Snow on the ground with more snow on the way and sub-freezing temperatures to boot? Sounds like the start of a new semester of campus ministry in Ohio. That’s right, it’s the beginning of a new year of ministry at OU and Rio, and even the cold weather can’t dampen our enthusiasm. It’s also exciting because this fall marks the start of ROC’s 50th year of ministry leading up to the 50th anniversary of ROC in 2025!
As ROC approaches its 50th year at OU we are continuing to invite people to be a part of our “50 at 50” campaign. So what is the “50 at 50”? The campaign is an initiative to raise up 50 new prayer partners and 50 new financial partners to help lead ROC into the next 50 years of ministry. If you are interested in praying for ROC, giving to ROC, or both please email us at reachohio@gmail.com and we will send you a link to sign up for our monthly updates and prayer list or the link for giving. Praying for ROC and providing for the needs of the ministry allows us to not only continue reaching students at OU and Rio, but it opens up opportunities to allow students to serve locally, across our nation, and abroad.
Just a little over a week ago we returned from one such opportunity. Mountain Mission School, located in Grundy, VA is a special place. They take in students from all around the world, provide them a world-class, Christ-centered education, and send them out to share hope everywhere they go. Some of you may even know one of their more famous former students. A guy by the name of Oscar Tshiebwe, former Kentucky Wildcat turned NBA player for the Indiana Pacers. “Big O” as he is affectionately known around MMS is very outspoken about his faith. While we were at MMS ROC students served in a variety of ways including digging a ditch to run conduit, sorting through clothing donations, leading devotions for students, and much more. MMS holds a special place in our hearts and we continue to pray for our friends there as they seek to honor Jesus in such a special way.
It may seem weird to be thinking about Spring Break the week that we start back, but March 9-16th will be here before you know it, and along with that our spring break trip(s). Yes, you read that correctly. For the first time ever ROC is considering splitting our mission teams to serve two different missions fields the same week. The first team will be heading to Piedras Negras Mexico with Crossroads Missions where we are excited to reconnect with ROC Alum Noelle Mash – Moreno who serves with Crossroads Mexico. I (Dodger) am particularly excited to meet another “ROC Grandbaby”, baby Camilla! Noelle and her husband Chepe welcomed Camilla into the world in December.
The second trip will be another Crossroads field, but this one is located in Western, KY. Josh Beck, our Rio Campus Minister will be leading a team there to continue to help with the rebuilding process of homes that were damaged by the tornado that passed through in December of 2021.
As always I am continually amazed and blessed by the generosity of so many who allow ROC to participate in projects like these. I pray that each of you are blessed by what your generosity is achieving in the lives of students and so many others.
Blessings,
-Dodger