Hi Team!

How is it 2022 already? The past couple of months have been kind of a whirlwind in ministry and in my personal life. This week I've been getting over an infection that more than anything has made me feel super fatigued. Since Monday night I've been at home resting, taking antibiotics, working as much as I can, and to be honest it's been hard to force myself to slow down a bit. I love my job a whole lot, getting to be on campus, meeting with students, meeting with staff and when you're sick there's not much to do about it than rest and get well. Which I totally am feeling so much better, thanks goodness!! But this time at home has also gotten me thinking a lot about our students.

Last week during the snowstorm we decided to have our weekly fellowship over Zoom and instead of a normal sermon we had a discussion about our campus culture, the good, the bad, the areas that need more attention, etc. As students talked about campus and their involvement the word that kept coming up was worry and fear. They are worried about what others think of them, fearful of rejection or appearing awkward when reaching out to peers, worried that they aren't capable of loving others. If you do a quick Google search you will find articles and research upon research talking about this very issue and how much it has increased over the pandemic and specifically with this new generation of students. 

I love science and I love data! But something I've been reflecting on this week is that no matter how much research and science tells us that we are the most anxious and worried generation we are not made in the image of research or data. We are made in the image of Christ! I love our Richland and Brookhaven students and what I see is that they are bright, fun, and most importantly they are image bearers of God. This past year has been one of the most challenging in trying to get students to commit to small groups, to outreach, and to our weekly services and as campus pastors we are seeing how much more they let their worry and fear run their life. 

So where do we go from here? Gosh, part of the work for me and my team is that we continue reaching out to students and reminding them of the peace and rest that Jesus brings to our lives. We also listen and empathize with what they are experiencing but also speak truth to breakdown some of their ways of thinking. Most importantly, I think the students in our ministry and those on our campuses need a lot of prayer! They need Jesus to remind them that a new life in Him means that He will take care of our worries and our fears. That this doesn't mean that fears and worries will go away or that they don't exist but it's just part of life and that's okay. 

Anyways, I know this might be an unusual update but these are some thoughts that have been floating in my mind and would LOVE for you to join me in praying for these students!

Showcase 2022
This year we are back to our in-person Showcase! Every year we invite students to SICM a week long ministry training in Washington that will train and give our students tools and resources for being a missionary on their college campus. All funds from Showcase will go directly to these students. This is a concert and variety show put on by some of the most talented people in our community. We have two shows and an artisan market with a variety of homemade goods made by some very talented people. For tickets and more info check out anyfocus.org/showcase. Hope to see you there!! 

Prayer Requests
- Back in July my dad got diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and since then he has been experiencing some health complications every couple of months. My parents are in the middle of some important decision making and actually decided back in November they were moving to Mexico. He was admitted to the hospital in early January in Fort Worth and they are rethinking their decision about moving. If you can join me in praying for my dad's health but I also want them to be wise in deciding where to live and ultimately want was is best for my dad and his health. 
- Brookhaven: We have been at this new Dallas College campus for a few months and there is still not a ton of buy in from the students there. I am meeting with a few girls from that school but overall it's been hard to get students excited about campus ministry but also they don't seem excited about being in college in general. Pray for the Spirit to move on that campus and the hearts of students. 

Thank you so much for your continued support! I am so blessed by your partnership in campus ministry. Please let me know how I can be praying for you! 

Your campus missionary,
Sandra Salvador

Check out some pictures below of some of what has been going on in our ministry.

Our Dallas College students at Winter Camp! 

This is such a sweet picture to me. For the past few years we have had a Latin Fiesta at Winter Camp which consists of breaking a piñata filled with Mexican candy, we buy mexican pastries, and Latin music! It's so fun and always a great turn out.

I hosted a Latina gals night at my house with some of the girls from our Richland, Collin, and UTD ministries. So fun!

This is Manuel one of sweet students from Richland. Manuel is from Colombia and since Winter Camp he has decided to follow Jesus. We love having Manuel in our ministry and we are so excited to see him grow in his faith.  This is Manuel one of sweet students from Richland. Manuel is from Colombia and since Winter Camp he has decided to follow Jesus. We love having Manuel in our ministry and we are so excited to see him grow in his faith.