So much. As always.

The End.

JUST KIDDING.

I have come to understand that there is some confusion about what I’m even “doing” with my life, my job(s), my location, etc. I think spending my sabbatical (mostly) in a different state + a global pandemic is a great recipe for confusion. So let’s clear some things up!

1. I’m back in Tucson! I’ve been back since mid-September, even though I’ve been back to work since mid-July.
2. I’m still working for InterVarsity, yes, of course. I’m still working for barre3, which I’m really happy about. I’m also still tutoring and dog sitting on the side like I was before sabbatical. Amongst other little things here and there to make money.
3. I’m still fundraising. I will always be fundraising until I am fully funded.

So what has changed?

1. Everything is virtual with IV. We’ve endeavored to do Zoom Bible studies, an AZ-wide monthly large group on Zoom, and even recently had a Zoom Fall Conference! Our new student outreach season was also online, so I became a digital marketing expert and social media networking connoisseur. Oh! And I built a website: http://www.intervarsitytucson.org
   Check it.
2. I am no longer the Team Leader of IV at the University of Arizona. I now have a few different roles.
   -For this season, I’ve been playing a supportive role as Tucson Team Coach for the 6-person volunteer team I have here. They are leading the online Bible studies and student outreach, which has been weird and difficult in this virtual world. Pray for us as we determine how things should look moing forward.
   -I covered for my coworker while he was on paternity leave and led the online outreach efforts and Bible studies for the Maricopa colleges for him.
   -I started an area-wide virtual Greek InterVarsity Bible study for members of Fraternity and Sorority Life in Arizona. I have two alumni volunteering with this as well.
   -I’m beginning my networking efforts to virtually plant a chapter at a rural community college in Southern Arizona that doesn’t already have. Gospel presence on campus. (If you know anyone…let me know!)
3. As I move into Spring, my goal is to drop down to 29 hours a week (aka part time) with InterVarsity, and to have raised $4,000/month for my budget/salary. I will continue with my other part time jobs in order to afford life and get out of debt, but I’m looking forward to more financial freedom in 2021. With my 29 hours, I will be focusing on the planting efforts and a new role as Arizona Ministry Partnership Development Advocate. This is a role that we are just beginning to develop, but the purpose of it is to ensure that all staff have the support they need to be sent to the college campus. I will help coach and oversee funding efforts, and use a lot of my time to increase our partnership to establish grants for future staff who may not have as easy of a time fundraising an entire $40,000+ budget on their own. We are developing this role because we believe that times are changing and we want to adapt our support methods to meet the needs of campus ministry. More than ever we believe that these students need the kind of Gospel-centered community that InterVarsity provides.

So, yes. It is a lot. But I’m excited about all of it because it’s new. I love starting new things, and I love going where we’ve never gone before because we get to see God do things we’ve never seen before! I’m hopeful and prayerful that God will connect me with partners and students in a way that multiplies the spread of good news all over Arizona!

I hope that all clears things up. I continue to feel called into being a part of what God is doing through InterVarsity on the college campuses in Arizona, and I continue to need new partnership. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or connections for me. The types of connections I’m looking for:
– Students/Faculty at community colleges in Southern Arizona (south of Maricopa County)
– Anyone in or connected to Greek Life in Arizona.
– People who love college students and want to pray for them or volunteer with us.
– Generous people or churches who may want to partner financially with InterVarsity in Arizona.

Thank you, friends! I’ll write again soon about how I am doing. Because…there’s always more to tell!