At our first welcome event September 1, a Chinese family was walking by the campus house. Rex pointed them out to me, and I ran inside to get my business card. I ran back out and gave it to them, mentioning that we offer free conversational English lessons. They seemed interested, and I prayed they would contact us. A couple of days later the mother, named Ming, texted that she was interested. We learned they lived only 3 houses down from us! We were able to connect her with Ann, who focuses on international students, and they quickly began meeting 1-2 times a week. Her 9-year-old son Valentin would come with her. Our apprentice-in-training, Conner, would spend some time with him on school work and video games. They have also been joining us on Tuesday nights, and though comprehension was low, they experienced our hospitality and love. 

   This was our routine for almost two months, but this past week, our investment really progressed! We invited them to a Wednesday event with our church family for the youth group (which is mostly the minister's kids!). Valentin was shy but warmed up to us once I showed him the pool table. I got my son Moses to play with him, and then I sent them outside in the dark to play tag and climb trees. Valentin was officially Moses' buddy! Friday night they were at our Harvest party and the kids played again. I was able to connect Ming with another Chinese mom working on her PhD. I had been wanting them to meet since September. Saturday, we brought Valentin with us to a simple Halloween party at the church building. He is now speaking short sentences to me - his confidence in his English gets better with every sentence he speaks!  Ming was so thankful to have a two hour break. She said Valentin has been with her all the time since March. And today, Ming and Valentin came to a worship service for the first time! In the picture you can see Moses and Valentin coloring together.  Moses and I have been praying for Valentin as well. They go to the same school. 

   In two months, complete strangers have become really good friends. Ming is reading the Bible, cooking for us, getting more confident in her English and bonding with the other students in the ministry. Our Chinese ministry is flourishing as we have connected well with several people who are around Newark and UD. We know this is not a normal year, so this is not a "normal" campus ministry year either. However, our campus ministry is not really designed to be "normal" - we simply look for the students and people God puts in our path and then we get to work, loving and investing in them and trusting God to do what he does best! 

Thanks for your support!

Blessings,

Casey 

Prayer Requests:

• Please continue to pray for the safety of the students here on campus.
• For the continuation of our outreach to the international students.
• And for God to work through us to grow his kingdom and change lives.