October

 Hello!

We are reaching Fall weather in DFW, and I want to share with you everything exciting that has been going on this month in FOCUS. By this time of the year, things start to settle in and I see more of a rhythm of what is going on week to week. Looking at the calendar, we really only have five more weeks of consistent school in the semester. It is wild to think we are about 11 weeks in, but with it being November, on paper that makes sense.

Our weekly core group has reached a consistent size and the guys are starting to become closer friends with each other. Felipe and I have decided to spend some weeks going through some of Jesus' parables. We often split into two groups for part of the discussion to allow more people the chance to talk in a group this size. Our guys have also started this game of tag around campus with a rubber wristband that they pass around. It's funny to watch, but it encourages them to try and see one another throughout the week!

This month we also had our Fall Retreat weekend. It is just under a 24 hour retreat where we go to a camp nearby in DFW and spend time in worship, hearing some sermons, and some free time to meet people from across the UTD community. We had almost 250 show up from UTD alone! This Friday, I am on the team that will start brainstorming for Winter Retreat next semester.

We had a neon dance party that night. The weather was nice to us because we got to keep the doors open to cool down that room once there were so many people inside.

Vinnie made the big decision to get baptized this month! I got to visit his church and share in this moment with him. He has been such an integral part of our group this year in helping lead conversation and making new guys feel welcome. He is also starting to lead more on the worship team, which is cool to see. 

This is Jhoel, one of the guys I study 'Focus on Jesus' with each week. I still have 10 studies going strong, and some just waiting to start when the space is available. So many people want to study the Bible this year! Jhoel is from Columbia, but finished high school and is now studying in college in the United States. I've seen decide to choose to live for God on campus in how he acts and treats other people. I love getting to study the Bible with him!

FOCUS put together an intramural volleyball team this semester. You can see just how many people will come watch. Win or lose, we keep the energy high. I have been playing up in a league in Allen, so it is fun to get to watch some of my friends in our ministry get to play.

Some guys in our core are pretty good at pickleball. As the weather has gotten better, this has become something we have played more often. Although along with playing the game, it can also get pretty competitive lol. 

We had our Fall Festival Fundraiser at church this past week for our kids ministry. It's just sweet getting to spend extra time with the extended church community.

After core on Wednesdays, we as a group go hangout somewhere. Here we have (from left to right), Luke, Jeffrey, and Joe. I am getting to study the bible in FOJ this semester with Jeffrey, which has been a blast. 

My younger brother Vince got married this month!! Here is a photo with most of my first and second cousins on my dad's side. It was such a special weekend to celebrate together.

This is a quick message about our 'Keep Focus Growing' month throughout November. I am extremely grateful for how generous you all are through your gifts to me. If you feel led this month to give towards our greater ministry in DFW, you can read more about it here. or by clicking on the graphic above.

I pray you all enjoy the weeks leading into the holidays and get to spend your time with people you love. As always, please reach out to me if you want to here more about what God is doing at UTD or throughout our ministry in DFW. Being on campus each week is so encouraging, and I hope to have been able to capture a little of what God has already done through these photos. 


With love, 
Paul M






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