As I am currently writing this newsletter update, I am sitting here in Montgomery Alabama. But more regarding that trip soon, so stay tuned…
October 26th, 2025 - Challenges
Nonetheless, in regards to October, things have been incredibly challenging. In the last month my wife and I experienced news of an unexpected death of our friend from undergrad, my grandfather underwent brain surgery after reluctantly learning he had a brain bleed, I also got news that a close friend of mine hydroplaned and got into a car accident. So a question for me has become, how do I hold all, or even any, of this hardship well?
Frequently, I’ve wondered this month… God, am I doing this right? Quite frankly, I’ve doubted… Lord is this really the way you desired for things to look? Yet in the midst of these challenges, the Lord encouraged me through this sermon…
The Survival Sermon
While leaving Brooklyn, New York for our friend’s home-going celebration, Imani and I attended Zion Cathedral COGIC Church in which a preacher reminded us that “We Will Survive.” Inspired by Acts 28:1-10 the pastor outlined an event in which the apostle Paul endured in the midst of challenges. For example,
The storm could not destroy Paul in Acts 27:13-44; So could it be that whatever might be trying to break and destroy us. We will survive it too?
The snake couldn’t harm Paul in Acts 2-5; So could it be that whatever might seek to attach itself to us and destroy us. We can shake it off, and survive that attack?
And lastly, the people’s words and opinions about Paul, didn’t affect his mission and purpose (Acts 28:4-6); So could it be that whatever people think, do, or say in opposition to us, we can survive when we’re rooted in God’s call and purpose for us?
Hence, with all of that being said, that analysis of Acts 28 renewed strength and hope in me. I can survive in the midst of difficult things. And even after stepping back from the chaos this month I’ve been able to see the numerous ways in which God has been moving.
October 23rd, 2025 - Seeing Through the Storm
One of the biggest blessings that has occurred this last month has been the beginning seeds of discipleship at UMass. To be specific, I have started supporting/shepherding 6 Black college students this month, and 1 high schooler. (And it’s been nothing short of a blessing!)
Likewise, on top of those relationships, I continue to be blown away by the divine timing of simply checking in with students. Typically reaching out to people by saying “hope all is well,” I received numerous responses like this after…
“All is indeed not well! But I guess the Lord works in mysterious ways so thank you for reaching out at such perfect timing” - a senior at UMass
“Hey Maurice, I hope that you’ve been well. Honestly, I’m feeling terrible overall. Facing rejection in every area of my life and nothing I try works, but it could be worse, I suppose” - a recent graduate from Amherst College
“Haha, it’s actually funny you reached out, because there’s actually a lot of stuff going on in my life right now that I need to unpack” - a freshman at UMass
Two UMass students who I brought to Amherst College for the first time
Therefore, the Lord indeed has been working in mysterious ways. And during times I think about, numbers, and challenges, and whether or not things should look a certain way, or if I’m behind on a certain schedule. I think it’s little moments and check-ins like these that are affirmation and encouragement, that although things might seem small, seeds being cultivated, and I can continue to run my race. So I guess we’ll see what happens, and I’m excited to bring you on that journey with me!
October 20th, 2025 - Happy Birthday to Me!
Anyway, if you are not aware, on October 20th, I praise the Lord for celebrating 23 years of life! And to be honest with you this year I only desired one thing really; and I’ll let you what that was in a second. But before I do mention what that was, I also started receiving some other things.
For example, two days before my birthday on Sunday Oct 18th while picking students up at Amherst College for church, one of the students handed me a men’s wellness goodie bag, and said “on behalf of Amherst College, happy birthday! Thank you for wasting gas on us and driving us to church every Sunday.” This was completely unexpected for me, and I was incredibly grateful. Likewise, on top of that Amherst surprise, I unfortunately was not surprised to receive another form of gift, being the gift of having “Unc” status. Ever since I got married, students on campus have been calling me “Unc,” and now that I’ve had a birthday, they’ve had more incentive. Regardless, I’m growing to find the term endearing, and pray that I can use the “Unc” status to steward and support them well.
And last but not least, in regards to my final, or really my only birthday request this year was…
An ELECTRIC GUITAR!! Yes, an electric guitar was my one and only request for a birthday gift this year. And Imani actually got me one. So yeah, meet my new PRS SE Standard Guitar who I’ve named “Fruit Punch” or just “Punch” for short (I named it that because one, it’s color; two, the hope that it will create good and lasting “fruit” while I use it (John 15:16); and three that the enemy and his forces would spiritually feel like they’re getting beaten and “punched” whenever I play that it.)
So yes, I’m incredibly excited to begin my electric guitar journey, and I’m excited to grow and have fun with my new instrument!
Me and “Fruit Punch”
Anyway, that is all for now! I am truly grateful for those of you who read these things, so thank you and I love y’all!
My Prayer RequestS
1. Continue to pray for student leaders who are consistent, committed, and READY TO GROW AND LEARN!
2. Pray for Imani and I as we navigate the challenges this month.
3. Pray for all of the people who are experiencing hardship right now (you’d be surprised how many people might be going through something); And for my overachievers, if you feel led, I encourage you to reach out to someone and send them some encouragement “I was thinking about you,” “I’m praying for you,” “I hope all is well” (and if something comes up from that please let me know! I’d love to hear what comes out of one little text or thought!)