Wow! I have yet to even update you all with how the rest of the summer has been! So much to say about the Torch Retreat, the first week, etc!

First things first, the TORCH RETREAT! This is a retreat that allows incoming freshmen to connect with other Christians early on, allowing them to transition into college easier and find community! It is truly awesome! I was able to serve as a counselor, and the Lord really blessed me with some guys who are seeking Christ! I got to have a great time with them as they connected with others, and even now that school has started. 

The first week was also awesome! School started a week ago and the campus has already been hit with a lot of great opportunities to worship, pray and join a community. The first day was actually a united worship night at Circle Park, where a few students gave a word about our calling as Christians! Following that, I have had the opportunity to share the gospel with a student and have so many great conversations! Our first Cru had over 380 students! Praise the Lord! We have Bible Study Kickoff tonight, which is an event to connect students with a Bible study to grow in their faith!

It is actually crazy that we are about a third of the way into the school year! God is so good that He has gotten me this far and that things have gone relatively smooth. Here are some ways that God has blessed the year so far:

• I started my Bible Study up again (with some new faces)

• I have started the process of discipleship with some new guys

• The Christian community on campus seems to be more unified than ever in the motion of the Great Commission

• UTK Cru has seen 9 people come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and countless different people have heard the Good News

• I have had the opportunity of seeing somebody accept Jesus (praise God!)

• I recently started going to the Senior Bible Study

We are about 12 days out from the first retreat of the year, so I am praying that we have a lot of people going and interested in growing spiritually. I am so excited for the year and to see God move.

†Please say a prayer for the Kirk family and those affected by the various shootings, Christian persecution in the Congo, and the overall atrocities being committed all around the world, and the body of Christ to combat the spiritual warfare!