This year, I once again had the pleasure of working with our seniors through the Life After College program.  For the second year now, we hosted 3 different workshops throughout the Spring semester, culminating in Senior Night on May 11, 2016.  The first workshop in February focused on financial topics, ranging from budgeting to insurance.  In March, the second workshop revolved around how to find a church community after graduating.  In the last workshop, we talked about how to live missionally in the workplace.

Going into the planning of Senior Night, we had several goals in mind:  First of all, we wanted to have fun.  This group of seniors was special; the impact they have had is sure to last for years to come.  After serving so faithfully for many years, we wanted to make sure they felt loved and celebrated for their hard work and for God’s provision, bringing them through college and/or graduate school.  Also, we’ve noticed that the end of the school year can be very hectic, with all the last minute projects, exams, final “hang outs” with friends, etc.  This often leaves little room for quiet reflection and time with God.  Because of that, another big goal of Senior Night was to provide space and time for the seniors to get away and spend time with God.

Once the night finally came, it was a great success!  We had 17 seniors and 8 staff come out that night to join in the fun, food, memories, teaching, worship, reflection, and group discussion.  We even had a special visit from the Hokie Bird himself!  The theme for the night was “Be Strong and Courageous”, taken from the words in Joshua 1.  We talked about how to trust God, remain obedient, and “gather our provisions” for the next season of life.  When the night came to a close, we knew it wouldn’t be a trip to Camp Tuk-a-way without a campfire and s’mores.

As the flames faded away from the campfire that night, one season was ending.  The Class of 2016 had finished.  They had run the race set before them, remaining faithful to the task of growing God’s Kingdom at Virginia Tech.  But as that season has ended, a new one has begun for them.  They are now taking the things they learned with us at NLCF and Virginia Tech, and moving on.  They are starting new chapters in their lives and working to make disciples of Jesus…this time, all over the world.

To the seniors, we thank you.  Our church and this community will deeply miss you, but we wish you the best of luck in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.

You’ve always got a family here in Blacksburg.  Don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello!

~David

During the Winter Break of my sophomore year, NLCF attended a Winter Conference much like Fusion. After what had been a crazy Fall semester, I was simply craving some extended time with God and looking forward to time hanging out with friends! I also had a decision I needed to make over the break and so I decided that this time set apart for worship, teaching, & conversation would be a good space to ask Him for a clear answer.

I remember the day He answered. I woke up to have some quiet time before the events of the conference started and opened by Bible to Hebrews 10, specifically 10:24 and read, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” I was in the midst of a difficult roommate situation and really wanted God’s direction as far as where to live for the upcoming fall. I remember reading that verse and thinking that my current roommate situation was far from these words.

As with many conferences, the afternoon had a series of breakout sessions. I don’t remember what the actual breakout session was titled but I do remember sitting in a room, listening to the speaker, when he referenced Hebrews 10:24. Really? And then, later that night, sitting in a main session, the speaker referenced Hebrews 10:24, again. It was clear that I couldn’t ignore these words and I knew at that moment that God was answering me and telling me to move into a roommate situation where I could live this out.

Maybe you have a decision to make concerning a future job, a relationship, or your next step in your relationship with Him? The conference I attended had nothing to do with roommate relationships but I believe because I set that time aside to seek Him, He answered.

Maybe you don’t have any upcoming decisions, maybe you just need to be encouraged and/or challenged by the content of the conference. How can you go wrong with “getting, giving, and living the Gospel”?

There’s no denying that in today’s culture, we live busy lives. You are in the homestretch of finishing the fall semester, you are anticipating the holidays, and excited that a month break is on the horizon (hallelujah!). But, before you blink you will jump right back in to the craziness of another semester.

Fusion is just 2 days (Thursday night, Friday, & Saturday morning)! What do you think God could do in & thru YOU (well beyond January 9th) if you set these 2 days aside to hear from Him? Could He do it somewhere other than Carlisle, PA? Probably! But why not join with friends and seek God in the midst of the community He has placed in your life for this season? I remember when I went back to my hotel room that night and shared with my conference roommates what I believed God was saying, we celebrated together (jumping on hotel beds & dancing around the room!), it wouldn’t have been the same celebration somewhere else.

That Fall I moved into better roommate situation where we strived to live out the words of Hebrews 10:24. And, that decision I made in the midst of a Winter conference continues to impact my life today as those roommates (though spread about and in different seasons of life) continue to be people in my life that spur me on in love, good deeds, and in my relationship with Him.

Why Fusion? Why NOT Fusion?

– Jeanette

Engage Groups don’t *just* work to serve our amazing God, but they also work to create communities of individuals who quickly become family.

Halie Artzer, a member of the “Gilmore Girls” Engage Group gives us a peek into her experience:

How did you get connected to the group originally? I got connected to my Bible Study second semester of my freshman year. I had a friend who invited me to go to the “Gilmore Girls” group, and I loved it! After the first night, I never stopped going.

How has being a member of the group impacted you (implying that it has, in fact, affected you)? “Gilmore Girls” has impacted me in so many ways; not only has it allowed me to grow in my faith, but it has given me an opportunity to meet so many life-long friends. It has given me an incredible sense of community—one that has helped me get through the major stresses of college. Just knowing that not only is God on my side through whatever happens in my life, but I also have a solid group of encouragers within my Engage Group to help me through life.

What do you do at a typical “Gilmore Girls” Engage Group meeting? We meet at the Loft, gather on comfy couches to relax, and we watch one episode of “Gilmore Girls.” We sometimes munch on snacks, and we always talk about our weeks and have time to catch up on what is new and exciting in our lives. [Note: “Gilmore Girls” has Bible studies that meet outside of “Gilmore Girls” time – one Bible study occurs Wednesday evening, right before “Gilmore Girls,” and the other occurs Thursday mornings. Girls are encouraged to attend the Bible study at the time that works best for them.]

What do you like best about your Engage Group?The thing I love most about “Gilmore Girls” is that it is a place where I can go to take a break, and it has provided me with so many great people to share life with.

Do you have any funny stories from Engage Group to share? *No response*

At this point, I think it’s fair to say that you’ll need to join one of our Engage Groups in order to hear about the funny stories…because acting as interviewer, nobody has been willing to tell me any crazy stories. So, this should be incentive enough (and then maybe I’ll interview you, and you’ll have every right to say “pass” when I ask this question). For those of you who think “Gilmore Girls” Engage Group sounds like a fun fit, be sure to contact one (or both!) of the leaders of the group: Jaime Haile  and Bekah Routzon.

Catherine Buyrn
Sophomore, Animal and Poultry Sciences
Hometown: Chesapeake, VA

Favorite thing about NLCF? Everybody is so welcoming, friendly, and just genuine people. Nobody pretends to be the “perfect Christian”. They recognize that we are all broken and fall short, but through God’s grace and His Truth, we can grow together to be more like Him.

Best class you’ve taken at VT? Introduction to Animal and Poultry Sciences Lab – I got to hold and play with baby animals and even got to give baby pigs shots after they were born!

What is something God has been showing you lately? In the midst of a hectic and busy schedule, it always good to just take a break and rest and realize all the blessings that God gives us. Blessings don’t necessarily have to be something huge – just a beautiful day, a good grade that you’ve worked hard for, or a person that God has put in your life are all reasons to praise and thank God.

Favorite scripture? “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

What are your hobbies? Running, swimming, painting, and playing the piano.

Someone you admire/look up to? My dad. Or Jim Halpert from The Office.

What are you watching on Netflix right now? Grey’s Anatomy and 30 Rock