To briefly explain, we refuse to act like a ministry we will never be. In my mind, that would be a form bait and switch where a new student comes in getting the impression that we do this all the time and at some point realizing our (even innocent) ruse!
Therefore, we intentionally try to reflect in the first week, the kind of ministry we are. We do have fun! We do talk about Jesus in normal conversation! We do serve! We do dig in God's word! We do serve again! We do hang out! And we do give academic advice as spiritual advice! It is...different! Here is a glimpse of my thoughts captured in this poem:
Welcome to
Different
It's Same at
first
Upon the
surface
Explosion,
burst!
Then a
peculiar
Happening
occurs
The depth of
love
Erupts in
blurs
It confuses
It taunts
It reaches
It flaunts
It rises
upon
Our hearts
until
Suddenly
Different
There
revealed
It teaches
Matures
It grow
Endures
Then service
erupts
The other is
clear
A towel to
wash
Salvation is
near
Welcome to
Different
You can
never go back
Embrace the
call
And life
never lack!