September 2024 update

Baptisms and Book Recs

Hey y'all! Some great news over here. Since August, we've had 8 baptisms in Denton FOCUS. Most recently were 5 girls. Grace (UNT), Diana (UNT), MJ (TWU), Chris (TWU), and Nia (TWU)! 

Chris, MJ, and Nia's Baptism! A TWU baptism for the ages! Josh and Emiliee Robinson of Denton North Church let us use their pool. Josh was in FOCUS with Ryan and I when we were in college!

Diana's baptism. I got to study foj with Diana 2 years ago and her corefas Mackenzie and Mikayla from that year got to baptize her. What a sweet moment. Mackenzie is now on staff at Collin, and Mikayla is back in Houston :'(


Grace's baptism. I had the honor of getting to baptize her. We were co-fas last year and I loved leading core with her. A very special moment, her friends and family together to celebrate! Sean and Vianet (also friends of Ryan and I's from college), have let us baptize countless people over the years. What a blessing they are!

These baptisms are good news, but please be praying for their continued maturity in the face of adversity now that they have taken these significant steps in calling Christ Lord! Last year Darby (one of our ministers here) felt the Lord calling her to pray for countless baptisms and we joined her in that. We're are thankful to see some of those answered prayers being lived out. 

Book Reccomendations: I asked AI to write summaries of each book. I've found each of these books helpful for different reasons.

Mark Sayers' A Non-Anxious Presence is a book that explores the concept of leadership and spiritual renewal in a rapidly changing world. Sayers argues that in a time of uncertainty and anxiety, leaders must cultivate a non-anxious presence. Sayers suggests that by cultivating a non-anxious presence, leaders can become agents of renewal and hope in a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic. The book provides practical advice and insights for anyone seeking to develop a more peaceful and effective leadership style.


Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt's The Coddling of the American Mind is a critical examination of the perceived overprotection of young people in American culture. The authors argue that a combination of factors has led to a generation of young people who are overly sensitive and unable to cope with adversity. Lukianoff and Haidt propose that a more robust approach to education and socialization is needed to foster resilience and critical thinking in young people. They advocate for a return to traditional values such as free speech, open debate, and intellectual rigor.



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