Growing in the Gospel This Winter
Hello Rooted Prayer Partners,
It has been a very cold and snowy winter by Pennsylvania standards, but I am incredibly thankful that there is not a sense of cabin fever or short-tempered community here at Rooted. Rather, there has been a continued excitement about being together and discovering new things about ourselves and our incredible God.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
We were so blessed to travel up to Canada to join the incredible men and women at the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute (CLBI) in Alberta. We spent the week studying what the Gospel truly is and how both the Galatian church and the Corinthian church misunderstood it in their own different ways. More than that, we were blessed to spend the week with other believers who are also seeking to grow as disciples.
On the day before we left, we traveled down to Red Deer to join Harold and Joyce Rust and the incredible people of The River Church - a church plant that is one of the most ethnically diverse congregations I have ever encountered (and I pastored in New York City for eight years!).
We have also had classes this month taught by Paul Couch and Drew Skog - two wonderful pastors and even more wonderful men of faith.
Finally, this past weekend we were part of the Eastern Region Senior High Winter Weekend. Four of our students shared their testimonies with the teens, while everyone led staff prayer meetings and helped with all of the activities. It is such a joy to see and hear these young adults process the Gospel and then proclaim it so clearly to those younger than them.
PRAYER TOPICS
We are not at the end of the year yet, but we are at the point when we are helping each student process what they feel called to do next. Will you please join us in praying for Caleb, J.D., Andrew, Abi, Connor, and Julian?
Jenny and I recently had a conversation with a couple about potentially serving in a Resident Life position next semester. We are not sure where this will lead, but we would covet your prayers for wisdom.
We have some classes coming up that will involve deep introspection and working through past trauma. Please pray for us and for the students as we walk through these topics.
We continue to have great conversations with young men and women exploring participation in Session 3 of Rooted. Please pray for wisdom for each of them as they make their decisions.
A REQUEST
I mentioned this last month, but I would like to reiterate it once more.
Several students who have come to Rooted - and some who desire to come in the future - struggle to cover the cost of the program. We offer some scholarship assistance and are working to expand those opportunities. We are also seeking individuals or churches who would come alongside a particular student to help make their participation possible.
Last year, a gracious church funded half of one student’s tuition. Your support is not just funding tuition - it is helping form young men and women who are learning to understand, articulate, and live out the Gospel.
If you would be willing to support a student this year or in the future, I would love to speak with you. Please feel free to call or text me at 860-805-0760 or email me at roger.viksnes@gmail.com.
Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership - we are deeply grateful for the ways you walk alongside Rooted.
Rooted - and continually being rooted deeper,
Roger Viksnes
Director, Rooted Gap Year Program
