August 27th, 2025 - They’re Baaaccckk!
It has been a busy couple of days as the UMass students are preparing for their first day of class tomorrow on Sep 2nd. This year I was able to help one of my senior student leaders as he moved back to campus. He was truly appreciative as he recently underwent surgery which prevents him from carrying anything that weighs over 10lbs; And while helping him move in, I unexpectedly bumped into another Impact student…
“Maurice!?” He said, “Long time no see?” and low and behold, out of the rooms that exist in that tower (see the picture to get an idea of what a UMass tower looks like), him and the other student are living right next door to each other. Could this be a divine setup? I guess we’ll see in time.
Anyway, with students returning also comes another surprise, interactions with parents. Be it a drop off, or a distant prayer, parents always impact me with their overwhelming love, support, and sometimes anxiety. Needless to say, while attending church this Sunday, I was honored to connect with a freshman and his family, and hear his parents express how they wanted their son to be plugged in with the church. Well, that’s exactly what I’m here for. I thought. I’m grateful to serve and get him connected.
Even last semester, I was blown away by the amount of pastor’s kids, church kids, and other students who have history in the church. Several times I wondered, could my relationship with ___ student have be orchestrated by a prayer from one of ___’s loved ones? Regardless, I’m excited to see what’s in store this semester, and can’t wait to update you on more divine surprises!
August 31st, 2025 - An Invitation
While on a run last week, I stumbled upon this sermon entitled “A Wedding You’ll Never Forget” by Pastor Jonathan Evans. And it was about a very famous Bible story in John 2:1-10, which is the story of Jesus turning water into wine.
If unfamiliar with this story, let me summarize… While attending a wedding, Jesus and company are informed that the servants of the wedding have run out of wine. So what does Jesus do? He tells the servants to fill six big jars with water, and then miraculously while the servants are transporting the “water” to the master of the banquet the “water” becomes the tastiest wine of the entire wedding. End of story.
Wow, I thought, what a great story. Yet, the sermon’s focus wasn’t really about the miracle at all. Actually, the sermon’s focus was on verse 2.
“Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.” (John 2:2)
Did you catch it? (I didn’t). But essentially, the focus of the sermon was how did the bridegroom know to invite Jesus to his wedding? In other words, if the bridegroom didn’t invite Jesus, this story would be remembered completely differently. So, how did he know? You’ll have to listen to the sermon to find out! Regardless, if you send Jesus an invitation, I’m sure he’ll put you in his calendar, (and if things ever get “sketchy,” you know what to do)!
Anyway, I share this story because as a worker in campus ministry, I often find myself uncertain of what the school year might look like; Yet, what I do know is that in the midst of it all, I can give Jesus an invitation to be with me this school year. And whatever happens, I will trust that he accepted the invitation.
August 30th, 2025 - Remembering My Uncle Larry
If you’ve been keeping up with my newsletters over the last couple of months. You might be aware that in early May, my grandmother’s younger brother, my Uncle Larry, underwent a massive stroke during church causing paralysis in the left side of his body.
Well, after being in and out of hospitals for the last couple of months, on Saturday August 30th around 6:00am. My Uncle Larry passed away to be with the Lord.
Larry Gamon was an active servant at church, and showed musical expertise on a washboard and harmonica. He was a master fisherman, and worked the school bus for youth in Pittsfield. He never married, but always supported my Grandma and Papa in everything they did. He was like a second dad to my mom, and I’ve known my Uncle Larry pretty much my entire life. Pittsfield will not be the same without him, and I ask for prayer for my family as we grieve this great loss. Thank you Uncle Larry for loving me and shaping me into who I am today. I am blessed because of your life, and I pray that you’re resting in peace. Play: “I’m Free” by Rev Milton Brunson
My twin sister, Maya, and I with our Uncle Larry during our college graduation party. (May 18th, 2024)
Anyway, thank you so much for your prayers! I truly appreciate you. In case you’re wondering, married life is going great! Imani and I are doing excellent, so thank you for your love and support! I am incredibly grateful for all of you!
My Prayer RequestS
1. Pray for my family as we grieve the loss of my Uncle Larry.
2. Pray for the school year as students start class on Sep 2nd!