Seeing the fruit flourish.

Today I was encouraged by a lunch with a couple of girls.

When I found out I would be placed at Wake Forest for the internship, a dear Christian lady who I had known from my time at Camp Marannook called me excitedly because she had attended Wake Forest, though she was a non-believer at the time.  She had been praying for Wake Forest for some time, that it would be penetrated by the gospel.  She said, if a ministry like RUF had been there, if an intern had reached out to her, maybe she would have known Christ sooner.

20 years later...

Today at lunch, these two sweet freshmen girls were exclaiming over the surprise about their time at Wake Forest so far.  They said how they expected to battle these pressures of partying all the time.  They thought that their relationship with the Lord would struggle.  Instead, they said that they're relationships with God have already been strengthened so much and they have grown in their walk with the Lord.  They said that instead of being influenced to depart from Christ, they've been influenced to walk with Him.

I had an email from a mother of a student here.  She wrote of her daughter's experience; that she was alone and thinking of transferring.  However, RUF's influence in her life strengthened her and kept her here and she is now flourishing in friendships.

Sometimes He keeps us in the wilderness.  He makes us cling to Him, so that His glory above all else will be known.  If we see the product, our sin so distorts the thing to make it about us.  But, after some time, He chooses to reveal some of the fruit that He has been fostering.  I am encouraged.  I am motivated to press on for the high calling, knowing that endless Pit dates and movie nights are not all in vain.

Praise God that He works in spite of our weakness.  Because that woman had nowhere to turn to for spiritual growth, she turned to prayer for the campus.  The Lord was preparing a place for the Kingdom to come on Wake Forest's campus.  Now, 300 people come to large group.  60 freshmen come to freshman Bible study.  May the Lamb receive the reward of His suffering... even if just one comes to know Christ through this ministry.

the Church.

"Cause I haven't come for only you
but for my people to pursue
You can not care for me with no regard for her
If you love me you will love the church

I have long pursued her 

as a harlot and a whore 

but she will feast upon me 

she will drink and thirst no more 

So when you taste my flesh and my blood 

you will know you’re not alone "

- Derek Webb

Girls and I at leadership retreat

I want to boast about my local Church for a bit.  We are going through some changes with our RUF right now.  They have swept in, met with me, asked about me, supported me financially, and loved me as the Church is supposed to care for her people.  I feel undeserving.  Maybe that's the point.  I'm undeserving of God's grace, aren't I?  They have displayed to me the purpose of the Church.

Kevin and I at Back to School party

We have our second large group tonight.  My local pastor will be preaching for us tonight on Psalm 1.  We had our second freshman Bible study yesterday.  Again, 60-70 kids showed up.  Pray that they would be known, that they would not be just another new face or name at Wake Forest.  Pray they would be known by someone in RUF and moreso, by Christ.  
"And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again." - John 10:16-17

Off to another day!

Freshmen and sophomores (with me) at Back to School party

1st Annual, much needed I might add, Wake RUF leadership retreat

So, what's going on with RUF at Wake Forest?

Enough with my ramblings.  A new year is about to begin!

I am SO excited that things are starting back up and that students are showing up.

This week we have Preschool.  Wake has several orientation options for the week before classes start.  Preschool is the religious life orientation.  So, around 80 students will be on campus this week listening to devotionals, learning about the different campus ministries, etc.  It's a great way to meet new freshmen.

Many sophomores are here to be preschool leaders.  Its amazing to see them!  These were "my" freshmen last year.  These are students who entered the Wake Forest world with me, though we were coming from different perspectives.  I love reunions.  Its one of my favorite things... to be reunited with someone you care about that you haven't seen for an extended period of time.  Excuse the cheesiness of this, but I think it reminds me of the love in my life.  Yes, I said it.  You remember how blessed you are by people because you realize how much you really are connected with them and how much you have missed them during your time apart.  So, that's what the last couple of days have been.  Being reunited with RUF freshmen, now sophomores and other new friends I made last year.  I like Winston-Salem and I like Wake Forest, a lot.

I picked up two different freshmen from the airport yesterday.  The girl was from a town of 65, yes, 65, in Colorado.  Most of her friends were going to rodeo school.  And, here she is moving to Winston-Salem, attending a school where people aren't going to the rodeo on the weekends.  Then, I picked up a boy from Boston.  An Arminian boy from a family of 7 who has lived in Boston his whole life.  As we drove into the city to the CO girl, and small town to Boston boy, they had a very appropriate anticipation and nervousness about them.  They had eager faces and such a vulnerability that I love.  I wondered in my head what their next four years will look like.  I wonder what heartbreak they will experience.  I wonder what successes they will enjoy.  I wonder what questions they will ask.  Who will be their friends?  Where will you get plugged in?  I have a bit of jealousy.  I think often of how I would have done things differently if I could go through college again.  But, I guess I wouldn't have done them differently because I wouldn't know what I would want if I had not experienced what I did during my four years at Auburn.  I have mixed feelings of excitement and sorrow for incoming freshmen.  They are about to go on a crazy ride.  I guess all I can say is, brace yourself.  You're about to be changed.  And that's exciting.  That's life.

So, that's where we are at for the beginning of our year at Wake.  I guess I need to brace myself.  Things are about to get busy... Back to School party, first large group, leadership retreat, freshmen Bible study, sorority Bible studies, Global Missions Fellowship, half-marathon group, Fall conference, Parent's brunch, football games and tailgates, new freshmen and one-on-ones.   Phew.  I'm breathing.

And, decisions about next year.  Here we go.

Playing silent football last night with students... most entertaining game, ever.

**On a side note, support.  I have around $8,000 left to raise for the year.  Meaning, I am 75% funded which is wonderful!  If you would like to help with my support, visit http://www.ruf.org/donate.  Any donations are welcome!  No matter the size.  Thanks so much for your support!!!

Joy in suffering.

The last couple of days the thorn in my flesh wanted to keep poking at me, reminding me that I am inevitibly, continually weak.  My initial, fleshly reaction is to kick and scream, feel sorry for myself, and sulk into depression.  Why me?  Yes, there is deep pain throughout this world, but surely mine is the worst.  (Please include a sarcastic tone in that statement.)  Surely the Lord has forgotten me and I am too irredeemable.

I went on my daily run today.  I was listening to "Pilot Me" by Josh Garrels.  "I will arise and follow you, Savior please, pilot me... Over the waves and through every sorrow, Savior please, pilot me."  Suddenly, I realized again what it means to take joy in my suffering.  I realized again the command Jesus says to us to take up our cross daily, and follow Him.  Since He called me into His Kingdom, I have asked the Lord to take all of me.  I have asked Him to reveal to me His will so that I could follow Him.  Yet, when I face the reality of that, I pitch a fit.  I thought of the verse, "I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church." - Colossians 1:24 and "If anyone come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." - Luke 9:23.  I then realized that it should be a joy to experience disappointment and walk through the wilderness.  These are the things that make us usable in His kingdom.  When we suffer, we get to experience the suffering of our Lord and become more like Him.  We participate in the will of the Father.

This summer when I was in China, our team studied Philippians together.  Philippians 2:6-7 says, "Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant."  Our team leader, Daniel, said we must give up our rights.  What do we claim to have rights to?  Am I demanding those rights from God?  Well, a man who was God himself did not consider himself worthy.  Yet, He saved the whole world and now sits enthroned in heaven.  We talked about Paul.  Do you think Paul thought that prison was the best place to be?  Do you think he felt like it made sense for him to be there, rather than traveling through Greece preaching the word and planting churches?  Well, he didn't question his imprisonment (not that we know of, though he was a weak, sinful man himself.)  Rather, he told his prisonmates about the love of his life.  He wrote letters from jail, encouraging the churches that he could not physically be a part of.  He took joy in the place God had put him.  That challenged my discontentment like nothing else.  In fact, Paul says later that he has learned to be content in any situation.  

Paul learned contentment.  As I continue to struggle with the thorn, I begin to rejoice.  I take joy that the Lord loves me so much to deal with me, to sanctify me, to draw me close to His side.  I take joy in the fact that He has allowed me to play a role in the building of His kingdom.  If that means temporary pain, so be it.  I get to serve the One I love.

Support Needed

"My joy grows with every soul that seeks the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Remember, you have one life. That’s all. You were made for God. Don’t waste it." - John Piper

I am confident that the Lord has called me to serve another year at Wake Forest.  I am always learning of my weakness, of my inadequacy, and incapability.  I am learning daily that the Lord has called an empty vessel to be His tool to share the Gospel.  I think that became even more evident in China when under the most random circumstances, girls came to know the Lord. 

Well, I learn it again today, when I feel that this support raising thing is impossible.  I feel inadequate and unworthy to raise more money.  However, John Piper reminded me through God's Word today, that it is about God's strength and not my own that I am provided for.  So, I am praying, and asking humbly for support.

I am still in need of financial support!!  I need at least $15,000 more to fully fund my second year at Wake Forest.  

I've made a little slideshow to show you what has been going on this year at Wake... to give a glimpse into what the Lord is doing...

If you would like to support my ministry at Wake, go to http://www.ruf.org/donate.  Look for my name and Wake Forest under staff member.   Or you can send a check with my name in the memo to

 1700 N Brown Road Suite 104

Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043.

I am most in need of one time donations at this time, but will certainly take monthly donations as well.

If you have any questions, please contact me at kate.rhodes@ruf.org or call me, 256-599-7521.  Thanks so much fo your support thus far!!

He is good, and doeth good [in China], good only, and continually.

As I reel from jet lag, or maybe just processing the million thoughts running through my head now, I will stay up to finally blog about my time in China while I finally sip on a cold Sam Adams for the first time in a month.  It almost seems like a dream.  Did I really just spend the last month on the other side of the world making somewhere around 50 new amazing friends -- some American, some Chinese, one New Zealander, some Swedes, some 60 years old, some 5 years old, and I could go on.  What prevails in my mind the most is God's providential care for His children.  He knows us so much better than we know ourselves.  He created us.  He knows the things we need and the things we truly desire.  A common theme verse during my time at Auburn was "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." - Philippians 1:6.  We looked at and memorized this verse during our time in China.  My Mom would always tell me, Kate, God is doing the work, He is completing it... not you.  And, I think this month was so pivotal in working on that completion of good work in me.

China so quickly came and went.  The first week I was there actually kind of sucked.  I questioned why I had come, worried about RUF support raising, and just sad to be away from my friends' weddings.  I couldn't communicate.  I didn't know anyone on my team.  And, I was supposed to be somewhat of a leader, yet I couldn't even hold it together.  But, quickly the Lord opened my eyes to the reality of my situation.  Kate, you're not the only one who feels alone and like a foreigner in a strange land.  Its amazing how hearing other believers' stories can be so encouraging.  "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." (from Isaiah 40).  His words are true.  He gives strength when we think we have none.  All the sudden, my perspective changed... God answered prayers... I fell deeply in love with China, with my team, and with the new friends I made, and mostly, just Him.

We took classes three mornings a week.  My southern accent wasn't so adapt to the Chinese tones.  It was terribly difficult, but even the language intrigues me and I find the Chinese characters beautiful and fascinating.  We met students.  I wish I could tell you the story of every one I met, but that might get kind of boring.  However, it was really neat to see God's providence in the relationships we made.  I wished that I could stay for so much longer and make friends with everyone on that campus.  However, he provided a select few for me to pour into in that brief month.  Their English names were Tiffany, Judy, Wendy, Ada, Sunshine, Chelsea, and Sammy.  Please pray for Judy, Wendy, and Ada.  I'm positive the Lord is working in their lives and they have either come to faith are on the verge.  It was the most refreshing thing to sit and the read the Word to them for the first time.  I told them the stories of Jesus's time here on earth.  They sat in anticipation wanting to know what would come next.  It was refreshing to hear them make such simple observations... "Your God is so good, He is so kind."  They were amazed at that.  When I shared the gospel with Ada for the first time, she looked at me and said, "Thank you."  I told her not to thank me... that it was by God's grace that we are saved, that we should thank Him for salvation.  She said, "But, thank you for telling me."  That impacted me so much.  That's all I have to do for someone's life to be turned upside down in a beautiful way... tell them.  Tell them about Jesus, about the gospel.

I learned so much from the Chinese Christians.  They take Jesus at His word.  He says to trust Him, that He has perfect plans for us and that He can not fail.  The Christians I met believed it as though there was no other option or thought.  They looked at me, like, why would I ever worry?  That's a crazy thing.  Jesus says He in control.  Oh, me of little faith and my brothers and sisters who have such great faith.  They encouraged me so much.

I could go on and on.  However, I think I will stop here for now.  My mind is reeling.  I miss China, so much.  I miss my team.  They became such good friends to me.  I miss Judy and Tiffany and Ada.   In the song, "Ten Thousand Time Ten Thousand", Henry Allford writes, "On Canaan's happy shore; What knitting severed friendships up where partings are no more!  Then eyes with joy shall sparkle."  I look forward to that; to be united with all believers and never having to say good bye.  That will be good.  What will be even greater is to be with our Maker.  The one who knit us together in our mothers' wombs and numbered our days.  That is why I want to go throughout the world, to tell them about Him. Today, God has given me an affluent college campus in the US to do that and for that I'm thankful.

We bought books for our Chinese friends at the only legalized Christian bookstore in our city.  I bought Streams in the Desert for one of the girls, and I decided to read the last few devotionals to see what she has been reading.  These words provide great wisdom for me right now... from the great missionary, Hudson Taylor, "The Lord is my Shepherd; is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year/  Is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and is in war; in abundance, and in penury!... All God's dealings are full of blessing: He is good, and doeth good, good only, and continually.  The believer who has taken the Lord as his shepherd can assuredly say in the words of the psalmist: 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.'"

"the great unchangable I AM"

What a weird day, today has been.

Life is in transition right now.  I'm rounding out my first year of the internship at Wake Forest and oddly contemplative and emotional about it.  It's been a really good year.  It's been challenging.

Yesterday, I talked with a lady who works for a particular missions organization.  I had planned to work with them two years ago, and my plans were veered to do the internship.  Two years later, an opportunity has opened up to serve with them for six weeks this summer in East Asia.  She remembered talking to me two years ago and was excited to hear my story of what God had been doing in my life since.  As I told her my story, she talked about how everything I have been doing and experiencing is actually wonderful preperation for overseas work.  It was a really encouraging conversation of God's sovereignty.

Yesterday, we had our end of the year picnic.  However, it was interrupted by tornado sirens.  We had a brief intermission and then continued our picnic.  Again, some sadness and excitement in seeing these dear faces for either the last time or the last time untill Fall.  Encouraged and sentimental over the blessings of this year.

After that, I somewhat spontaneously, somewhat had been thinking about this for a while, decided to watch The Passion of the Christ for the first time since I was a sophomore in high school.  There were a few guys watching it so I joined them.

Wow.  My heart churned, my eyes swelled, my mind can't comprehend the love of Jesus Christ.  I'm overwhelmed by why He has allowed me to understand His truth.  Pilate asked, "What is truth?" after Jesus says, "For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world - to bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." (John 18)  Jesus is truth.  I think I was struck by His humanity, His choice to bear the pain of betrayel and pain of being beaten, His intense temptation.  That humanity, that death, that resurrection, that is truth.  That allows me to have hope in what I'm claiming to stake my life on.  "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

A couple of days ago I was reminded of the true intent of the overused, misinterpretted verse, Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." I must delight in Jesus and then my desires will be right and will be filled.  I was thinking of how I desired to desire Him.  Today, I'm delighting in Him.  There is nothing, absolutely nothing, on this earth that could go to the depths and extremes of love that He did for me and for you who believe.  

Then, I came home, halfway sick to my stomach from the combination of picnic food and anguish in watching the Passion, and my throat a little scratchy from literally belting at the top of my lungs in my car these words.  They were only most appropriate...

"Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea

A great high priest whose name is love

Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hands

My name is written on His heart

I know that while in heaven He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart

When satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see Him there

Who made an end of all my sin

Because a sinless Savior died

My sinful soul is counted free

For God the just is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me

Alleluiah!  Alleluiah!  

Praise the one risen Son of God

Behold Him there the risen Lamb

My perfect spotless righteousness

The great unchangable I AM

The King of glory and of grace

One with Himself I can not die

My soul is purchased by His blood

My life is hid with Christ on high

With Christ my Savior and my God

With Christ my Savior and my God

Alleluiah!  Alleluiah!

Praise the one risen Son of God

Alleluiah!  Alleluiah!

Praise the one risen Son of God

Alleluiah!  Alleluiah!

Praise the one risen Son of God

Alleluiah!  Alleluiah!

Praise the one risen Son of God"

- Before the Throne of God Above

"Whom do you seek?' They answered him, 'Jesus of Nazareth.' Jesus said to them, 'I am he.'" - (John 18:5)  He is the great I AM.  And we seek to love Him or we seek to destroy Him.  But, He is Jesus of Nazareth.  He is who Isaiah speaks of, "But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish.  In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zenulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." (9:1-2)  

So, when I came home, I learned of the magnitude of destruction in Alabama from the tornadoes.  I was saddened again for the immense disaster in my home state.  I began to watch videos and watch the death toll rise.  Though I am safe in North Carolina, I was oddly sad not to be home with them.  No one that I know personally experienced tragedy, just damage to homes or debris in yards.  My family is on their way to south Alabama because my home town will have a power outage for several days.  They don't have gas supplies and traffic lights are out.  It's quite chaotic.  But, I know that in some ways this is a dent in comparison to disasters in Japan and New Orleans and Haiti.  

 I am so thankful that Christ has conquered death.  Praise Him for that.  Now, I'm praying that I would become more bold in proclaiming that truth.

Ok, what a sporadic post and heavy.  But, these are my thoughts today and I was in much need for a post update.

Peace.