could write novels about the good times I've spent with my co-workers.

I've loved my role in FOCUS as well. I've learned how to better plan events, minister to college students, manage tasks and projects simultaneously, and design advertisements and graphics!

Recently, I've made the decision to transition out of my role as administrator. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me and what this next chapter will look like!

Excitingly, I get to train my roommate and friend, Hannah King, as the new administrator for FOCUS! Hannah worked for FOCUS in the 2016-2017 school year as a pastoral apprentice, then went on to work with at-risk students in a public school. She's passionate about the mission of FOCUS and is super excited to be the newest member of the team! 

Remembering What God Has Done

While reading Exodus recently, I was struck by how often God asks the Israelites to remember what He has already done for them. He asks them to create physical reminders and annual traditions to remember and reflect over His faithfulness.

As I transition out of my role in FOCUS, I wanted to take some time to honor the work God has done in this organization while I was here and remember how He has been working!

In October 2016, FOCUS celebrated 20 years on college campuses! Former FOCUS members shared stories from their time in the ministry. We celebrated and looked forward to what God will do in the next 20 years as well!

SMU's first Core of 2017! Over the school year, we talked about vulnerability, evangelism, the Holy Spirit and more! We ate British snacks, played stupid games with sour patch kids and talked about conspiracy theories. We grew in friendship with one another as we grew in our love for God.

The first generation of SMU/UNT Dallas leaders at SICM (Student Institute of Campus Ministry). These women gave up the first week of their summer to learn more about ministry on college campuses. 

Although this picture may be low-quality, I love this picture! Miriam and Sarah have such a big heart for people, and this showed in how they reached out to me when I first came on staff!

Student Testimony

Harrison Wijaya

Collin College - Spring Creek

Finance

Freshman

"When I came to the United States from Indonesia, I was pretty concerned about what life would be like. I immediately assumed I’d have a pretty lonely time at Collin. I heard about FOCUS but wasn’t really interested since I didn’t have a connection point. Interacting with strangers had never been my strong suit. Little did I know that God was listening and was ready to meet my needs. My first day on campus I met Graham, who told me about his involvement with FOCUS and introduced me to his friends. He followed up with me, and that was a huge way God started giving me a vision for what my life could look like.

Through one-on-ones and pastoral messages, this community has taught me the impact of reflecting Christ in every word I speak and action I take. Through my friendships, I’ve been shown how we can best love one another by putting all our efforts into blessing strangers like me. I've also had the opportunity to honor God at home by getting to live with five other guys from our community. Being in FOCUS, I’ve learned that God wants to open my eyes and heart to truly be shaped into someone who loves Him and those around me in all areas of my life."

Prayer Requests

• Please be praying for Hannah as she learns her new role as administrator. Please be praying for the organization as they transition roles, and for my transition as well.
• School is about to ramp up! Please be praying for the incoming pastoral apprentices who will be serving our campuses. Please pray that the Spirit would prepare the hearts of those our staffers and students will meet this school year.