Hello! How are you this spring? I am well, although I cannot believe that my first year of ministry here in Edinboro is coming to a close. As I sit writing this letter all the students’ classes and finals are over, seniors have graduated and most of the ladies of the house have packed up and moved out for the summer. Where did the time go? How did the house get so quiet? It has been amazing to see what God has done in the lives of students during the last two semesters. I would like to specifically share two amazing stories about how the ministry here at the Potter’s House will be continuing on in the lives of two students. And show you how your investment in this ministry will be touching lives far beyond the sidewalks of the now quiet campus of Edinboro.
This was Alison’s first year at the Potter’s House, and she will be returning next year. This summer she has the opportunity to take part in one of the CCO’s leadership development programs – Ocean City Beach Project. Alison has this to say about her choice to spend her summer at OCBP.
“Living in the Potter’s House this year has taught me so much about living for God and with others. Through living at the house, I became connected with an amazing summer leadership training opportunity offered by the CCO called the Ocean City Beach Project (OCBP). The OCBP is designed to be a time of intense learning and development for students with a heart for the world and a passion for God. Twenty-five college students from across the Mid-Atlantic region and four CCO staff will pursue life and God together. OCBP is designed to better equip us as leaders and as disciples’ of Christ for our time in college and the years beyond. While at beach project I will be participating in Bible studies, worship, a local job, outreach to the community and getting to know the other students and staff. I hope to bring what I learn this summer back to Edinboro, so I may better serve on the leadership team and prayer team of our campus ministry.”
Lindsay has lived in the Potter’s House for two years and she has this to say about the influence of The Potter’s House and her decision to join CCO staff.
“From home cooked meals to a heartfelt conversation, the Potter’s House has fostered tremendous growth in my life. I cannot imagine my college experience without the presence of this “home away from home” on 316 Meadville Street. Through the struggles, challenges, and discernment that occurs during this time the Potter’s House has not only been a place of peace and warmth but also of encouragement and discipleship.
Experiencing such a community that reflects the body of Christ in such a powerful manner has unlocked my passion for community building. In a culture where individualism is honored, reality shows us that it is community that transforms our hearts, causes us to dream the big dream, and brings a piece of the kingdom of heaven down to earth.
In addition to community, my time at the Potter’s House has deepened my relationship with Christ, one that has captured my heart and soul, transforming the way I think, act, and dream for in my life. Because of this amazing adventure with God, many tremendous doors have been opened to me, one being a position on staff with the CCO serving at Juniata College. I reflect upon my own time in college and see that some of the largest decisions are made during these brief years: relationships are formed, career paths are determined, and faith is challenged. To be given an opportunity to walk along side students through these life moments is a humbling honor. I can only pray that I will be responsible with what I have been given – the support, conversations, prayers, and overwhelming love. It is exciting to see how God will develop communities and students to transform our world!
As I close my time at Edinboro, I praise God for the opportunity to serve, grow, and love at the Potter’s House. It has been a life-changing home for myself and many others, a home that I will cherish very deeply in my heart for the rest of my life.”
These are just two of the lives that have been touched and transformed by the ministry of the Potter’s House and the CCO. These two ladies are amazing women of God and truly seek His will in all that they do. They have a heart and a desire to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ as they live out their lives daily. Your support of and partnership with this ministry makes these stories possible. Through your investment you will be reaching individuals in Ocean City, NJ this summer and students at Juniata University for the next three years. Your prayerful investment in the lives of students and God’s work here at EUP makes an exponential difference. Together we are truly transforming students to transform the world!
