A Branch: September 2009

A Branch: The monthly newsletter of Jessica Lemken, serving with Christian Challenge in Emporia, Kansas




"I am the vine;
you are the branches.
If a man remains in me
and I in him,
he will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can
do nothing."
John 15:5











THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES
In John 15, Jesus speaks to his followers using this “vine and branches” analogy. In verses 3-5 he tells us we are clean because of the words He has spoken to us, we should remain in Him and He will remain in us, we cannot bear fruit alone – we must remain in the vine, Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, my prayer and goal is to continually follow this command. I want to remain in Him and produce much fruit for Him! We are each a branch, remaining in Him and bearing fruit.
I think this analogy fits ministry as well. There is no way to bear fruit without Jesus;second to Jesus are supporters like you who encourage and care about His work.
Ministry, like our Christian faith, is not a “lone-ranger” gig. We must stay connected to each other and involved in each other’s lives. Then much fruit will be seen and celebrated, together!
This newsletter is created to do just that! I want to update you about the things happening in our ministry and the ways God is at work on the Emporia State campus. I also want to help guide you in praying for this ministry and for me. Thank you for your support and love – enjoy. :)



Christian Challenge Staff: Me, Brandi, Evan, Michelle, Jason and Lisa






Ask God these things, please:
--> I am planning to study A Purpose Driven Life with my friend from the summer, through email. Please lift this to God and ask Him to bless this time.

--> As this semester has started, I am working on a “schedule”. Please pray I would glorify Him with every minute.

--> Our small groups start this week and I am leading some sophomore girls who I invested in last year. Ask that this year would be one of maturing and growth for them.


For Christian Challenge information: www.esuchallenge.org
To hear how you can pray for Christian Challenge: esuprayer.wordpress.com

To receive a newsletter by mail or email contact: jesslemken@gmail.com

My "First" Vacation...

So, I don't think I have ever been on a legitimate vacation - ever. Therefore, this weekend I ventured to Colorado Springs, CO with a group of lovely friends.

IT WAS fun.
I have many pictures I would like to share, and stories too.

I just want you to know that I went mountain biking down a mountain, and fell in love. (Also fell once and cut my hand...) It was a bit pricey, but worth every dollar.
While sitting 8,000 feet up, on a rock just off the bike course, I was thinking about how huge God is - something that has been coming up often lately. It's so cool to see all His beauty (in its many forms) and to think that some people think it just happens to be that way...He deserves ALL the credit. I just love that He chose to make things so unique and detailed and BEAUTIFUL. I feel really inadequate in just describing it, let alone being a part of it. Mmmmm. Thanks God.

I'm going to bed now, but will definitely post some pictures later. For now, Facebook has a few available!