FEBRUARY - MARCH 2023

Happy Thursday, Sojourn Students & Families!

I pray this finds you well! This week our staff team read through Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 from Mark 6:30-44 and I was struck with a truth from the passage. The story begins with Jesus guiding his weary team of disciples to a quiet place to find rest and eat. When they arrive, they find a crowd of people, deeply in need of the Good Shepherd. Jesus is filled with compassion for them and begins to care for them. When the disciples come to him and bring up the need for the crowd to eat, he responds to them "You give them something to eat."

What an impossible command. But could it be that is EXACTLY what Jesus wants them to realize? 

When they go out and only return with 5 loaves and 2 fish, He instructs them to sit, and breaking the bread (much like the communion table) He performs a miracle. From the humble offerings of a young boy, Jesus feeds the masses. In the end, 12 full baskets are gathered, filled with bread and fish. His tired disciples have more than they can eat, a meal from heaven, from the hands of Jesus. 

Parenting can feel like an impossible task sometimes. But maybe that's what we need to realize. Our Savior is not intending for us to feed the 5,000 needs that find us at our weakest in a desolate place. Instead, it is there that He performs the miracle, feeds the needs, AND does not forget our own needs. He is the bread of life, and He wants to feed you too. Do you need to remember His power today? Rest in Your Miracle Maker, your Good Shepherd, your Servant Savior, broken that we might be filled with new life and eternal rest. Go to Him, and listen to His voice.

We love you. May Christ be beside you, on your left, on your right, above, and below. May He bear you up when you're tired & fill your cup to overflowing. He is the gate to the place of plenty. I'm praying for you today!
 

I WONDER (FEB 19 - MAR 12)
Science and faith don’t always seem like they can coexist. But what are students supposed to do about all the things they wonder about when they look at the world around them? Do they have to choose between trusting the science they're taught or building their faith? In this series, we’ll consider how embracing intellect by exploring science and the Bible might just be one of the best ways to expand our faith.

Week One | Feb 19

Genesis 1:1,
Matthew 22:37

As you explore science, your faith can expand. 

Week Two | Feb 26

Colossians 1:15-17,
Matthew 22:37

You can trust Someone before you know everything.

Week Three | Mar 12

Matthew 28:2-6, 
1 Corinthians 15:14

Build your faith on what matters most.

MEMORY VERSE

"He is before all things, and by Him, all things hold together." Colossians 1:17

ENGAGE IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS TOGETHER

Morning Time

As your student starts their day, remind them how much you love them & what you deeply like about them. Remind them how thankful you are that God chose them to be your child.
 

Meal Time

At a meal this week, parents, share something you learned in science that expanded your faith in God. Encourage your student that science and faith don’t have to live in opposition.

Their Time

Ask for a chance to take them for coffee, ice cream, or a burger. No strings attached, no heavy or serious conversation. Just a treat.

 

Bed Time

As you pray for your student, pray that God will use what we learn about the world will grow yall's faith in God, not shrink it. Pray that God increases the sense of wonder in both of you.