A New Sheriff (Chief) in Town

Steve & Jess Cole

Caleb is growing 1lb a week, almost cooing, and smiles often. Ethan loves his brother, but is still getting used to less individual attention, as is to be expected.

This semester they faced the re-occurring challenge of nearly half the student leaders moving on to jobs or 4 year schools. They continue an emphasis on prayer for their ministry and God has been working. Fred and the faculty advisor both felt led to invite the new Orlando Police Chief—a professing Christian—to speak on leadership and her faith for a campus outreach. It was a bold request and would she even have the time? Fred shared this about the outreach:

“We had about 85 people (students and faculty) come to our CCC meeting, which was up from our normal 10 students. Some of the students took the initiative to invite some friends. The school also let us send an email to every student… and do lots of publicity around campus… Chief Demings did a great job of connecting with the students, and told us to invite her back. I believe that lots of seeds were planted… and although there was some spiritual battle, I think our prayers eliminated most of it. This was the largest attended Christian event we have had since I’ve been there.

“There is a monthly faculty bible study that has started and the next meeting is in a few weeks. Prayer is the topic.”

I think of the saying “When man works, man works. But when man prays, God works.” It can be a real challenge for us, even in ministry. But when our staff and students grow in dependence on God He is invariably gets honored in the events and lives changed.

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