This month at Rooted, we've been exercising our "thanksgiving muscle" by adding 10 new things to a gratitude list every day. It has been such a blessing to intentionally take time to recognize and thank God for the big things in life, as well as the little, seemingly insignificant things that we so often overlook.
There is so much to be thankful for!
This past month, we were blessed to travel to Alberta, Canada, to spend time with the students and staff at the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute (CLBI). Together, we took on the ambitious task of studying the kings and prophets of the Old Testament, which covers about a third of the Bible! But beyond the classroom, one of the greatest blessings was the opportunity to worship and build relationships with other young adults who are also seeking to grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word.
As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, I'm looking forward to seeing how these breaks shape our students' relationships with one another. My hope is that they'll experience the joy of being home with family, but also discover a growing excitement to return to their other "home" here at Rooted.
It has been a stretching and wonderful season of learning to live in community, and I'm excited to see how God continues to deepen those relationships.
Would You Pray With Us?
As we celebrate all that God has done, we also recognize how much we depend on Him in the days ahead. Here are a few specific ways you can be praying for Rooted this month.
Physical Health
Sickness has been making its way around campus, so please pray for healing and good health for our students. We also ask for continued prayer for a student facing ongoing health concerns. Pray for answers, wisdom for those providing care, and peace in the waiting.
Emotional and Spiritual Growth
This past week, we worked through some important material about emotional needs. These conversations have begun to uncover some significant and challenging areas of growth for our students. Please pray for God's grace, wisdom, and protection as they continue processing what they're learning about themselves and one another.
Deeper Relationships
With 14 students this year, building close relationships takes time and intentionality. I believe this group is still learning how to truly know one another and feel comfortable sharing more deeply. Pray that God would continue opening doors for genuine friendships, vulnerability, and a strong sense of community.
Next Year's Students
Believe it or not, we're already receiving applications and interviewing students interested in joining Rooted next September! Please pray for wisdom and discernment as we get to know these young adults and consider who God may be bringing into next year's class.
Our Graduates
Please continue to lift up the 15 graduates from our previous classes. Our prayer is that they would continue to "keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25) and remain in Jesus' love (John 15:9), wherever God has led them.
Thank you for continuing to walk alongside Rooted through your prayers. We are so grateful for each of you and for the ways God continues to work in the lives of these young men and women.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Roger Viksnes
Director, Rooted Gap Year
