Reaching Students for Christ, Equipping Students to Serve.
Friends of Samford RUF,
Entering my 4th year in RUF, I’m still not used to the abruptness that comes with the rhythms of campus ministry. The semester feels like a 14-week sprint that’s packed with all the highs and lows of life and ministry, and then you get to the finish line and within a matter of hours, all your people are gone. I wake up on the Monday after summer conference wondering what just happened… and wondering what Jesus will do with all the loose ends and frayed edges of the lives and stories that I’ve been privileged to walk in and share during this season.
I love this abruptness, though. Because it forces me to remember what’s always true no matter what season of the rhythm I’m in - that God is at work sometimes through me, but always despite me and without me. This is good news. And it’s what I hope He works in me this summer, as I reflect back and look ahead, preparing for the next sprint.
We took 26 students to Summer Conference down in Panama City, meeting up with 800+ students from 26 campuses from across the country. Seminars in the mornings, beach time in the afternoons, large group worship in the evenings - it was fun and fruitful, and so encouraging to watch God grow our students closer to each other over the week.
It was NOT our year in the sports tournaments at Summer Conference; maybe the transfer portal and NIL $ will help us out for next year…
Late night run to Sonic at SuCo.
RUFormal in April - such a fun night! A huge thanks to Covenant Pres for hosting.
Crawfish Boil on “dead day”, the Friday before exams. No crawfish leftovers.
A Growing Team!
I’m thrilled to welcome two new interns to our ministry team this fall! They’ll join Joy Harmon, who’s entering her 2nd year of the internship. I’ve loved getting to know Brooks and Mary Blake over the last few months and look forward to seeing God use them in the lives of our students in the coming years.
Brooks Brown is from Nashville and just graduated from UT Knoxville.
Mary Blake Fletcher is from Memphis, just graduated from Auburn, and is getting married at the end of May.
On a bittersweet note, we’re sad to say goodbye to Maggie Aldin, who has served here the last 4 years as campus staff. Maggie will be the new campus staff with RUF at East Tennessee State University. We’re grateful for Maggie and will miss her! (She’s surrounded by students here, after our last Large Group of the semester).
Summer RUF and New Students this Fall:
We’re gathering college students in town for the summer - 7pm on Tuesday nights in June, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Food, fellowship, and a teaching series. Spread the word to any who might be interested!
Do you know a freshman or transfer student coming to Samford this fall? We’d love to connect with them - give us their info HERE and we’ll reach out to welcome them!
Margaret is now a SENIOR at Vestavia Hills High School and we’re in absolute denial that this is her last year with us before college. Owen is learning to drive, working a fruit stand, and returning to Alpine Camp for his last summer in July. Libby is now in the 7th grade and is ready to babysit your kids this summer, just send her a text on her Apple Watch.
The ministry of RUF happens because of the partnership and generosity of God’s people. Thank you for giving - every time I pull up to campus, I know that I’m sent there by you. If you’re not giving yet, it’s easy to jump in and we’d love for you to be a part of the team! (Just click the button above).
