November Updates
Wrapping Up The Semester
After finishing the Old Testament and growing together as a core group, I have learned so much! I have learned not just about scripture, but about showing up and pushing forward even when it gets hard.
This season of thanksgiving has really highlighted how much our group has grown. The girls have been pouring into each other by giving rides, jumping on calls when someone needs support, and being there in the everyday moments.
They’ve truly gone beyond what Devereaux and I ever expected, building deep, genuine friendships with one another. I am so excited to keep learning, growing, and doing life together!
Helping out with projects
Spending time after fellowship night
Scripture
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Pizza Theology
Core Group
Church Retreat
Exploring Family In Christ
Some of the students along with church family members attended church retreat to explore the Unhurried Life. In a time of hustle and bustle, we overlook the present moment. This was a great opportunity to not only grow together with each other but to find rest in what we have been given.
Church Retreat
Lessons Learned
Shame: “Who told you that you were naked?” (Genesis 3:11). Shame always has a voice behind it. People may be open to talking, but are they open to you? Healing begins when we identify the lies shaping our identity and allow God’s truth to replace them.
Run to you Father, Jesus: God is not a monster… far from it! He proved His love for us through Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8, John 3:16). This sacrificial love is the example we follow as we seek to love others with grace, humility and compassion (1 John 4:9-10).
Freedom over Fear: Scripture reminds us that we were given a spirit of power and love, nit fear (2 Timothy 1:7), and that Christ has set us free to live in that freedom (Galatians 5:1). When our actions are driven more by fear than inner freedom, we become prisoners of self-created illusions. Practicing stillness before God, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), helps our concerns, success, and even our failures slowly lose their power over us.
Freedom begins where shame ends… at the feet of the loving Father.
Prayers
As the girls head off to their homes for break, we would love prayers for them to represent Christ to their families.
It has been a great past few months in the apprenticeship and prayers would be great as the decision about my career path for the upcoming years comes about.
FOCUS KFG Announcement:
FOCUS is having a KFG (Keep Focus Giving) Event! It ends today on December 2nd! We’re still 53,000$ away from our matching funds. If it’s in your heart to give this is a great opportunity :) Here’s the link to give: http://anyfocus.org/kfg2025
With Love,
Shree Shankar
