Newsletter
Dear Friends & Family,
Warmhearted autumn greetings from DC! Lynn and I hope you’ve enjoyed the summer sun and are ready for sweater weather and gorgeous fall colors. Gotta love it! At least, we do. : )
Here’s the latest encouraging news and a glimpse of what’s on tap for SOI 21 this fall….
Aisha
Many of you have asked for an update on Aisha (previously referred to by an alias, Fatima), the recent convert from Islam whom Joshua Alcorn and I befriended last year. Well, let me say she is positively shining! Aisha is a “sponge,” (her own word) absorbing all she can about Jesus, the Bible, and Christianity. She’s tearing through all the books I have given her. Her countenance is radiant. She peppers her conversation with “Praise the Lord!” and “Jesus.” She recently told us she’s never been happier in her life. Although her family doesn’t want to have anything to do with her, they are not actively trying to force her to come home or forsake her faith. Please keep praying for Aisha’s deepening relationship with the Lord. Ask Him to make her a bright and shining light for the Gospel at George Mason University.
George Washington University (GW)
Joshua and I recently had a phenomenal meeting with the staff representative for Inter Varsity, the largest ministry on campus. It couldn’t have gone better. She is very excited about deepening IV’s cooperation with SOI 21. IV will be more involved with weekly A.S.K., monthly Jubilee, and of course, 24/1 prayer. Here’s a summary of the GW fall schedule:
Tent of Meeting “Prayer Evangelism” Tuesdays 2-4:30pm
Each week we are setting up a table outdoors not only to pray for GW, but also to be available to pray for students’ needs. We hope to become a regular, visible “presence” on the campus.
A.S.K. Campus-wide Prayer Tuesdays 4:30-6pm
Every week students gather in a spirit of unity to pray for Revival and Spiritual Awakening at GW.
Jubilee Worship & Prayer Last Tuesday of every month from 7-9pm
Jubilee is a unique monthly event that weaves together worship and intercession for Revival and Spiritual Awakening in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner.
Student Prayer Leadership Tuesdays 6-7pm
Every week student representatives from each of the Christian groups on campus meet together to plan and organize the corporate prayer events.
24/1 Day of Prayer Tentatively scheduled for November 12-13th
Each semester students from all the ministries on campus gather around the clock to cry out for a great move of God at GW and around the world.
George Mason University (Mason)
We’re on the move at Mason on several fronts. Joshua Alcorn and I plan to conduct a weekly evangelistic Bible study with Aisha as our helper. Her circle of unbelieving friends will hopefully form a core group. SOI 21 will also partner with Christian Coalition Outreach, Campus Crusade, and the Catholic Campus Ministry to sponsor a Veritas Forum on Thursday, October 29th. Check it out at www.veritas.org/gmu. Veritas seeks to gather students to discuss challenging questions in a way that stimulates spiritual seeking. Our forum will address the question of evil. SOI 21 will also work with campus ministries to plan a day of 24/1 prayer for awakening that will coincide with the Veritas Forum. In addition, we will help rally students from the various fellowships for a weekly A.S.K.-type meeting. Here’s a glimpse of the Mason schedule:
A.S.K. Campus-wide Prayer Mondays 4:30-6pm
Evangelistic Study Wednesdays 6-8:30pm
Veritas Forum Thursday, October 29th 11-2pm and 7-11pm
24/1 Day of Prayer October 29th Midnight to Midnight
Possible Tent of Meeting “Prayer Evangelism” similar to that at GW
American University (AU)
The Lord has also opened what promises to be a very effective door for ministry on a new campus in Washington, DC, the American University. We’ve had several awesome meetings with two student leaders from different ministries. Both have a passion for prayer and long to see a prayer movement on campus. They had been a part of spontaneous, student-initiated, student-led prayer last semester. They have enthusiastically embraced the SOI 21 vision, particularly our three-pronged strategy (A.S.K., Jubilee, 24/1) and are ready to move forward. They have asked us to consult with them and help facilitate the establishment of a student leadership team that would plan and lead these initiatives. The AU schedule, though tentative, will look something like this:
Student Prayer Leadership Wednesdays 1-2pm
First Jubilee Wednesday, October 14th 7-9pm
First 24/1 Day of Prayer November 17-18th
Needless to say, we are encouraged by what the Lord is doing at these three universities and are thankful to be a part of it! Please continue to pray for our relationships with the campus staff and student leaders of all the ministries. Intercede as well for all the opportunities SOI 21 has at these three campuses. And, remember that none of this would be possible without your prayer and financial partnership with us. Thank you! To give you an update, our support situation remains critical. We would appreciate your continued prayers for the Lord to raise up champions who would give to and pray for SOI 21.
The Fam
Lynn and the kids are doing well. This fall Joshua started 11th grade at James Madison HS, and Justin began 8th grade at Thoreau MS. Lynn is homeschooling Abby in 3rd grade and Grace in 1st. As you can imagine, Lynn has a lot on her plate, particularly with the before/after school daycare business in our home. Pray for her as she gets rollin! Please ask the Lord to send Lynn more daycare clients. This would be a great blessing to us financially.
Thank you again for your faithful partnership. You are a blessing to us!
For Christ and His Kingdom,
Bill and Lynn Lewis
