Serving with the Apache people

Worshiping with the beautiful people of the White Mountain Apache Tribe

What a joy it was to serve and celebrate God with the brothers and sisters of the White Mountain Apache tribe. Joe and his team traveled to Whiteriver, Arizona in June where they partnered with churches during the 76th annual Fort Apache Campmeeting.

       During their week they helped renovate a church, held nightly youth services, and served the revival through various cleanup projects. 

"I just walked away . . ."

This is a quote from a first year student we met earlier this year. Despite having a consistent church background and supportive family, she decided to “try everything she could,” even though she knew her actions contradicted her beliefs. Sadly, her story is not an unusual case. The Barna group and the Pew Research Foundation estimate that as many as 7 out of 10 young adults disconnect from church post-high school with only half returning later. You placing us in the path of these students at UNC has led to her renewing her faith, and beginning an in-depth discipling process through Chi Alpha.

“Nones” growing

At 23% the percentage of religiously non-affiliated adults (Nones) in America is greater than the percentages of Catholics (21%), and mainline Protestants (14.7%). It is also roughly equal to the number of Evangelicals (25%).

A generation reaching a generation

The 2015-17 Chi Alpha UNC Leadership Team

Josiah 12, Elijah 7

The boys started back to school July 18th—Josiah in the 7th grade & Elijah in the 2nd grade. Both have discovered a passion for baseball. It is our desire to take them on their first mission trip next June to South Africa. 

Urgent Funding Needed

We have done our best over the last five years to be good stewards of the funds our ministry partners have entrusted to us. As a result, we have seen many lives changed and a growth in the overall ministry. However, due to many external factors we find ourselves in urgent need of an additional $700/ month in new financial partnership in order to remain on campus.  1) Is there anyone you know that you would recommend us and the ministry to? Would you connect us with them? 2) Would you consider increasing your giving? Any amount makes a difference.3) Would you pray with us for additional partners? 

Ways to give: 1) Online at www.giving.ag.org. Simply click “Donate Now” and enter Joseph Newell  in the search. 2) Checks can be made out to US Missions and mailed to 1445 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65802. Put account # 292733-3 on the memo line.

A great first half in XA

Many new students have joined the fellowship this Fall. We are busy preparing for our Summer missions trip to the White Mountain Apache Reservation. The International student ministry has grown. Over Thanksgiving we baptized one of our students! Thanks to all who pray and give.
 

  

Top: Ready for Fall Fest. Middle: International Student Dinner at our house. Bottom: Fall Retreat with David Crabtree.

A not so beautiful view

This is the kind of view most students dream of when they get to college. A crisp clear Fall day with a colorful array of foliage painted in the trees. However, late one Saturday night it was anything but the ideal. Struggling with self-worth and depression, David grabbed the rail of this dormitory balcony and slipped over the edge into the night below, hoping to end the pain and loneliness he had endured for so long. As he lay motionless on the ground four stories down, he wondered why he was still alive. He was amazed further to find he was unharmed. Lesser attempts had always resulted in injury before, he thought. That night David met Jesus in a dream and found his way a few days later to Chi Alpha through one of our students. I've been meeting with him one-on-one for the past year and a half. David has consumed God's word, and his identity in Christ, like few I have encountered. He is now on our student leadership team sharing his story; and he is set to both graduate and get married next year. This is why we partner to reach college students.

Sports and school, school and sports
 

        The Fall as been full of activity for our family. Newell boys and sports kind of go hand in hand. It’s what you do. Elijah completed his first season of baseball and did very well. Josiah finished his fifth year of football. Elijah (Warriors) and Josiah (Mavericks) are currently playing basketball. They have both done very well in school. Elijah is reading above grade level; and Josiah is enjoying middle school, where he is part of the robotics and gardening clubs. 

Christian Ministry Center Opens at UNC
   

The North Carolina Study Center (NCSC) opened this Fall on North Campus.

       NCSC’s mission is “to welcome the university community into the pursuit of truth and study of scripture through hospitality in cooperation with other ministries. 

       Chi Alpha has already made weekly use of the facilities for meetings. To have access to a privately owned gathering place on campus is an amazing freedom. We have partnered with the Center for multiple activities.