A Season of Thanks and Forward Momentum
Happy continued season of Thanksgiving! As we step into the final days of the year, my heart is full. We are nearing the three-month mark of this Rooted year, and I remain deeply grateful for the ways God is shaping, stretching, and encouraging our students.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
This past month looked a little different than last year. Although we had hoped to serve with Samaritan’s Purse again, their closest sites were much farther away than expected. Instead, the Lord opened a meaningful opportunity right here at home. Our students spent several days painting the interior of a house purchased by Bloom, an incredible ministry with close ties to Tuscarora and Mount Bethel Church. This home will soon welcome three women who have completed their time in the program - a blessing to serve, and a joy to participate in God’s restoration work.
We also traveled to Boston to participate in the launch service of Grace Hill Church, a new church plant. It was a privilege for our students to witness and support a congregation taking their very first steps.
In the classroom, students dove into Early Church History with Pastor Bruce Hillman, Christian Leadership with Dr. Ryan Nilsen, and the doctrine of salvation with Dr. Gene Boe. It has been a rich and fruitful season of learning.
CURRENT FOCUS
This month, our students are working diligently to memorize Scripture, preparing to share the gospel at a local community event, and supporting Tuscarora as the campus gets ready for the Christmas season.
We are also encouraged by the number of applications coming in for next year. For the first time, we conducted — and accepted — three students before December even arrived. That is a tremendous answer to prayer!
HOW YOU CAN PRAY
Pray for Andrew, Caleb, Jacob (J.D.), Abigail (Abi), Julian, and Connor as they continue to grow deep roots in Christ. Pray especially that the familiarity of routine does not produce complacency, but instead cultivates attentiveness and expectancy.
Pray for God’s provision as we prepare for several major trips in the new year, including wisdom and favor as we search for affordable flights.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide each student daily — in their studies, service, spiritual formation, and in discerning God’s will for their future.
Pray for the students already accepted for Rooted’s third session, and for those still seeking clarity about applying.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity. This year is a unique blessing for us - any gifts designated to Rooted today will receive matching funds through Tuscarora, allowing your support to go even further.
While Rooted holds its own giving emphasis in June, we are incredibly grateful for this unexpected opportunity to multiply the impact of every gift given today. We remain thankful for Tuscarora and for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, whose partnership makes this ministry possible.
If the Lord prompts you to support Rooted or Tuscarora today, please know your generosity will be doubled and deeply appreciated. Please visit the Tuscarora Website to learn more.
