Reflections on the Year at UM

UM is how we refer to our University Ministries Program at Malibu Presbyterian Church.  It is also what the students refer to as our "Tuesday Night meeting."   "Celebration" might be a better word for it.  There is so much energy in the UM meeting room at the Salvation Army on Tuesday Nights that, if we could hook a plug into it, we could probably light Los Angeles for a day or two!   Since my wife and I moved down here from Seattle almost three years ago, we have continually been blown away by the excitement that our college students have for Jesus Christ.

With only one week left of UM before the spring quarter ends, I have been reflecting upon our Tuesday Night experiences for the year.   When asked to sum up Tuesday Nights, in one word, adult volunteer Ashley Hanscom replied, "Adaptable."  And, certainly, adaptable we have been!  After the fire, we held UM at Pepperdine, Our Lady of Malibu (twice), and, finally, our main spot, the Salvation Army Camp in Malibu.  Our staff and student leaders have been incredibly patient and positive amidst the many moves, and definitely worked harder in the setups and tear downs that go along with being a guest.

What has been wonderful, though, is that God has truly been working - even though there have been trials.  We have continued to worship every Tuesday night with our student-led worship band, and I have had the opportunity to preach through the Book of Luke.   Our student leadership team continues to reach out and share God's love with everyone who walks through the doors.  Even though our location has changed, our mission has stayed the same - "Connect the Unconnected to Christ and Together Grow in Full Devotion to Him," and God has been faithful even though we sometimes did not know where we were going to meet from week to week and how everything was going to turn out.

This year has been a testament to God's faithfulness through trials and tribulations - not only through them but, also, amidst them.  Praise God!"