I hope you guys are all doing well! I just wanted to ask if you could do me a favor. This coming weekend, we'll be taking students to our annual fall retreat, where they will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful Lake Ann (near Traverse City), as well as attend several workshops and teachings on the spiritual life. If you think of it, can you say a prayer for the students who will be going to this? We are hoping to take as many students as God will allow, and that they will be challenged, and grow deeper in their faith, because of the things they learn this week. Please pray for open minds and hearts, and that as many people will come to this as possible. I'm teaching a workshop on sharing faith with friends and family, so please pray that would go well as well.
Thank you all! If there is anything I can do/be praying for for you, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Fall
It's happening.
I'm sitting in the Kirkhoff Center (Grand Valley's equivalent of a student union). Two weeks ago, the most noise I would hear walking through the building came from the one or two guys playing Guitar Hero in the game room. Otherwise, it was practically deserted. There's about 1,000 students or so who stick around here for classes in the summer, and we managed to have a pretty consistent group of people attend our summer meetings and get-togethers for bbq's, ultimate frisbee and roller hockey. But overall, it's quiet. Really quiet.
The summer months provide a great chance for introspection, study, and planning - something ministers in church settings would kill for, I'm sure. I feel like I've learned a lot about the value of simplicity and focus, as I made an effort this summer to take advantage of the down time to take a step forward in my relationship with God. On top of this, we're more organized than we've ever been. We're putting things into motion a week before the school year instead two or three weeks into it. This is a huge gift. A huge blessing. I can't wait to see the fruit of our labors, and to see what God is going to do in people's lives.
By the end of today, almost every student will be moved in, and suddenly this place of quiet contemplation is throbbing with energy. People are excited. Scared. Ready for what this year has in store for them. The most amazing thing about being on a college campus is every fall promises a fresh start. There are always new people to meet, and with them come new stories and new oppurtunities and new ideas. This year is bursting with potential. I feel so fortunate to have a hand in God's work shaping and growing the lives of others.
If you're reading this, please pray for our community. Pray that God would unleash every last ounce of the potential for this year. Pray that we would see and experience as much of God as we can handle. That we would see lives changed, and people stripped of the distractions and defects that hold them back from loving God, and loving others.
I don't know what He has in store for us, but I can't wait to find out.
I'm sitting in the Kirkhoff Center (Grand Valley's equivalent of a student union). Two weeks ago, the most noise I would hear walking through the building came from the one or two guys playing Guitar Hero in the game room. Otherwise, it was practically deserted. There's about 1,000 students or so who stick around here for classes in the summer, and we managed to have a pretty consistent group of people attend our summer meetings and get-togethers for bbq's, ultimate frisbee and roller hockey. But overall, it's quiet. Really quiet.
The summer months provide a great chance for introspection, study, and planning - something ministers in church settings would kill for, I'm sure. I feel like I've learned a lot about the value of simplicity and focus, as I made an effort this summer to take advantage of the down time to take a step forward in my relationship with God. On top of this, we're more organized than we've ever been. We're putting things into motion a week before the school year instead two or three weeks into it. This is a huge gift. A huge blessing. I can't wait to see the fruit of our labors, and to see what God is going to do in people's lives.
By the end of today, almost every student will be moved in, and suddenly this place of quiet contemplation is throbbing with energy. People are excited. Scared. Ready for what this year has in store for them. The most amazing thing about being on a college campus is every fall promises a fresh start. There are always new people to meet, and with them come new stories and new oppurtunities and new ideas. This year is bursting with potential. I feel so fortunate to have a hand in God's work shaping and growing the lives of others.
If you're reading this, please pray for our community. Pray that God would unleash every last ounce of the potential for this year. Pray that we would see and experience as much of God as we can handle. That we would see lives changed, and people stripped of the distractions and defects that hold them back from loving God, and loving others.
I don't know what He has in store for us, but I can't wait to find out.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Fun(d) Raising
As many of you know, working for His House requires fund raising a salary. Similar to serving somewhere as a missionary, all of our staff solicit donations from individuals and churches in order to make money while doing this job. There are several reasons for this. One is that it helps promote the ministry and the work we do, and gets a lot of people involved and praying for our students who otherwise wouldn't. Another is that college students generally don't make enough money (and in some cases, tithe on a regular basis) to support the ministry and staff.
So, for the last several weeks I've been fund raising. Right now, I have around $16,000 of the $29,000 that I am hoping to raise for August 2009 - August 2010. That's not bad, considering I still have to hear back from several people. And Michigan's unemployment rate is 14.1%! But I know I am going to need more supporters. And so I need your help.
If you are interested in helping to make my ministry at Grand Valley possible, there are a couple of options. The most important thing I need right now are prayers. Please pray that God would provide for Anna and I financially, and that this year of ministry would be blessed. I think we have the potential to have an amazing year of growth and transformation. We are more organized, and more finely tuned, than we have ever been as an organization. I just hope we can realize the potential that God has given to us.
If you are interested and able to make a financial donation, I am primarily looking for people who are able to donate a set amount (usually $50 or $100) each month as part of their regular tithing. This ensures that the income is consistent throughout the year, and allows people to donate more over the long haul.
However, if that isn't doable right now, I would also greatly appreciate one-time donations. Every contribution is valuable, and necessary to making ministry happen. If you have questions or comments about all this, I would love to hear from you. Send me an email at ajgretz@gmail.com, or leave a comment with a way to get ahold of you!
In the past, I have at times felt uncomfortable about this aspect of the job. No one really likes asking for money, especially in the state with big time economic troubles. I'm not a real pushy or confrontational person either (I never did sales, thankfully), so it has been stretching at times to go out on a limb to do this.
But I can't tell you how incredible it is to recognize God's hand so lovingly taking care of us. We are so dependent on prayer, and the prayers and generosity of others. I consider all of us on staff to be miracles of sorts. We've all seen God provide thousands and thousands of dollars, year in and year out. It's crazy to think of what He has done for us, but I also know that it's one of His ways of confirming that He has called us to do this work. It is no accident that we are here, doing what we are doing, because it would not be possible without Him. I love the opportunity to have to trust Him like this. Even if it stresses me out at times.
Anyway, I appreciate all of your prayers and support! I hope that you are having a blessed summer so far, and that you, too, are able to know and experience the awesome power of God in your life!
-AJ
So, for the last several weeks I've been fund raising. Right now, I have around $16,000 of the $29,000 that I am hoping to raise for August 2009 - August 2010. That's not bad, considering I still have to hear back from several people. And Michigan's unemployment rate is 14.1%! But I know I am going to need more supporters. And so I need your help.
If you are interested in helping to make my ministry at Grand Valley possible, there are a couple of options. The most important thing I need right now are prayers. Please pray that God would provide for Anna and I financially, and that this year of ministry would be blessed. I think we have the potential to have an amazing year of growth and transformation. We are more organized, and more finely tuned, than we have ever been as an organization. I just hope we can realize the potential that God has given to us.
If you are interested and able to make a financial donation, I am primarily looking for people who are able to donate a set amount (usually $50 or $100) each month as part of their regular tithing. This ensures that the income is consistent throughout the year, and allows people to donate more over the long haul.
However, if that isn't doable right now, I would also greatly appreciate one-time donations. Every contribution is valuable, and necessary to making ministry happen. If you have questions or comments about all this, I would love to hear from you. Send me an email at ajgretz@gmail.com, or leave a comment with a way to get ahold of you!
In the past, I have at times felt uncomfortable about this aspect of the job. No one really likes asking for money, especially in the state with big time economic troubles. I'm not a real pushy or confrontational person either (I never did sales, thankfully), so it has been stretching at times to go out on a limb to do this.
But I can't tell you how incredible it is to recognize God's hand so lovingly taking care of us. We are so dependent on prayer, and the prayers and generosity of others. I consider all of us on staff to be miracles of sorts. We've all seen God provide thousands and thousands of dollars, year in and year out. It's crazy to think of what He has done for us, but I also know that it's one of His ways of confirming that He has called us to do this work. It is no accident that we are here, doing what we are doing, because it would not be possible without Him. I love the opportunity to have to trust Him like this. Even if it stresses me out at times.
Anyway, I appreciate all of your prayers and support! I hope that you are having a blessed summer so far, and that you, too, are able to know and experience the awesome power of God in your life!
-AJ
Monday, June 1, 2009
Summer So Far
Last saturday was Cycle the Campus. Thank you so much to everyone who made a donation - I was able to raise about $300 for the ministry, which is a nice chunk of change. Thank you for helping to make that possible! The ride went pretty well overall.
Our fearless campus minister Rodd, and student Ann Marie
It took a little less than four hours to do, but that included stops (and power bars) every twelve miles or so. I don't know if you've ever eaten one of those things, but there's something about pure-synthetic energy foods that makes me feel kinda wierd.
Our fearless campus minister Rodd, and student Ann Marie
It took a little less than four hours to do, but that included stops (and power bars) every twelve miles or so. I don't know if you've ever eaten one of those things, but there's something about pure-synthetic energy foods that makes me feel kinda wierd.
Perhaps this is what manna looked like, as my first reaction to seeing this is "What is it?"
Everything else has been going quite well. Campus is a bit of a ghost town in the summer, but we've been having between 30-40 people attend our summer meetings, and various get-togethers during the week.
Because there's a lot less going on in the summer, I have some extra down time, and more time working at home in study/preparation for next year has been a challenge at times. I'm a fairly extroverted, "people-driven" person, which is one of the biggest reasons I decided not to go to grad school and pursue a career as a writer after college (my degree was Creative Writing). I felt like God created me to be with people, and have a more relationship-type of impact for Him. Thus, it takes a bit of an adjustment for me to be in quiet study for extended periods of time.
And yet, God is teaching me so much through this summer. Awhile ago, I read through the book of Ecclesiasties, which is full of piercing wisdom about human nature. One of the ideas in that book that has stuck with me is that a spirit of contentment with where we are is a gift from Him. It doesn't come naturally to many of us, but I especially tend to get caught up thinking about what's coming, instead of where I am.
There is so much good happening this summer. He is bringing more joy to my heart, and I am getting to know Him better. Rodd, Brian, and I have a lot of time to make needed adjustments to our ministry structure. We're getting to know the people who are around really well. And I have more time with my wife, and friends who are in the area. Thanks be to God, for showing me that He will open my eyes to the good He is doing, and give peace to a sometimes restless heart, as often as I will take the time to ask for it.
Anyway, that's what I've been learning. What have you been learning this summer?
Because there's a lot less going on in the summer, I have some extra down time, and more time working at home in study/preparation for next year has been a challenge at times. I'm a fairly extroverted, "people-driven" person, which is one of the biggest reasons I decided not to go to grad school and pursue a career as a writer after college (my degree was Creative Writing). I felt like God created me to be with people, and have a more relationship-type of impact for Him. Thus, it takes a bit of an adjustment for me to be in quiet study for extended periods of time.
And yet, God is teaching me so much through this summer. Awhile ago, I read through the book of Ecclesiasties, which is full of piercing wisdom about human nature. One of the ideas in that book that has stuck with me is that a spirit of contentment with where we are is a gift from Him. It doesn't come naturally to many of us, but I especially tend to get caught up thinking about what's coming, instead of where I am.
"All his life he has looked away to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. What he was doing!"
Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God.
-Ecclesiasties 5: 19
-Ecclesiasties 5: 19
There is so much good happening this summer. He is bringing more joy to my heart, and I am getting to know Him better. Rodd, Brian, and I have a lot of time to make needed adjustments to our ministry structure. We're getting to know the people who are around really well. And I have more time with my wife, and friends who are in the area. Thanks be to God, for showing me that He will open my eyes to the good He is doing, and give peace to a sometimes restless heart, as often as I will take the time to ask for it.
Anyway, that's what I've been learning. What have you been learning this summer?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Cycle the Campus
On Saturday, May 30th, I will be riding in a 50-mile bike race, known as Cycle the Campus. This race is sponsored by His House, and is a fundraiser for our organization as a whole (similar to Relay for Life).
It's going to be epic.
I have to start training soon. Currently, my bike has two flat tires, and the brakes don't work. But I'm hoping to get that fixed this weekend, or soon after. I don't think I've ever biked more than like ten miles at once, so I'm really interested to see how this goes. If any of you have any advice/wisdom about biking techniques, I'd love to hear them.
We are currently looking for riders, who would like to participate with the GVSU team, and donors, who would be willing to support our efforts by making a financial donation. The money that gets raised will go into our "general fund," which helps cover various operating expenses of the ministry as a whole. It's not super glamorous, but it's incredibly necessary to make sure that His House happens on each of its 11 campuses. My personal goal is to raise $1,000. Anything extra can be put towards my salary (which I also raise the money for) for the 2009-2010 school year.
Will you help us? Would you like to join the spaghetti and GU filled mayhem on the 30th? Or, would you like to make a donation to help keep our ministry going? If your answer is "yes, please!" to either of those, please send me an email at ajgretz@gmail.com.
I hope you all are doing well!
Also, I race to win.
It's going to be epic.
I have to start training soon. Currently, my bike has two flat tires, and the brakes don't work. But I'm hoping to get that fixed this weekend, or soon after. I don't think I've ever biked more than like ten miles at once, so I'm really interested to see how this goes. If any of you have any advice/wisdom about biking techniques, I'd love to hear them.
We are currently looking for riders, who would like to participate with the GVSU team, and donors, who would be willing to support our efforts by making a financial donation. The money that gets raised will go into our "general fund," which helps cover various operating expenses of the ministry as a whole. It's not super glamorous, but it's incredibly necessary to make sure that His House happens on each of its 11 campuses. My personal goal is to raise $1,000. Anything extra can be put towards my salary (which I also raise the money for) for the 2009-2010 school year.
Will you help us? Would you like to join the spaghetti and GU filled mayhem on the 30th? Or, would you like to make a donation to help keep our ministry going? If your answer is "yes, please!" to either of those, please send me an email at ajgretz@gmail.com.
I hope you all are doing well!
Also, I race to win.Thursday, March 19, 2009
It's in His Hands
Life after break has been going well. I've had some really good conversations with people, and I've been encouraged to see God at work, giving people spiritual momentum from the trip, and a desire to grow and know Him more. Please pray for our students, that they would be able to finish the school year strong, and keep growing in love for and the knowledge of Christ.
Please pray for me as well. I have been really wrestling with my personal future, and where God is calling me to serve Him long term. I will be returning to His House for the 2009-2010 school year, but beyond that I am not sure. I tend to be a chronic over-analyzer, so it's something that takes up a lot of my thoughts/energy (although this week has been better).
However, through it all I am learning and trying to remind myself over and over that my life is no longer mine - it belongs to God. Our pastor read a verse from 1st Corinthians that really stuck out to me last week:
Please pray for me as well. I have been really wrestling with my personal future, and where God is calling me to serve Him long term. I will be returning to His House for the 2009-2010 school year, but beyond that I am not sure. I tend to be a chronic over-analyzer, so it's something that takes up a lot of my thoughts/energy (although this week has been better).
However, through it all I am learning and trying to remind myself over and over that my life is no longer mine - it belongs to God. Our pastor read a verse from 1st Corinthians that really stuck out to me last week:
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
-1 Corinthians 6:19-20
-1 Corinthians 6:19-20
In the context of this verse, Paul is talking about sexual sin, and why we should honor God with our bodies. However, I think this idea can be applied to many different things.
As a Christian, I know that God has saved me from sin. I was bought with the price of Christ's sacrifice. And I know that He has plans for me. A purpose. An agenda. Everything on Earth, including my life and my time, belong to God. I exist to bring Him glory, and to do what He has put me here to do. When God purchased my freedom, He did so to have a relationship with Him. Part of that relationship involves going where I am directed, and doing what He wants.
Essentially, if we believe in God, we should experience tremendous freedom because it's not up to us to logically analyze and decide our path in life. Instead, we simply have to allow God to give us our orders, and show us what to do. I'm noticing that this doesn't mean just sitting and waiting for a magic voice to pop into my head, but trusting Him that He will give me passions, ideas, and open and close doors as necessary.
We all must learn to trust that His way is better than anything we could ever come up with on our own. I am hoping that I can do that. I will pray this for you, and I ask that you would pray this for me.
As a Christian, I know that God has saved me from sin. I was bought with the price of Christ's sacrifice. And I know that He has plans for me. A purpose. An agenda. Everything on Earth, including my life and my time, belong to God. I exist to bring Him glory, and to do what He has put me here to do. When God purchased my freedom, He did so to have a relationship with Him. Part of that relationship involves going where I am directed, and doing what He wants.
Essentially, if we believe in God, we should experience tremendous freedom because it's not up to us to logically analyze and decide our path in life. Instead, we simply have to allow God to give us our orders, and show us what to do. I'm noticing that this doesn't mean just sitting and waiting for a magic voice to pop into my head, but trusting Him that He will give me passions, ideas, and open and close doors as necessary.
We all must learn to trust that His way is better than anything we could ever come up with on our own. I am hoping that I can do that. I will pray this for you, and I ask that you would pray this for me.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
-Colossians 1:9-12
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
We Have Returned
After nine days away, 56 hours of which were in a van, two trips to the beach, one encounter with dolphins, four days of manual labor, four baptisms, small groups, big groups, group games, and countless fast-food chicken sandwiches, we arrived home early Sunday afternoon from our trip to Florida. Before we left, I thought there was no way we would ever top the experience of last year's trip.
I was proven wrong.
From the beginning, it was clear that God was present through the prayers of our community, the staff, and supporters, family and friends. It's impossible to explain the experience of a trip in writing, let alone a shared experience of God's spirit, but He was there in a big way. People connected and developed friendships with others they hardly knew before the trip, we served hard and well (several groups were complimented on their work ethic and attitude), and people grew in knowledge and love of God. It was all we could ask for.
The theme for this year's trip was Selfless. One of the things I noticed during the week was how willing people are to embrace our ideas as a staff (we came up with the theme, and I wrote corresponding small group and solo lessons for each day of the trip). Last year, the theme was "Deeper," and each lesson focused on spiritual disciplines, and developing a better relationship with God. That was reflected by people making more time to read, pray, and discuss spiritual things they were learning. This year, the lessons focused on how the closer we draw to God, the more selfless we should become. I saw this reflected by the effort people put into going out of there way to help each other and serve people (more so than last year). It was encouraging to see people taking the things we were talking about to heart, and I am confident that our community is better because of it.
Here's a few pictures for your enjoyment. I can't say thank you enough to all of you for your prayers and support for this community. Lives are being changed for the better, and you have played a part in that. Thank you!
Dance Party in the Van
(photo courtesy of Randy Sims)
Eating from a coconut on a break
(photo courtesy of Mitch Vruggink)
Building a home with Habitat for Humanity
(photo courtesy of Mitch Vruggink)
Taking off a roof
(photo courtesy of Lauren Engel)
Jarrod becomes one with the dolphins
(photo courtesy of Mikki Cronkhite)
I was proven wrong.
From the beginning, it was clear that God was present through the prayers of our community, the staff, and supporters, family and friends. It's impossible to explain the experience of a trip in writing, let alone a shared experience of God's spirit, but He was there in a big way. People connected and developed friendships with others they hardly knew before the trip, we served hard and well (several groups were complimented on their work ethic and attitude), and people grew in knowledge and love of God. It was all we could ask for.
The theme for this year's trip was Selfless. One of the things I noticed during the week was how willing people are to embrace our ideas as a staff (we came up with the theme, and I wrote corresponding small group and solo lessons for each day of the trip). Last year, the theme was "Deeper," and each lesson focused on spiritual disciplines, and developing a better relationship with God. That was reflected by people making more time to read, pray, and discuss spiritual things they were learning. This year, the lessons focused on how the closer we draw to God, the more selfless we should become. I saw this reflected by the effort people put into going out of there way to help each other and serve people (more so than last year). It was encouraging to see people taking the things we were talking about to heart, and I am confident that our community is better because of it.
Here's a few pictures for your enjoyment. I can't say thank you enough to all of you for your prayers and support for this community. Lives are being changed for the better, and you have played a part in that. Thank you!
Dance Party in the Van(photo courtesy of Randy Sims)
Eating from a coconut on a break(photo courtesy of Mitch Vruggink)
Building a home with Habitat for Humanity
(photo courtesy of Mitch Vruggink)
Taking off a roof(photo courtesy of Lauren Engel)
Jarrod becomes one with the dolphins(photo courtesy of Mikki Cronkhite)
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