As we all know, the Corona Virus has made life interesting this year.

This is certainly the case for CMU students.  Just as they left for Spring break, social distancing not only became a thing - it became a mandated norm.  They were supposed to be gone for one week of break, but were given a second week so the university could prepare to convert all their classes to online.  

This next Monday, they return to classes - but don't leave their homes.  They are facing a confusing time.  Not only do they have to adjust to this new format, they are uncertain of what will happen over the course of this semester and how will it affect the plans they made for their education.  Please keep them in your prayers as they try to figure things out.

We are working on moving to an online format also. We have developed ways to meet, pray and worship through online resources - and currently are discovering ways to meet and play games in the same way.  We are reaching out to new students that have engaged with us online, trying to make new connections.  The normal aspects of this ministry are moving forward in abnormal ways.  (pray for us).

A big concern we have is for students that are living in the dorms.  Many of the students can't work from home.  They are in close proximity to other students, so they are at a higher risk for infection - and they are also away from home, so they are away from their strongest support group.  Some of these students still have physical needs that need to be met (enough food, etc..)  Please pray for these students.  I will put updates of needs that might arise as we go forward.

A final note.  Since we are placing more material on line, we encourage you to engage with it.  Share your thoughts and show these students your hearts.  We are connected on Facebook at: Christian Student Fellowship@CMU and Western Colorado Christian Campus Ministry 
​We are also on instagram at CSF_CMU
And we are working on a youtube site.  Get involved, we need you still.

I would like to give a big thank you to Vern and Patty Herald for blessing one of our students with a dorm refrigerator.  Now she is able to store food in her dorm so that she has something to eat when she gets done with work (after the cafeteria closes).  

A couple of new ways to help out our ministry - that cost you nothing, but help us greatly.

First: You can connect your City Market card to WCCCM so that every time you shop at City Market (King Soopers or Krogers) we get a donation.  This does not add anything to your cost, but the more people that do this, the more money we will receive.  Click Here to see how to do this 

Second: If you use Amazon, you can support us.  You need to use "Amazon Smile" instead of "Amazon" (I am not sure why - they are the almost the same website, except Amazon Smile will donate towards our group, Amazon won't.  Your price will be exactly the same.  Click here to see how to do this.
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​Please don't forget about our regular needs - and thank you for all the love and support you have shown us.  God is doing amazing things because of you!

As 2020 begins we are looking at being more effective for both current students and perspective students.

For the on current students, we have been streamlining our programming.  Sunday nights are now focused on worship and prayer - with the idea of starting a new week fresh in the arms of the Lord.  We have added a new Bible study on Wednesdays that is geared towards reflection and helping students filter the many ideas that they receive every day in class through a scriptural perspective.  We will also have a monthly service project and a fellowship night.  These changes are meant to give the students a well rounded Christian environment without causing extra stress during the week.

For perspective students, we have started a online blog called CSF-tomorrow.  It is a blog filled with ideas for students that will be going to college in the future.  It is meant for both students and parents and it allows for interaction so that we can help the students prepare for their future at CMU.

Through the next year, we will be highly dependent on our partners to help us stay on track and meet the needs of our students.  I will be updating this blog at least once a month so that you can keep up to date on our needs and how you can get involved.

Current Needs

Along with our regular giving, we have a student need.  One of our students that lives in a dorm needs a dorm Refrigerator. She had one this past semester, but it quit working.  Because of her schedule, she is not always able to get to the cafeteria before it closes, so she needs to keep some food in her dorm so that she has something to eat when she gets home.  If you can help us, please let me know (dave@wcccm.org).  It would be nice if we could have a new one for her when she gets back from break.

Thank you for being a partner for the students.  Your love, prayers, and encouragement goes a long way.  You are so appreciated by us!!!!

​Dave

A big thank you to everyone that helped us through this year.  I pray that you have an incredible holiday season with lots of joy and reasons to laugh.

As we end the semester, we ask that you pray for our students.  Most of them will be traveling and all of the need a break.  

During the break, there is a few things that we need to attend too.

1. We have a student that would like to walk your dog.  She misses spending time with her dog at home and is experienced as a dog sitter and walker.  She would like to offer her services (at a reasonable price) to walk your dog for you.  She would also be willing to dog-sit, but she would have to do it at your house because she cannot keep a dog in her dorm room.  Contact us if you are interested and I will put you in touch with her.

2. We have a student that needs a dorm refrigerator.  The one she was using was old when she got it - and now it has gone to the big appliance store in the sky.  She needs a fridge to keep healthy foods on hand when she can't make it to the cafeteria for meals (which is regularly because of her schedule).  If you have a spare dorm sized refrigerator that needs a new home, please contact us.

3. Don't forget that we have many ongoing needs.  Our biggest is the need to bring Adam on full time.  We need to get him out of the tire shop and onto the campus.  We are getting closer to this dream, but still need help.  Please remember us in your giving and do not hesitate to share our information with those you know that have a heart for college students.

Again, thank you for the amazing encouragement and love you have shown these students in the past year.  We can do nothing without YOU!!!

A big thank you to everyone that helped with the yard sale.  We raised about $300.  It went very well and we are thinking of doing it again in the Spring.  We will let you know the details if you have anything you would like to contribute or would like to come visit.

We have one student need for next Semester.  One of our students is looking to hire herself out as a dog walker.  If you have a dog that isn't getting enough play time and would like to visit with our student about this, please let her know.  Her prices are reasonable and she is very good with animals.

Pray for us as we head into the holiday season.  Many of our students will traveling and they all are in great need of rest.  

We are less than two weeks from the beginning fo the 2019 fall semester.  It will be an exciting year - over 11,000 students will be wandering around the CMU campus.  

Many of these students will feel overwhelmed - leaving home for the first time.  Their support system has been removed and they were told to "grow up".  

One of my students described this as:  "I was really good at swimming in the kiddie pool, but now I am drowning in the ocean."

Parents, schools, and churches have done a wonderful job preparing these young adults for life, but when they feel overwhelmed, they can forget everything they know.  The need the support of loving Christians (such as YOU) to surround them with a safety net and help them to regain their footing.  

Psalm 145:6 says: "One generation shall praise Your works to another And shall declare Your mighty acts."

As the school year begins, do not forget to pray for these young adults that are swimming in the ocean - don't let them drown.  

If you are able to help us to reach their needs, please consider giving.  Your gifts will go a long way to helping these students stand and overcome the waves that drive them back.  Click here to see our ongoing needs and ways that you can give.

Thank you for your partnership.  You are a huge blessing.