We were able to take 31 students with us to Sharptop Cove in Jasper, Georgia for our annual Winter Conference. Throughout the weekend, students attended large group gatherings each night where they worshiped and heard the Word preached by Russ Whitfield. They also had the opportunity to attend seminars on a variety of topics led by campus ministers and staff, as well as enjoy a number of activities during free time.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Winter Conference was the number of new students who were able to attend. Due to scheduling conflicts, many of our upperclassmen and student leaders were unable to come. Even so, we were able to bring 16 students who are new to Tennessee Tech and to RUF. Over the course of the weekend, these students not only grew in their relationship with Jesus but also began building meaningful relationships with one another.

The spring semester is often a slower season. Students get busy, the colder weather can be draining, and campus life tends to settle into a steady rhythm. Even so, we have been encouraged to see how the Lord has continued to work faithfully in and through our students.

One of my favorite parts of this calling is getting to be on campus each day, meeting with students, building relationships, and sharing the good news of Jesus with them. I was once a student at Tennessee Tech myself, and it was during that season that the Lord drew me to Himself. It is a true privilege to now take part in what He is doing in the lives of students here.

In the picture above, Terry Hines, a graduate student at Tech, had the opportunity to share his testimony with our students. Terry has been involved with RUF at Tennessee Tech since his first year, which was also my first year serving here. He and his wife Brandy have been such a joy and encouragement during my time at TTU. It has been a gift to watch the Lord work in their lives, deepening their love for Him, for one another, and for those around them.

Both Terry and Brandy do an incredible job of showing the love of Jesus to our students. I was so grateful to hear that they were choosing to stay at TTU to pursue their master’s degrees, as they are a deeply valued and life-giving part of our community.

Another student I want to highlight is a freshman named Cole. I recently had the privilege of spending significant time with him during our spring break mission trip to Chile. You can read more about that trip here: https://ruftntech.beehiiv.com/p/chile-mission-trip-spring-break-2026-3c1d347ad7146869

One of the things I appreciate most about Cole is how seriously he wrestles with the claims of Scripture. When I first met him, I was not sure I would see him again. He came across as easygoing, mainly focused on having a good time. Since then, through many conversations and time spent together, I have seen a real and growing desire in him to know the Lord.

During the mission trip, he brought up several people in his life that he wanted to share the Gospel with. I mentioned that he could join me sometime to share the Gospel with students on campus, and he immediately said yes. In the past, when I have extended that invitation, many students feel hesitant or intimidated. Cole, however, was eager. He genuinely wants others to know Jesus and to experience the grace and peace that come through Him.

I often joke that he may one day become an RUF intern or campus minister, and who knows, that may happen. But wherever the Lord leads him, I am excited to see how He will continue to work in and through Cole.

The Lord has been incredibly gracious to RUF at Tennessee Tech. We are seeing students come to faith, grow in their faith, and begin to consider God’s calling on their lives. Just last night, we announced several new ministry teams for the fall semester, giving students opportunities to use their time and gifts to serve. Within just a few hours of sharing the interest form, 10 students had already signed up to get involved.

None of this would be possible without the prayers and support of people like you. At the same time, there is important work ahead to ensure that this ministry can continue its mission of reaching and equipping students.

We are launching a fundraising campaign to bring RUF at Tennessee Tech to a healthy and sustainable place. This campaign has two goals.
First, to raise $24,000 in one time and or annual gifts to strengthen the account. Second, to raise an additional $3,000 in monthly support through new partners and increased giving from existing partners.

Building a financial surplus will allow me to devote my full attention to campus ministry during the semester. It also helps account for the natural ebb and flow of ministry needs, such as providing scholarships for conferences, purchasing small group materials, and expanding outreach efforts at the beginning of each semester.

Increasing monthly support creates the freedom for me to pursue more students through 1-on-1 meetings. These often include sharing a meal or coffee, talking through life, reading Scripture, and praying together. It also enables me to do things such as provide Bibles to students who do not have them, purchase books that help address the specific questions they are asking, and create unique outreach opportunities through providing food (an example of this is a few years ago, I made it a habit to bring donuts over to one of the Fraternity houses by campus and was able to connect and build relationships to share the Gospel through with students I would not have met otherwise).

I would love for you to prayerfully consider partnering with us in this season. Would you consider praying for this campaign and for the students we are reaching, and, if you are able, joining us financially through a one-time gift or ongoing monthly support? Your partnership truly makes a direct impact in the lives of students on campus.

If you would like to give, you can do so here: https://givetoruf.org/donate/tntech

Or you can give by check using the following info:
Reformed University Fellowship
PO Box 890004
Charlotte, NC 28289-0004
In the memo line, please include "TN Tech- 0082"