The Shinn Digs

In an effort to simplify my life, I’m going to try to pare down to just one blog (shocking news for some of you!) So, if you are a member of my FCA Prayer Team, welcome to our personal blog! Feel free to browse around! If you’re a regular reader of TheShinnDigs.com (or javajesusjen.typepad.com), I have a team of about 80 people who have committed to pray weekly for the FCA ministry. Feel free to join in on those prayers as you read the list! If you would like to join this prayer team, please email me!

1. UCSB begins Fall Quarter next Thursday, September 27th. As you may know, we had many seniors graduate in the spring, so our “core” group has been really reduced! It’s exciting as we anticipate how God might use the FCA ministry on campus this year. I’m trying to be open to thinking outside the box as the Spirit would lead!
2. An exciting thing about this year is many of those graduating seniors have decided to stick around Santa Barbara for at least this year! Please pray that I figure out ways to continue to involve these young men and women in the ministry - they’re eager to continue to leave a legacy at UCSB among the athletes. This may take the form of some smaller groups (men’s group, team bible studies, etc).
3. We are excited to welcome Avery Blackwell as a new coach at UCSB with the track and cross country program. Avery and his wife are both believers and have a strong background in athletic ministry. I am hoping to have lunch with Avery later this week!
4. Jenny Kenyon, another track assistant at UCSB is currently on a two week trip in Israel with her church, Reality Carpinteria. We are praying this experience is a powerful one in Jenny’s life and spiritual walk as she literally walks the land Jesus walked during His time on earth!
5. Last week was our first FCA Coaches Breakfast of the year (we meet the 2nd Wednesday of every month). It was encouraging to have two new coaches attend! I know of two more new coaches who weren’t able to be there last week, but want to be involved in the future! Please pray for all the coaches at UCSB and the high schools in Santa Barbara as things get going this year. They are powerful influencers in the lives of young people!
6. As I typically do, in the next 2-3 weeks I will be visiting with each team at UCSB to introduce them to the FCA ministry. Please pray specifically for freshmen! It makes such a difference when we can get freshmen involved in FCA right away! Pray for hearts that are open. Pray for the scheduling of these team meetings … that coaches would be willing to have us speak with the teams.
7. Pray for my preparation time over the next two weeks as I make final plans and goals for the 2007-2008 school year. Pray I would have time to listen to God and discerning as I see where He is moving and what shape the UCSB FCA ministry will take this year.

Thanks for praying!