Greetings! 

"Things don't always work out like you plan them."

CSP team member Lainey laughed about the Biola team retreat last month in Lake Arrowhead. From sick staff members to unexpected snow storm, the team faced a fair number of unforeseen difficulties.

Campus mentors brave the snow

 But that didn't stop God from showing up and blessing the weekend.

For the first time, this year's retreat included training not only for the new mentors but also for the returning mentors, giving them more information on developing meaningful mentorship relationships with students and troubleshooting typical difficulties with schools and students.

Mentors in training

The introduction of this "Level 2" training was so helpful that even Kolby, the student team leader, was surprised that

"I'm learning stuff too!"

More important than the troubleshooting, however, was the way the campus mentors were encouraged in their faith over the weekend. They were reminded of the huge need for the gospel on public campuses and were compelled to take personal responsibility to share the good news.

Lainey explained how the

Lainey and Jessica

witnessing training helped her: "It really put me at ease and made me feel prepared to give an answer about the hope that I have."

Jessica, another campus mentor, entered the weekend discouraged about another semester in CSP but left ready to go out and encourage high school students because she herself had been encouraged in her faith.

Overall, the campus mentors understood that God wanted to do something big in their lives and no challege could keep them from that.

Campus Mentors worshiping

Michael, the Biola Chapter Director, reflected on the weekend, "There was a positive drive forward, everyone was ready for a semester of ministry, and

hopefully they grew spiritually in a way that would impact the rest of their lives."

Sometimes it's ok when things don't turn out exactly as you plan.

The whole team

Pray With Us  

• Pray that God would bless the staff recruiting dinner tonight and give the team wisdom in hiring new members.  
• Continue to pray for the APU team as they are starting to connect with the clubs they are helping.
• Pray for all the schools who are planning a Share the Passion spiritual emphasis week in 5 weeks. 

 Thank you again for partnering with us in prayer!

- The California School Project
www.californiaschoolproject.com