Woah where'd the time go!

I know, it's been a couple weeks since I last updated. I have to apologize for my lack of updates lately. It has been a crazy busy 2 weeks. Just a few brief highlights...

Mid Oct. I went to Ann Arbor, MI for session 3 of 4 trainings IV staff need to do within their 1st 2 years of staff. In this training we talked about the foundations of an IV chapter, the importance of prayer, vision, and training to have quality events, outreaches, and meetings for the students. We were given the vision of reaching beyond our own chapter and becoming campus staff and not just chapter staff. I'll be honest that this particular session freaked me out a little bit, as far as being overwhelmed with the thought of all the people groups that are not being reached by any campus group! Fortunately it was a brief over-exaggerated moment in time for me, where a fellow staff and friend was able to help me see clearly what was actually being said there. All in all it was a good 3 days of training that has spurred a few possible ideas for the future.

I was also blessed to have a chance to stay in the home of Roger and Norma again, who hosted me in the past. They are such a lovely and refined couple who love to spoil their guests with hot teas and bed time snacks and talk. It was good to see them again.

This past weekend was our fall conference "Harvest". This year was a little different than previous ones in that we shortened the conference to go from Fri. night to Sat. night instead of going to Sunday morning. It was a challenge for the planning team to have this shortened time and yet keep the conference high quality for the students, but they did an amazing job as always!

This year our theme was "A Welcome Home Celebration", focusing on the Luke 15 passage of the prodigal son. We studied from the view points of the younger son, the older son, as well as the father and given a chance during an extended time of silent prayer to identify with one of the 2 sons.

There were also seminars on Hospitality, Mastering the Gospel, and missional prayer, that the students were able to learn valuable skills that will help grow their chapters to have a mind of Christ at many levels.

Here are just a few snapshots of the conference:







Katie just graduated from WVU and is on staff in Western PA working at Slippery Rock and Clarion. She looks so happy to blow up all those balloons :p










Jesse and Patt...also enjoying the work of blowing up all those balloons





































Karla and Beth showing off the "fattened calf". Beth made this pinata for the end celebration.










Amy found a secret door in the sound booth floor. We contemplating hiding in it haha.









John, Todd, and myself in the sound booth.
















Chloe practicing her mad piano playing skills before plenary.




















During the teachings Beth painted this art piece as a representation of the many ways God says "I love you"...his "honey box" to us :)











A couple students goofing off before Bible Study. Jarryn, Sam, and Dwight's hands :p










LJ (Fairmont State student), Jed, and Trevor so valiantly trying to get the fallen balloons back in the overhead net.








Paul Hassell...he was the main director of Harvest this year.













Students praying for the IFES (International Fellowship of Evangelical Students) movement in China.








Shelly :)










Studying Luke 15:11-32















Jason (AIV Pitt and CMU staff) teaching on hospitality in the fellowship and in campus life.




























The big welcome home celebration!!!! Symbolizing the return to the father, each student recieved a beautiful shell ring and were served by the IV staff. It was a great party!









Julie and her baby girl Violet. Julie was the main speaker this year.


















Todd pouring CIDER :)














Some of our group enjoying the festivities. from left to right: Chris, Daniel, Joni, Dwight, Sam, Shelly, LJ, Jed











The freshmen decided to have their own table :p Left to right: Jessica, Mikaela, Melody, Trevor, Andi, Brook











Andrea and Dabney enjoying their successful celebration











Beth and Jesse...so cute :)










The time had come to slaughter the "fattened calf"












Poor thing didn't have a chance.









As you can see the weekend was full of spiritual growth, great worship, wonderful speaker, and lot of fun and joyful celebration of God's goodness. Praise God we also saw 1 student "come to his senses" and return to the Father for the first time this weekend. That is what we are all about!!!