"The missional mindset of a missionary is the same as it is at the 2:8 House," Anita said. "Building relationships, finding inroads into the community, seeking to share Christ with others are all the same as a missionary. It's a community place of service that really provides a need for students regardless of who they are or what they believe. It is a way to show love to them."

Craig added, "the intentionality of what you do and how you live is the same on the mission field as it is at the 2:8. It's an opportunity to live out our faith in the community that we are a part of."

They also were surprised the first time they participated in our weekly Fat Tuesday lunch. They described the lunch as "a community place of service that really provides a need for students regardless of who they are or what they believe. It is a way to show love to them."

Craig added, "There is just a lot of energy as we invest in relationships. The other perspective is working with Jerry Johnson (one of our regular volunteers) as we act out the servanthood that we see in Christ. We can demonstrate Christ in that way. This is a learning community. Every Tuesday I learn something about myself, something about someone else and something about my faith. Mostly because it allows me to interact with other people."

The addition of Craig and Anita is a significant milestone for the 2:8 House.

"I believe the next progression in this calling is that there are to be more people than just David and me at the 2:8 house," Rhonda said. "It is nice to have someone who shares this calling with us. Craig and Anita are perfectly suited through their past experience and their desire to share life with others."

In addition to their part-time employment here, Craig serves as the pastor of young adults and discipleship at Norman Community Church of the Nazarene.

"The greatest thing is to strengthen awareness in both places about the place God has in our relationships," Craig said.  "It doesn't seem like two separate entities--the mission of Christ is the same wherever you are. The opportunities for discipleship happen as you engage in people's lives."

Anita added, "the students can benefit from having a church family and the church can benefit from the students being more involved. It is such a seamless opportunity for that process to work."

In addition to their missionary experience, Craig has been a life-long Sooner fan and would listen to Sooner football games on the internet whenever possible. Craig and Anita are graduates of Southern Nazarene University. Craig also graduated from Nazarene Theological Seminary and is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene.

They may be contacted at cranita@28house.org.

 

Here are a couple of the thank you notes we have received recently:

 
"Thank you so much! This really means so much, every Tuesday. It is more than just a free lunch, but a reminder of home!"--Anonymous

"Thank you so much! We really love you guys! Every Tuesday noon is my best time throughout the week!"--Yu

 

David and Craig also are available to meet individually with students and Rhonda and Anita participate in a weekly women's Bible study.