Friends,

Fall is my favorite time of year.  The weather cools, leaves start turning, and the start of a new academic year is full of exciting opportunities.  Fall 2025 is off to a great start.   Thanks to free prayer, numerous outreach initiatives, Bible studies, and 1 on 1 meetings last year, we had a great group of returning students.  This, coupled with our fall outreach barbecue and students inviting friends, has resulted in growth.   Please join me in praying for this generation of college students. 

The Gathering (Meyersdale, PA)

In August, we had a great time at our regional gathering with three students joining us.   There was great worship, good teaching, and numerous meaningful conversations.   

Setting up for our Fall Outreach Worship and Barbecue

Outdoor Worship and Barbecue

This year, we had a good turnout for our fall outdoor worship and barbecue.   To prepare for the event, we asked people to invite friends and passed out hundreds of flyers on campus.   During the worship time, we sang a few songs, preached a gospel focused message, and invited students to trust and follow Jesus.  After the worship service, we had an outdoor barbecue, frisbee, and outdoor activities. 

Baptisms

This fall, we had two people express their faith in Jesus through baptism.  We held the baptism after church at Spring Creek Park.  The water was lower than anticipated, but we managed!  Praise the Lord for changed lives.

Hiking Mount Nittany

On September 14, after church, we hiked Mount Nittany.   The trail is steep, but the view from the top, in the fall, is beautiful.  Hiking is a great way to build relationships and often leads to meaningful conversations.  Unfortunately, as I have been getting older it seems like the trail has been getting steeper.  I think I am going to have to start working out again if I want to keep up with the students in the coming years.

Recent Sermon on our Youtube Channel

This summer I have been preaching through the book of Ephesians, and it has been a joy.   I have personally been encouraged in faith, and I hope that others have as well.  We are currently on Chapter 4 and on the 21st we talked about unity.  I would love for you to check out this message or our youtube channel.   
Website: Newhopesc.org
Youtube: https://youtu.be/aU7A33s8-6o?si=WOsOXP4HBnKo6XHz

Prayer requests:
1.  Please pray for great conversations with students and first time commitments to Jesus.
2.  Pray that we will be effective at equipping and empowering future leaders.
3.  Pray that people will hunger for God and delight in his word.
4.  Please pray for our family, that all will go well with the labor and delivery of our granddaughter, and that our children will love Jesus and follow him.

Thanks for your support!
As many of you know, we raise money to help cover the cost of doing ministry at Penn State.  Your generosity over the years has been encouraging and helped to make this ministry possible.  Below is a mailing address for checks and a link to the PayPal page on the New Hope website.  All gifts are tax-deductible and go directly to support our ministry.  Thanks!

Paypal:  Giving | New Hope Church (newhopesc.org)
Mailing Address:  New Hope PO Box 194 State College PA 16804