As we enter the month of December, the students at CU Martus on the campus of Penn have been earnestly engaged in growing more in their gratitude of the gospel and focusing their intentions on flourishing Christ-centered friendships. Our weekly gatherings and outreach efforts have produced many good fruits in wisdom, devotion, kinship, and the transition of their hearts to mimic that of our Savior’s, Christ Jesus.
To start out the week, the outreach practices of CU Martus commence. On Monday, students gather on the main walkway of campus to offer more than just sweet treats and hot cider to those that pass by in-between classes. While these elements encourage engagement with our students, persons receiving them are also given a moment to pause and hear the gospel through a warm and heart-felt conversation. Believers are spiritually nourished in answering questions posed on our whiteboard display and how it impacts their knowledge of Scripture. Unbelievers are conversely challenged and are given an opportunity to participate in friendly discussions with students and staff in a manner that centralizes on Christ and focuses on leading to a gospel conviction.
With every daily prayer, students are afforded a place to respite and renew their hearts and minds amid their demanding schedules. As the week progresses and Bibles courses are being conducted, students become more and more engrossed in their faith with Christ, being challenged to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3.14, ESV). On Thursday evenings, the weekly Philia fellowship combines community with spiritual growth, as students are fortified as fellow heirs of the Kingdom of God, which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:4). Throughout the week students are continuously encouraged, strengthened, and challenged in their faith through fellowship, “big bro’s” meeting with “little bro’s,” and the discipleship and counseling provided by staff. On Saturday, November 13, CU Martus gathered together for “Friendsgiving,” offering thanks to the Lord and to one another before they gather with their own families and friends across the globe.
As this term concludes, students now endure the challenge of semesters end with a well-deserved break looming in the distance, but academic tasks yet to be completed. In the Gospel of Matthew, Christ says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden. And I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11.28-30). It is by this steadfast promise that we seek intercessory prayer on behalf of the students at Penn, for only in Christ will they receive a full rest and a light burden. We also ask for prayers on:
- The endurance of student leaders;
- A healing of anxiety and worldly pressures that negatively impact their mental health;
- A greater need to hear the gospel and an encouragement to those who share it;
- The steadfastness of leadership development in our students;
- Comfort to those grieving from loss or are experiencing medical emergencies; and,
- A more fervent knowledge of Christ throughout the Penn campus, and city of Philadelphia at large./li>
With a heart of thanksgiving and reverence, we give praise, honor, and glory to Christ who is the same yesterday and today and forevermore!
Blessings,
Caitlin Vera
Ministry Fellow
Christian Union Martus
