By Emily Dull
Encounter Fresno is hosted by the CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach) and FPC, inviting students to a life transforming opportunity. The program is designed to build resilient disciples through helping students gain vision for the Gospel, the local church, and their vocation. This 6-week long summer community living opportunity focuses on community, identity, hospitality/justice, church involvement, vocation, and rest.
By the end of Encounter Fresno, students will not only be able to see how God can use a “rural city” like Fresno to transform the world but wherever God calls them to go next.
We are so excited to introduce you to the students who are participating in the Encounter Fresno program this summer! They are staying at the Pink House for five weeks while they are mentored by a First Pres member, volunteer at a local business or ministry, participate in weekly teaching times with local mission partners, and fellowship with each other.
Our two CCO interns are the leaders assisting Geraud Brumfield for Encounter Fresno. They provide leadership in any of the outings, facilitate conversations, help plan bible studies, and overall make sure these following weeks go off without a hitch.
Aaron Meyer: I am so excited to serve alongside you as one of the Encounter Fresno CCO interns for 2020. I want to tell you a little bit about myself so you know who I am.
I was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in a house with my mom, dad, and five older sisters. It was an interesting childhood, that’s for sure. I went to church as I grew up, but I didn’t come to know the Lord until right around the end of my 8th grade year. The Lord really started to work on my heart and motivations then.
I decided in my high school years that I wanted to study history when I went to college. It was always a challenge for me, but I did always enjoy it. I thought that I might want to be a high school teacher one day. I am now enrolled as a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, studying both history and Africana Studies. I couldn’t be more pleased. I am still considering education, but I’m starting to play with the idea of going into vocational ministry as well. Prayers for that decision would be much appreciated!
All of that being said, I am remarkably excited to be doing ministry here this summer. Even in the short time that I’ve been here, I have seen so much generosity from this church. I am so appreciative, I cannot wait to see what the Lord is going to do here this summer. Thank you for helping to provide me with this opportunity!
Becy Illes: I am one of the Encounter Fresno CCO interns! I am originally from Medina, OH, but attend school at Waynesburg University in Waynesburg, PA.
I will be going into my Senior year of college in the Fall as a nursing major with minors in Biblical Ministry Studies and Psychology. I am passionate about college ministry because I see the hunger that students have for the Gospel. My desire is to grow deeper into my relationship with Christ while allowing the Lord to infiltrate every aspect of my life, and work alongside Him for the sake of The Kingdom.
I have enjoyed the opportunity to get to know some of you and have felt so welcomed and loved by each interaction I have had! I am so excited to be doing ministry here in Fresno this summer, and I can't wait to see God move through Encounter Fresno!
Emily Bernal: I have lived in Fresno my entire life, and am currently a Liberal Studies student at Fresno State. I love being around others, listening to music, and dancing. This summer, through Encounter Fresno, I hope to learn more about how my faith can be lived out past my schooling and become rooted in my identity.
DJ Maxwell-Garcia: I have lived in Fresno all my life. I currently study Kinesiology at Fresno Pacific University. I enjoy exercising, and I am passionate about Social Justice and revolutionizing. At Encounter Fresno, I hope to grow in my knowledge and practice of spiritual discipline.
Jillian Hancock: I’ve lived in Fresno my whole life. I am a student at Fresno City College and am currently “undecided” for my major. I am passionate about the people around me and serving in any way I can. Throughout this summer of Encounter Fresno, I hope to learn how to deepen and strengthen my faith, live in community with others, and discern where God wants me to follow Him.
Matt Scott: I'm from Visalia, California. I'm a Music Education major at Fresno State, with an emphasis in choral conducting. I'm passionate about music, in performing, studying, and writing it. Through Encounter Fresno, I'm hoping to find a better sense of self and find what my specific mission field will be, whether in my vocation or in how I help serve the church.
How can you support this ministry?
- Pray for Encounter Fresno students as they learn and grow this summer.
- Give financially: Encounter Fresno is receiving donations through the CCO
- Donate: We are in need of window mounted AC units for the Pink House. Please contact Geraud Brumfield if you have an AC unit to lend or donate.
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