Virtual Reality! (And Big News!)

A picture I never, ever, would've imagined sharing on a blog! This was one of our first apprentice classes via Zoom this month. It's hard not seeing these friends in person for class, but we've found ways to relate and find moments to laugh even over the computer - like Josh who made his background a picture of our teacher, Ronnie.

Cue Jump5's "Virtual Reality" intro... It's stuck in my head now since I decided that'd be my title. My sisters and I used to listen to this band on repeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yglODvR1UPo

Well, April 1st came and went and unfortunately everything going on was not a big April Fools joke. It's been a strange few weeks of ministry and I imagine it will be for the next few months along with everything else. Thank God for the technology we have in this day and age to be able to continue on our work from home. Literally everything has moved to video format: classes, meetings, one on ones, small groups. Our transition could not have been smoother. I've been blown away by the turn out from our students. My core (small group) has still shown up consistently every single week to read scripture together and share about how we're doing. We're exploring ways to deepen our roots in Jesus during this season with so much additional down time. I've enjoyed the opportunity to slow down and connect with God differently than I could when I was out and about meeting people or doing homework day to day.

Here is just a small portion of students from Thursday Night Fellowship! We've been streaming live sermons then moving to Zoom for small group discussions.

The year is almost over, but our entire team still intends to work hard despite the circumstances. We've had to cancel a few things, but some things just needed adjustments. Instead of a giant Pizza Theology with all campuses coming together to learn about a topic on a Sunday afternoon, we're going to spread it out over three Sundays in April with shorter talks that will be livestreamed to our students.

I have exciting news: I've decided to stay on FOCUS staff at Collin for the next 4 years! For this time in my life, I really do believe this is where God wants me to be. I'm really looking forward to settling into this for a few years and seeing what the Lord has in store for me, Collin College, and our entire team! With that said, your generosity made this last year possible and I cannot express my gratitude enough. I'll be reaching out to you soon to see if you'd be interested in continuing our partnership. Please be in prayer with me as I build my team!

Alex and I were able to take a short trip to Austin and San Antonio for Spring Break!

Prayer Requests:

• Please pray for students (and all workers) who are navigating online classes, quarantine, and all that comes with the pandemic.
• Please pray for anyone whose future has potentially been altered by COVID-19: job security, plans, comfort, peace of mind - pray this would be a time of surrender to God and growing to trust him more.
• Please pray for our team as we start making adjusted plans for ministry over the next few months.

I'm praying for you all in this time. If there is anything specific, please let me know. I look forward to talking to you!

With love,

Jacy