January Update!

Hello friends,

I hope the new year has been kind to you. I can't believe it's February already! That's mind blowing to me for two reasons: 1. It seems like it was just the 1st and 2. I got married almost a full year ago now! Laurence and I will be celebrating our one year anniversary on February 11th. It always shocks me how fast one year can go, and I'm so excited for all the rest of the years.

I wanted to update you on a few of the things I asked you to pray for last week:

1. UTD, Richland, TWU Dallas, and SMU are collectively inviting 82 people!

I say that not to boast in numbers. The point I wanted to make and share with you is the fact that God has answered some prayers. We've been praying that God would give us more people for the harvest, and He has given us 82 potential leaders! We aren't sure how many of those people will be able to go, but I'm already looking forward to next year and to see how those students try to be disciple makers on their campuses.

2. Winter Camp went so well. No one got into any accidents on the way to and from camp. Our students seemed to really be impacted by Geoff and Jessica Mumley's talks. I'm still hearing stories about how students were impacted by the weekend.

One of our University of Texas at Arlington made a video with clips of Winter Camp. I hope you enjoy it!

3. This semester has been going by so fast, but the students seem to be adjusting well to being back at school!

Thank you so much for all your prayers! I hope hearing how God has answered them is encouraging to you:)

Student Testimony

This past semester, I was a 17-year-old girl who felt very overwhelmed with all that college had to offer. I deal with depression and anxiety. Throughout high school, these disorders tore me apart and made it extremely easy to block out my friends, my family, and God. I was going down a destructive path and, frankly, it’s by the grace and love of God that I am even alive. FOCUS has given me a community where I’m allowed to be vulnerable and transparent. FOCUS has helped me emphasize my personal relationship with God; now I’m sure to let him know how I’m feeling (something I couldn’t accomplish in high school). Due to my growing relationship with God, I’ve been able to see a clear and healthy path towards dealing with my depression and anxiety where He is a part of my journey. PRAISE God! Whether it's lying on the floor listening to “Build My Life” by Housefires, writing out my negative thoughts and turning them into positive ones, or calling my mom to tell her how I’m feeling, I remember the Spirit is with me to give me strength.

Candice Fudzie

Southern Methodist University

Math, Environmental Engineering, and Sociology 

Freshman