Austin's FOCUS Ministry Blog

  A student shared this at our most recent Thursday Night Fellowship and I thought it was so beautiful that I wanted to share it with you. "In Focus, Miracles are happening all the time. People are becoming saved, like I was a year ago, through this community, and equally miraculously people are becoming more like Jesus, like I'm still learning to do. But God is using this community to bring about those miracles. And I know that this all can feel common to us, especially those of us who have been around for a while, but if we are in a community where the miraculous is common , we should thank God for that community." That was shared by a student named Josh Krause who I have the pleasure of studying the bible with over the duration of this school year. I have been so encouraged by his willingness to keep learning about the grace of God and respond by living out of that reality. And I was doubly encouraged when he shared such a beautiful and praise filled sentiment with th

  The fruit of winter retreat is evident! God really used that time to bond our guys together and point them more collectively towards following Jesus. Since winter retreat we have been able to identify several guys that we are excited to invite to be leaders next year in the ministry from Austen, to Josh, to Manny, to Chris (who's testimony is below) God is raising up young men who are eager to not only know Him but to share him with their peers. I couldn't be more grateful for you who helps to make that kind of heart transformation possible! One of our core groups, led by Ian and Crew has been in a particularly healthy place. These guys look forward to spending time together, reading God's word, praying for one another, and sharing their lives. Here they are hanging out an arcade together recently. But every week they are learning about Jesus together and growing as disciples! Speaking of Growing, Lucy is getting bigger. This photo above was from her first wedding recentl

 Hello Everybody, I can't wait to introduce you all to Hayli and I's first child, Lucy Ann Gage. I couldn't be more proud to be her dad, she's beautiful and strong and as far as I can tell, a great personality. Although that last one is still a little hard to read. I am continually struck by the immensity of God's grace for me, and for Hayli. Why either of us would  be given such a gift is beyond understanding. I wept when I first held her, floored by the tangible reality of God's grace and mercy held in my hands. I can't wait to get to know her, but also to have the opportunity to play a role in the shaping and upbringing of another daughter of God. Hayli and I have been praying for a while now that Lucy would be a woman of peace, that she would be a light to the world around her, and that she would be wise beyond measure. Please continue to pray for her and for us as we do our best to help her to know and follow the Lord. Lucy was born on December 17th 202

  Mauricio rarely smiles in pictures but he's a joyous guy, and this last weekend was his birthday. A collection of people from FOCUS and our church got together to celebrate him and play soccer, his favorite game, at River Legacy Park. It was a perfect day, and I was so thankful Mauricio got to experience a community of people who love him like Jesus loves him. Isaac and Jacob up front are brothers and Isaac (who is holding Jacob) had just won a full scholarship to winter retreat because he had memorized scripture verses all throughout the semester and successfully recited them to me before every TNF. Every verse memorized was an entry into a raffle. I'm glad he won, because I know that God will use winter retreat to continue to help form him spiritually and become a better friend to others as he and interacts and learns and worships together with 400 + college students from all across the metroplex. From left to right: Austen, Luke, Blaine, Carson, Alan, and Garrett at our re

 Today is giving Tuesday and any gift you make towards focus today will be matched, up to a total of $50,000. Below is a testimony of a student named Josh that I've gotten to invest in for the last few months. Jesus is really working in this guy's life. He told me recently "I used to think social work was the most important way I could help people, but the more I learn about Jesus, the more I realize that the gospel is the thing that people need the most." Would you read his story and consider making a gift to help other students learn to place Jesus first as well?  anyfocus.org/kfg

  Fall Camp this year was incredible! We had over 100 college students come and spend a weekend together learning about Jesus and enjoying fellowship together. We went through selected teachings from Galatians asked our students to reflect on how they may believe false gospels, and to center themselves on the truth of the real gospel, which is the good news of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. I think a lot of our students came away with a greater sense of God's faithful love for them. I also enjoyed playing ultimate frisbee with a lot of the dudes. Thankful you let me be here to invest in all these young men. UTA Focus is going great. We moved into a larger room this semester which has more space for our students to congregate near the stage during worship. Our students have taken full advantage of being close to one another as we all worship God together. Notice the chain of guys locked arm in arm while singing about their devotion to Jesus! What a gift to have spiritua