The UMass semester is in full swing and here are a couple of stories from the month of September…
September 3rd, 2025 - Divine Appointments
Dining Surveys
By God’s grace, for the last couple of years The Impact Movement at UMass has had the privilege of partnering with UMass Cru for their start of year Dining Hall outreach, in which hundreds of students fill out a spiritual questionnaire for a chance to win some prizes.
So, this year while tabling, we were able to connect with 35 students who were interested in the Impact Movement; and following-up with these students has been great so far. So please continue praying as we continue connecting with students and coming alongside them as they grow in their faith!
The Twister Boys
Well I briefly mentioned it last month and I didn’t think it would happen again, but once again I’m in awe of this divine appointment that we had earlier this month…
Picture of Impact students at the BSU’s start of the semester event
While holding a cookout during a football and soccer game on campus, we suddenly were being told to take cover as a tornado watch was recently put into effect. We watched as students relocated in mass, passing us in the parking lot heading back to the residential buildings. Yet we had an issue, we still had a lot of food left. So what did we do? We offered some food to the students on their journey. What a privilege it was to engage with students and inform them of God’s love through this unexpected tornado watch.
Yet not too long after that, the sky tore open and it was raining cats and dogs. Frantically, we packed up all are equipment, and three of our new friends returned wondering if we could provide a ride across campus. “Of course we can!” I responded. And I kid you not, in the 5min car ride while driving the students to their dorm we learned that 2 of the three students were PK’s (Pastor’s kids); and just like last month I wondered if a parent prayed for this encounter to happen. Nonetheless, one student seemed excited saying “I’ve been looking for christian activities on campus.” And since that meeting, I’ve been able to connect with him more frequently. So overall, I’m “blown away” (pun intended) that God was able to orchestrate this meeting primarily through a tornado watch. Continue to pray for the students we met, and that I would continue having divine encounters with people!
Picture during start of semester prayer event at UMass
A Friend From GTC
Well, you might not know this about me, but three or so years ago during undergrad, I worked for a small nonprofit in Springfield MA called Gardening the Community (GTC); I’ve written about it on my blog before, and you can check that out here! Nonetheless, while working at GTC, I came alongside high schoolers and other youth as we gardened together, and sold the produce back to the community at an affordable price.
So, what ended up being really cool this month was for the first time ever, I saw a GTC student enrolled at UMass Amherst! I bumped into her at the Black Student Union’s start of the year event, and she was standing with her sister (a student at American International College; AIC), looking for community. Instantly, I began to introduce her to all the students and people I know. And I’m excited that I have some GTC family at UMass this year! So once again pray for that student and that more people would find spirit filled gospel community!
September 1st, 2025 - Food Ministry Begins
Well, I briefly mentioned this last month too, but this month I tired something new and learned a new recipe; and that new recipe was for something called Puff Puff. Which is a small donut snack found often in West Africa.
Here’s a little video I made about my process making the Puff Puff! Click Here to Watch the Video!
And overall it seemed to go well as even one student said
“I kid you not, that looks exactly how my mom usually makes it”
So yeah, I think it went well. And if there’s other recipes that you think students might enjoy let me know, and I’ll be happy to try it out!
Anyway, thank you so much for your prayers! I CANNOT do any of this without y’all so thank you for supporting me!
My Prayer RequestS
1. I am in need of student leaders. Please pray that the Lord will provide clear leaders who are consistent and committed quickly!
2. I will be traveling to Alabama on a vision trip the last week of October! Pray for safe travels and growth during that trip.
3. There’s a lot of transitions happening with my family since the passing of my great uncle, pray for my grandparents as they’re moving apartments this month.
4. Something seems to be going around on campus right now, so pray against sickness and students’ health.