Merry Christmas season from all the staff and students at Reach Out on Campus. We pray that as you celebrate the birth of our savior the beauty of God’s plan to redeem and restore humanity fulfilled in a little babe born in the humblest of circumstances is foremost in your hearts and minds. As the angels said to the shepherds that night, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Speaking of the Christmas season, the ROC community took the opportunity to celebrate shortly before finals this year. The final Crosswalk of 2023 was full of Christmas carols, gift exchanges, icing sugar cookies and more. It was certainly a great way to celebrate the season before wrapping up another semester of ministry.
ROC’s “Finals Week Survival Station” has become a tradition amongst the community. Each year during finals we open up the ROC house as a place to take a break from the stress of the week. Each day we offer a different meal in addition to snacks, drinks, and sugary desserts (calories don’t count during finals). Turkey noodle soup, bbq chicken sandwiches, chili, and pancakes were some of the highlights! This week ends up being one of my favorite weeks of the semester. Although students are navigating the stress of finals, being able to offer hospitality throughout the week and fellowshipping with the community during down times is a blessing.
Although 2023 is nearly a wrap, we are eagerly anticipating 2024 for a number of reasons. First, spring semester is an exciting season filled with mission trips, winter retreats, and a host of other exciting events and activities. Second, it means that we are closer to the start of ROC’s 50th year of ministry. Next fall marks the beginning of the 50th year of ministry to students on the campus of Ohio University. ROC began way back in 1975 (so if you count ’75 as year 1, 2024 marks the start of year 50). We plan to celebrate all year long leading up to ROC’s 50th anniversary in fall of 2025! What an amazing testament to God’s faithfulness and all He can accomplish through His people.
As I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters, to celebrate this momentous occasion we are kicking off a campaign called the “50@50” campaign. We are praying that God would raise up 50 new prayer partners to pray for the needs of the ministry, and 50 new financial partners to help lead ROC into the next 50 years of ministry! If you feel that God may be leading you to participate (although many reading this already are, thank you ever so much if so) you can drop us an email at reachohio@gmail.com and let us know which option you’re committing to, or can check out our website https://reachoutoncampus.com Where you’ll find options to sign-up for our electronic updates or explore the many ways to give. Year-end gifts are always a much needed and greatly appreciated part of our annual budget.
Thank you once again for the love and encouragement that each of you have for our staff and students. Praying that this Christmas season is a special time for you and your family and that 2024 is full of God’s blessings for you.
In Christ,
-Dodger