Archive for October, 2008

Does Anyone Actually Read My Wellcrafted Titles?

October 28, 2008

Since the initial purpose of this silly little site was so that supporters, friends, stalkers, etc. could see what’s going on in my life here in New England, I’ll go ahead and indulge you.
As an addendum to the previous post (hard-copies have been mailed to all of mailing list), I’m excited to tell you all about other events and happenings. I may even post some pictures, if I can figure that out…
*If you aren’t on my mailing list, or just want to double check, please email me, and I’ll remedy that situation.
This weekend, we are having our Fall Conference with all of the RUFs in New England. So not only do I get to meet and hang out with more Yankees, but I also get to travel to Hebron, New Hampshire! And if I understand correctly, I get to drive through Massachusetts and Vermont, so I’ll get to add two new states to my list (NH and VT). I’ll be leading worship, which is always a blast. Otherwise, I’ll just be trying my hardest to keep warm.
Last Thursday, I went camping with one of the students. Corey, is a modern day lumberjack, literally. He started the timbersports team at UConn, and is always looking for an excuse to be outside. So, I went camping, under the stars! I found out in the morning that it was the coldest night thus far. I woke up covered in frost…dropped to 26 degrees that night. Surprisingly though, it was a good time!
Last night, I had a guys night at my apartment. In hopes of building a more cohesive group of guys, I made a big pot of white beans, and had the guys over for FREE food and fellowship. Nine guys showed up, which is HUGE! We ate and talked and listened to records, and it seemed to be a good time had by all. I was thoroughly encouraged to have such a turnout. It may have been the free food, but I’d like to think they all came because they like me…it was probably the food. It was very reassuring to see the guys talking amongst themselves and laughing and making noise. I’m of the school of thought that louder really is better, and we were loud, my friends.
On Columbus Day weekend, we went apple picking at this big orchard. It was a great experience. I never thought that picking apples could be so rewarding. I had apples thrown at me, I had hornets threaten me, and I also gave a lecture series on how pumpkin pie tastes absolutely nothing like an actual pumpkin (which is a giant squash)…I should clarify, they also had a pumpkin patch at the orchard.
Other than that, I’ve just been hanging out with students and helping RUF run smoothly. Most of the students are open and willing to make fun of me, which I take as a compliment, and further proves that I am fitting in here in Connecticut. I will keep you posted on further fun events and what type of produce we’ll pick next time!

and now I will attempt to insert pictures with witty captions…

This is our A-Team for Apple Picking (also, those subjected to my opinions on pumpkin pie)

This is our A-Team for Apple Picking (also, those subjected to my opinions on pumpkin pie)

This is me explaining to Lucie, my campus minister's daughter, that as soon as she gets teeth, she can taste the difference between pmpkin pie and an actual pumpkin. She remains uninterested. Notice the apple is almost the size of her head!

This is me explaining to Lucie, my campus minister’s daughter, that as soon as she gets teeth, she can taste the difference between pumpkin pie and an actual pumpkin. She remains uninterested. Notice the apple is almost the size of her head!

This is just a taste of what the fall in New England looks like. So many colors!

Letter from the Field

October 28, 2008

Dear Family and Friends,
I’m excited to be able to share with you about my ministry with Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Connecticut! First and foremost, let me thank all of you for your prayers, and for your financial support. The LORD was very gracious to me over the summer; I was able to move to campus on schedule, and despite difficulties with the moving process, I made it here and settled in quite nicely. My support raising is going well. I’m thankful for the support that has come in, and the pledges of what is to come.
Since school has started, I’ve been working to get to meet students and be a part of university life. I helped to put on a concert on the campus, which attracted a good number of new students to hear the beauty of the gospel through the beauty of music. Also, I’ve been leading the worship team for our RUF meetings, which has been fun. I’ve been working with two upperclassmen to help organize and lead our guys’ bible study (based on a curriculum written by my co-intern, Jenny Orndorff). Also, I’m sitting in on leadership team meetings, which help me to get involved in the lives of the students who dedicated to RUF and its purpose – it’s refreshing when students actually KNOW why I’m here.
It is at this point in the semester that I’m really starting to get into the groove. Please pray that I’ll stay there! We have a small, but great group of guys who are involved with RUF. I’m pleased to report that I have gotten to know all of these guys fairly well in the short time I’ve been here. I just pray that these core guys will start to share the message with their friends, and even invite them RUF functions. I’d also like to brag about my students a bit. We went from two students one week at our guy’s small group bible study, to eight students the next! The dorm room was packed, people were sitting on the floor, but it was incredible to see that many people crammed in a tiny room diving into the gospel. Thank the Lord for such a blessing!
Also, other prayer requests are for the non-believing students at UConn (especially those in the RUF community). Please join with us at RUF in praying that the Gospel would transform them. It is obvious that they are searching, and that they have ended up at RUF. We hope that our presentation of the truths of the Gospel would answer their questions and dispel their doubts. Please pray with us for the growth of our ministry. Please pray that the wondering, the wandering, the curious, the convinced, and the unconvinced may all find comfort in the community of RUF at UConn, and in our message. And lastly, please pray for me, that even when I get discouraged I remember that I LOVE THIS JOB.
On a final note, check your address books, cell phones, rolodexes, etc.:
I may have some new, different contact information.
cell – (225)772-5882
email – pmajor@ruf.org or p.a.major@gmail.com (both go to the same place)
physical address – 252 Willington Hill Rd., Apt. D, Willington, CT 06279
blog – http://thousandhills.wordpress.com

I LOVE THIS JOB!!! Thanks so much for being a part of it!

Paul Major – RUF Intern – UConn