Hello from South Carolina — I (Catherine) began writing this letter in mid-February, from Rachel’s dining room. On February 4th, Rachel woke up with stomach pain, and by 9:30 p.m. she was recovering from an emergency appendectomy. The next morning, before the sun was up, I was in the car driving to Greenville. Such a privilege to pack up and go! I adore being able to offer her comfort and help. I got to cook Super Bowl Chili for Rachel and friends. It is hard to be “down for the count” when you are 23 and invincible. I am so glad I was able to spend the time with her. My most helpful phrase? “No, go lie back down!”
Gathering to Grow
Each year Cru’s campus ministry sponsors Winter Conference where students grow, deepen their walk with Christ, and many of them consider short term and long term missions. I went to my first Winter Conference, in Philadelphia, 1981. I shared my faith in Camden, New Jersey, and heard Dr. Bill Bright for the first time.
Of course, COVID has changed the landscape for gatherings like this. This year our team helped with communication and advertising for the conference which was held virtually the first weekend of February.
The conference coordinators were thrilled when 5000 students registered to attend, and it was calculated that closer to 6000 students tuned in for the worship, encouragement, teaching and training. They have all gone back to their schools to live out their deepened faith. Many are reporting back how God is moving in their lives.
God at Work at Georgia Southern University
An area I am working on is the communication within our ministry areas (by geography) where our staff serve. This is a blurb from the Coastal South area newsletter, representing Georgia and South Carolina:
Mary (names changed) is a freshman international student from Ethiopia. She came to Bible study a few times last semester but was quiet. However, one week Mary shyly said, “I want to know more about God. I have so many questions, but I know I want to know Him.” Mary took the initiative to text me, ‘Will you disciple me?’ THIS is when I knew something big was about to happen; she was being so bold, it had to be the Lord encouraging her to do so.
I took Mary for coffee to ask what she wanted, and how I could help. She wanted to know more about God, to have a relationship with Him. Mary’s best friend, Brylie, had become a Christian two months prior. Brylie lives in Saudi Arabia, and Mary told me that Brylie, too, wanted to be discipled. Mary then facetimed Brylie and she answered! Mary introduced us and said I was her new teacher. Brylie expressed that she wanted to learn so much more about Jesus but that there aren’t any Christians around her. Then she told me that she has a friend, Olivia, that she wants to share the Gospel with but she doesn’t know how. I was speechless — what started off as a simple meeting became me reaching the nations. LOOK AT GOD!”
Please be praying for Cheryl, Mary, Olivia and Brylie as they meet this semester — from Georgia Southern to the world.
Anniversaries
One year ago we began to spend “two weeks at home to flatten the curve.” Who knew it would take a year and more? We are praying for all of you who are waiting for your immunizations, waiting to hug friends and family, dealing with losses. It feels strange to mark this year!
Three years ago my father, Jeff Belcher, began to breathe heavenly air. I just started a shadow box with his cross, two chaplain badges, and a pin from his job in the Appalachian Mountains.
Five years ago Rachel played her first college lacrosse game. Last year, this month, the NCAA ended her senior season. We are grateful they offered 2020 seniors another year of eligibility. She is now recovered (from losing her appendix) and is part of the way through her “super senior” season. This year she was asked to step in as a captain to help lead her team. It is a position well earned. She so loves being on the field!!
Five years ago Andy and I became grandparents for the first time. Miss Khloe turned 5 on 2/28 and we are so blessed to have her in our lives.
Graduation
On April 30th, Rachel will graduate from North Greenville University. Will the school allow a ceremony to take place? Can we plan to attend? Can we invite family? This year and last have complicated some of the most basic of life events — weddings, funerals, graduations, etc. I find it all very confusing.
Rachel hopes to spend June and July involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (the women’s lacrosse internship that was cancelled last summer) and then will need ankle surgery for torn ligaments. She is currently wrapping her ankle for every practice and game.
Please join us in praying for Rachel as this season of her life comes to an end and a new one begins. We know she’s in God’s hands, but sometimes He doesn’t let us see into the future as much as we’d like!
The Kelloggs 