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South Africa to SMU

Happy October! The past month has been so great. In August, we spread the net wide, trying to invite as many students into community as possible. Now, in September, we're getting back to our bread-and-butter which is building deep individual relationships with one another, and experiencing God together through those relationships.

Bear with me, I have fewer pictures and more words this month because there's just so much to share! (Also I've been forgetful when it comes to taking pictures haha) I hope you find this month's update to be a blessing to you, amidst the requirement of a longer attention span.

Inzwi

This is my friend Inzwi! He's from South Africa and transferred to SMU this semester as a Junior. He's a crazy good soccer player and is planning to try out for the NCAA team here next year! He decided around a year ago that he'd like to more seriously consider God try to understand him better. He and I have recently gotten to start studying the Bible together once a week and Inzwi has said that God has already been connecting dots for him and helping him feel a purpose on campus where he's in the past felt like he's spinning his wheels, or being blown to and fro by the wind. I'm eager to see how else the Spirit works in his heart and how he uses Inzwi to bless his peers at SMU.

My 2 favorite things, disc golf and ministry.

I had originally planned to play disc golf with a couple guys who have been checking out Focus and before I knew it, we had 10 guys who all wanted to play a round together! They all seemed to have a great time building connections with one another. We also enjoyed roasting each other as a group when one of us threw a terrible shot.

Here you'll see one of the many (440!) throws throughout the group in this one round. Take special notice to Jerry, who played an entire round with an wrapped up, injured knee. To put it in perspective, it was so sore, he had brought an electric scooter to get from hole to hole. Why in the world he thought that would be a good idea is beyond me. But he loves Jesus and loves these guys! And had a great time some how lol

Andrew

Also, the guy who is throwing in the video is named Andrew. He's a sophomore and has been roommates with Jerry for the last year. He went to church a bit as kid but has never really resonated with faith, or believed very deeply in Jesus. He and I started studying the Bible 2 weeks ago and this past Friday, we had an absolutely incredible conversation about Jesus, his deep love for us, reasons for believing in him, scripture, hope, the new kingdom, and many other topics. What was meant to be an hour-long study turned into three. He walked away telling me how meaningful these meetings have been, and said that he's never had such an opportunity to voice his doubts, ask questions, and approach scripture with another person. He's been wrestling with an immense amount of stress and sadness this week, and he said that studying the word together has finally allowed him to rest and feel peaceful for a few hours at a time.

Praise God for drawing near to Andrew as scripture promises he will when we draw near to him.

Stories like Andrew's and Inzwi's are just a few of the plentiful fruit that is growing out of the vineyard you and I are planting here at SMU. This wouldn't be possible without you, your generosity, and your prayer. Please keep praying for our students this month! God is moving in hearts and changing lives.


P.S. I brought a couple of my dear friends Josh and Mark to the SMU football game this past Saturday and we had a great time! If you'd be interested in coming to a game and seeing campus, let me know! SMU provides me with a few free tickets to every home game and I'd love to share the wealth. lol

I hope you have a great month!

Your brother,
Taylor

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