UBC Mission Update - 2023, Issue 2

Spotlight & Prayer Focus:

College Students and Staff

DID YOU KNOW? 

February 23 is the 200th anniversary of the National Collegiate Day of Prayer!

In the early 1800s, church leaders began to apply the principles of the Concert of Prayer movement to college students' needs. It was regularly practiced at Yale, Brown, Williams in New England. By 1823 almost every major denomination and university in the USA was participating in the day of prayer. Universities at that time were founded through the Church and future evangelical leaders were expected to be supplied by them. The Church then believed that the direction of the nation as whole would follow the spiritual character of the college student. It was because of this belief that the Collegiate Day of Prayer (CDOP) was adopted.

UBC will be intentionally praying for colleges, students and staff in February in our Make Him Known Everywhere prayer focus during services. We are providing a copy of these prayer guidelines from the CDOP website for your convenience and use at home.

A Three Phase Approach to Praying for a Student Awakening:

1) A Posture of Worship & Adoration

  • Pray for the fullness of the power and presence of Jesus Christ.

  • Pray for an accurate view of the glory and majesty of Jesus Christ.

  • Pray for a renewed passion and an intimate affection for Jesus Christ.

2) A Posture of Humility & Submission

  • Pray for a response of faith, humility and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

  • Pray for a turning away from anything that would hinder a strong relationship with Jesus Christ.

  • Pray for a revelation of the unfailing love, comfort and adoption of the Father through faith in Jesus Christ.

3) A Posture of Joyful & Sacrificial Giving

  • Pray for students to joyfully share the hope of Christ’s love through generous acts of compassion and evangelism.

  • Pray for students to defend the defenseless and care for the orphans and the widows.

  • Pray for students to finish the remaining task of evangelizing every tongue, tribe and nation in this generation for the glory and pleasure of Jesus Christ.

Beginning January 14 until February 23 students are being asked to set aside 40 days of prayer and fasting for an awakening on college campus.

Website and prayer guide pdf:

Missionary Spotlight:

The Ortegas - H2O Wright State

UBC supports several missionaries on college campuses. Among those are Joshua and Kari Ortega and their family, who serve less than three miles from our church over at Wright State University (WSU). They started H2O Wright State which is a campus- focused church and ministry to reach students attending college. They have dedicated their lives and family to the spiritual awakening of this generation. Through leadership and discipleship they are engaging WSU students with the love of Christ, informing people of the Gospel of Christ, and inspiring the church community to be in close relationship with Jesus and change the world as they follow Him. "We love introducing young people into an eternal relationship with God and to be on mission, making followers of Jesus from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation!"

In 2023, Wright State has seen students still navigating through the mental, social and emotional aftereffects of COVID. “Our hope is to introduce Jesus through a thriving community that loves like Jesus. We have outreaches that gather and foster that every week at our student lounge called The Landing, along with our midweek campus Life Group gathering, and Sunday church services. Along with those opportunities we are on campus throughout the week meeting students right where they are at in the Library & Student Union praying with them, and sharing the good news of Jesus. But all these efforts are nothing without the supernatural presence of God! We need prayers that God will miraculously turn the hearts of students towards Him and they would take a great leap of faith to trust and run after Him!”

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Prayer Points:

1. Pray students would hunger and thirst for righteousness!

2. Pray that the Gospel appointments would lead to salvation & revival to break out on campus!

3. For the WSU Staff to be so impacted by God moving through students that they give their life to Jesus!

4. Pray for the staff of all the campus ministries to be healthy and strong in all their relationships, and provided for as we take a leap of faith in trusting God to provide for His missionaries! (H2O, CRU, IFI, AIA, and XA)

Recent Highlight:

College Growth Group Serves at Bridges of Hope

Josh and Melody Ortiz lead a college-aged growth group made up of students from Cedarville University and Wright State University. Back in November, the students banded together to make, deliver and serve food at Bridges of Hope in Xenia. The most thrilling part for Josh, as leader of the group, was to see students personally engaging with some of the residents and having some very interesting, faith-related conversations. He also had an extended time to connect with one of the leaders at Bridges of Hope to learn more about the ministry and provide encouragement.

Opportunity:

Support H20 Wright State!

H20’s college ministry has ongoing needs throughout the year. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

  • Cook for, grill, or pay for food at an event. This is a great way to serve and connect with students!

  • Encourage a student attending H2O with letters and care packages

  • Host an international student for a holiday

  • Help students move when needed

  • Join and provide materials for knitting & crocheting for outreach

  • Lend a hand as a mechanic, electrician, plumber or building stuff

  • Arrange a group to come and pray for people on campus and share the Gospel!

  • Financially support a student going on a mission trip or LT (10 Weeks Leadership Training)

PRAY: The Ortegas have asked for prayer for the following upcoming events:

  • H20 Network Conference (February 10 & 11) - An overnight retreat in Columbus that will bring a fresh renewal of mind and soul!

  • The Well: a 6-week discipleship experience that introduces students to a Christ-centered identity & what it looks like to biblically follow Jesus.

  • Hocking Hills Spiritual Retreat & Serving H2O at Ohio University (Feb. 24-25)

  • H2O Spring Break Trips (Feb. 25 – March 3) - Missional retreat and Gospel-sharing alongside H2O Orlando at University of Central Florida.

  • Man Makers | Women’s Retreat (March 31-April 1) - separate getaways for H20 women and men to get away with God and get recharged.

Interested in going on a mission trip this year? The following UBC-sponsored trips are open to UBC members and regular attenders.

Contact Jim Corbin jim.corbin@ubcbeavercreek.com or Aldin Falfulovic aldin.fafulovic@ubcbeavercreek.com for more information.

To read past Mission Updates or to get more information about UBC on Mission, visit www.ubcbeavercreek.com/mission.

Jarrin Bradshaw