Hope in the Darkness...

Even amidst the unabashed commercialism of my apartment's yuletide decorations, I've been reflecting on the true picture that the Christmas story paints. It's true that the story is not one grand, joyous tale, but neither is it purely tragic. The picture we see is one of hope in the middle of despair, a light in the darkness. That darkness is reason to weep and mourn, but how much more should we then rejoice at the blessed, glorious Hope that was born to us in the middle of such wretched circumstances. That Hope is still ours today as we continue walking through this world's brokenness. We must not focus on the darkness, but without the darkness, the Light loses its context. A candle seems a lot brighter at midnight than at noon. Our Hope is the incarnated Christ, celebrated by lowly shepherds, wise kings, and a celestial host of angels.

This is what makes the story of Christmas universal...not merely bound to the month of December. This characterizes our Christian walk. Yes, we are living in a dark and broken world. We see this on a broad scale with wars and natural disasters. We see it on a more personal scale in our relationships and in our own hearts. But the Hope of Christ shines amidst it all, and that light reaches even the darkest corners of our hearts and relationships with others.

As I reflect back on my first semester as an intern with RUF at the University of Tennessee, I see this theme running strong. I cannot deny the brokenness I see all around me. I see it in this city. I see it on this campus. I see it in the lives of students, and most of all, I see it in my own heart. Perhaps one of the biggest lessons I've learned so far is that I'm far more dependent on God for far more than I ever imagined. Yet just as the glory of God broke into a world in need that cold night in Bethlehem, I am greatly encouraged by the work I see God doing in this city, on this campus, in the lives of students, and in my own life.

It's been a difficult semester, but I'm told that it's to be expected. "First one's always the hardest" seems to be an RUF intern mantra. Relationships are hard work, and that's the vast majority of my job. God has used these relationships to expose areas of weakness in me that I had never seen before, but throughout the Bible we see God using weak vessels to accomplish His wonderful plan. I am so encouraged to watch these relationships with students begin to take root and grow, quite often when and where I least expect it.

I'll be beginning next semester with a much firmer foundation here in Knoxville and a little more experience under the belt. It should also be a more focused semester, and I look forward to the opportunity to meet more regularly (even weekly) with some students. There will be more opportunities for formal discipleship in addition to informal get-togethers and activities. This both excites and terrifies me all at once, and I ask for your prayers for God's wisdom, courage, and strength as I seek to directly reflect His gospel in these students' lives.

I'll continue to assist Brent with the Freshmen Guys Bible Study, and I'll also have the chance to help organize our Spring Break Mission Trip (still in the works) and our trip to Winter Conference in February where we'll meet and worship with other RUF's from Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky. Please be in prayer for these opportunities, as well as other activities that I hope to organize, like a campout (finally), a weekly basketball group, etc.

I have learned so much already this semester, and I am very grateful for where I am. I'm falling in love with the University of Tennessee, which I honestly never expected. I love Knoxville, I'm getting used to the orange, and most of all, I love the students and the other RUF staff. I've been blessed with a great apartment, a very supportive roommate/friend, and a wonderful church family at Redeemer.

I've also been blessed with such an encouraging and loving support base. Many of you have been faithfully supporting through prayer, and some financially too. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your support. Your encouraging notes, letters, and emails are so uplifting, and your prayers and gifts make it possible for me to remain here in Knoxville working with the students at UT.

Please continue praying for me as I return next semester and seek to build deeper relationships with many of the freshmen guys. As I mentioned before, please pray for wisdom, and also pray especially that God will give me boldness. I am not truly loving these guys if I am not sometimes bold, and that is an area I struggle with.

Also, as 2010 comes to a close, I ask that you please consider me in your year-end giving. I am still working to meet my budget for my first year, and gifts or pledges of any size are greatly appreciated. I still need an additional $1,670 to meet my budget, and this really needs to be raised by January. You can give securely online at https://www.ruf.org/donate/ (just be sure to select my name in the drop-down menu). As you prayerfully make these decisions, please consider:

$1,670 could mean 1 person giving $500, 2 people giving $250, 3 people giving $100, 5 people giving $50, and 6 people giving $20.

RUF is fully funded by donors like you, with gifts both large and small. I am humbled by the gifts that so many of you have already given, and I continue to trust in God's marvelous provision. Because of this, I continue to ask first and foremost for your prayers, whether or not you are able to give at this time.

I pray that you all have a blessed Christmas, and I hope to see many of you soon! Remember that the story of Christmas is one of Light shining in darkness. Whether on a global scale or in our hearts and relationships, this is the power of the gospel for a hurting world.

Resting in His Promises,

Stephen