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Dear HCF,
Two events around our "Authenticity" theme to highlight this week. First, we're having our first community group meeting (RSVP) tonight at Jake and Jess Qian's house! Please see James Cho's email for more details (FYI, you can see a history of our old newsletters on our website if you ever miss an announcement or want to review an old one!).
Second, we've assembled a panel of second years (RSVP) on Thursday to answer questions about their first year at Haas from a Christian perspective. We'll start with some prepared questions, but really this is a chance for all students (not just first years) to get some thoughtful and honest answers about being a Christian at Haas. BYO lunch please!
Finally, today we have a reflection from our third co-president, Anthony Patterson, who is currently studying abroad in Barcelona. Thanks for sharing, Anthony!
Grace and Peace,
Anthony, Jake, and Megan
Weekly Reflection - Anthony Patterson (FTMBA '16)
New place. New faces. New language. A new sense of empathy for my friends studying internationally in the US. Here inCatalunya I find myself a minority in many ways, and at times I long to return or recreate my "comfort zone", imagining that such false protection would sustain me.
We often think of courage as speaking up in class or introducing ourselves at a networking session. We imagine courage to be a trait of soldiers, rescuers, or even charismatic company leaders. Dictionary.com defines courage as something that "enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. - without fear."
There's always a sense of fear for many of us when in a new situation. As weeks progress, most of the time our relationships develop out of our comfort zone. And as proclaimed believers, oftentimes for a lot of us, that comfort zone masks the presence of Jesus in our lives.
In the spirit of authenticity I want to ask you (and myself), is Jesus on your sleeves? When meeting new people and establishing relationships, do others notice the fragrance of Christ around you and me (ad. 2 Cor 2:14-15)? Is there something peculiar about us? Or does calling ourselves "Christians" have little value?
This is not about speaking "Christianese" or running around touting your beliefs. Yet in reality we are more likely to nullify or contradict our own convictions publicly if it means being perceived as accepting - or more gravely, if it means that we are accepted by others. I'll be the first to admit, it's more comforting when we are accepted by everyone in a new environment than if we are the outcast.
As I continue along this new journey, these are some points I feel compelled to hold onto that I want to share with you:
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My words towards everyone ought to be full of grace, kindness, wisdom, and goodness - especially when presenting the truths of the gospel - and with every bit of courage, I ought to be peaceable among all men, even those that may refuse me for what I believe (see Col 4:5-6; Rom 12:18; Eph 4:29)
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The proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not to be done in a boastful, condemning way, but it is to be done - with gentleness and respect - for it is only by the grace of God and not by any of my works that I'm saved (see Eph 2:8-9; 1 Pet 3:15;)
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I shouldn't be seeking the acceptance and approval of man, but rather courageously seeking that of God (see Mat 5:11-12, Gal 1:10, 2 Tim 2:15)
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Daily I ought to seek the renewing of my mind to ensure that I am not walking the ways of the world but rather courageously in a way that pleases God (Rom 12:1-2, Rom 8:12-14)
It takes courage to be authentic, but with Christ it is more than possible :)
Praises and Prayer Requests
PRAISE for God's deep, transformational, and unending love for us.
PRAYER for authenticity at our first community group meeting tonight and our panel on Thursday. Prayer that authenticity would lead to deeper community with one another and with Christ.
Please submit your own praises and prayer requests to your co-presidents and specify whether we have permission to include them in the newsletter. Even if you don't want them to be public, we would be so delighted to share in your blessings and lift up your burdens.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
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HCF Community Group (first meeting!)
Sunday 9/13 7:30pm
The Qians (2355 Hilgard Ave, Berkeley)
Call/text Jake at 651-283-0022 to get into the building!
Morning Prayer
Thursday 9/17 8:15-9:00am
F430
Being a Christian at Haas: Panel Discussion
Thursday 9/17, 12:30-2:00pm
C220
Anything else you want to see?
Contact one of your co-presidents!
Anthony Patterson, FTMBA 2016
Jake Qian, FTMBA 2016
Megan Wong, FTMBA 2016
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