Dear family and friends,
This next week I will be away for my last week-long conference as team leader of IVCF at Stanford. I will be leading a seminar for 20 graduates from the class of '09. We will take the time to discuss what it means to follow Jesus in the post-college years. Every morning I will lead them in a study in the life of Joseph, in the afternoons we will enjoy times of prayer and reflection and in the evenings we will discuss some practical issues regarding the life of faith in the post-college years.
It has been a joy to prepare to lead this seminar for these recent graduates. Joseph was a dreamer with big dreams yet he was faithful to serve--both in prison and in the halls of power. I pray that these graduates would, like Joseph, use their gifts to serve others in whatever places they find themselves. Through Joseph's wisdom and reliance on God, famine was averted and many lives were saved. I pray that these alumni would be leaders of wisdom and insight and help us face the challenges of our day.
But Joseph's story points to a bigger story. The story of one who was also betrayed by his brothers and sold for silver, who was falsely accused and resisted temptation, who was ultimately raised up by God to bring salvation to his people and to the world. It is this grand story that draws me into worship and fills me with hope.
This month as I leave the university along with the class of '09, I am thankful that God gives us big dreams and involves us in his plans. Yet in this time of transition I pray that we would not forsake God for his gifts and that we would not be so caught up in making a difference that we would forget the one who has made all the difference for us. Please join me in prayer for this coming week and in the weeks and years to come.
For the gospel,
Jon Paris – IVCF at Stanford
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