I am a Campus Minister with a Christian organization known as the CCO. I work at Bellefield Presbyterian Church, with a student organization called Cornerstone, to minister to students at the University of Pittsburgh and surrounding campuses.
Andy here. I just want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and give you a brief update on how finances are going.
In short, they’re going well! We’ve reached our goal for the year, which is wonderful. Thank you all so very much for your support.
That said, there’s still plenty of time to give if you’re wanting to contribute a “Christmas bonus,” so to speak, or even a birthday gift—my birthday is on December 28th! I’m still working to put a little extra cushion into our ministry account to make things a bit more comfortable. This money allows me to minister to students.
There’s still time to give if you’d like. Just click on the links below or in my bio. You can donate through the campaign or the regular giving method.
Again, thank you all so very much for your love and generosity. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Andy: Hey everyone, Andy here. I just want to introduce you to one of our student leaders, Linda. Linda, tell everyone about yourself!
Linda:
Hi, I'm Linda. I'm a third-year student here at Pitt, majoring in Information Science. I've been involved with Cornerstone since my freshman year, and this is my first semester serving on the OPS Team, which stands for Outreach, Prayer, and Service. We organize events to reach out to people who aren't involved in Cornerstone or our church, like handing out free tea or hot dogs and things like that.
Andy:
That's awesome! So how did you find out about Cornerstone?
Linda:
I found out about Cornerstone during move-in weekend. I was moving into a dorm right by Bellefield when I saw some Cornerstone students, including Andy, handing out water bottles with information about the ministry. I had already been looking for a campus ministry to get involved in, so it was really perfect. Honestly, I think it was the Lord working through it. I had just encountered these people on the street, and they were part of a campus ministry right next to my dorm. So, I started going to Cornerstone, and here I am!
Andy:
That’s awesome! Glad the water bottles worked! So, what has Cornerstone meant to you?
Linda:
Cornerstone has been where I’ve made my closest friends here at Pitt. I'm from Puerto Rico, so when I came to school, I didn’t have any family or friends here. It’s been really nice to build such close friendships with people who also love God, and I can grow closer to the Lord with them. Having a supportive community during this stage of life has been so encouraging and helpful.
Andy:
That’s wonderful! Is there anything you’d like to say to my supporters or friends who are watching right now?
Linda:
Yeah, I just want to say thank you for supporting Andy. Honestly, he’s been great. Thank you so much, Andy. It’s been a pleasure to know you, and I’m really grateful for all that you do around here, like the theology 101 study we just wrapped up. I don’t know if you’ve mentioned that yet, but it was really cool. You’ve been such a great resource, teacher, and support. Thank you!
Andy:
Thank you, Linda! I really appreciate that. And thank you for all your support, love, and kindness. There are so many ways you can give to the campaign or donate in the regular way. Thank you very much, Linda, and thank you to everyone watching.
I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Advent and a Merry Christmas! Usually, I post these kinds of videos on the 30th of the month, but today, I’m sharing it on Giving Tuesday.
As you can see, I’m joined by my faithful companion, Olive, who’s right behind me. You might also catch a glimpse of my other dog, Opal, wandering through the background.
I wanted to share a few life updates with you:
Some of you may have already seen this on Facebook, shared by my mom, Brenda Moore. My parents are officially moving to Pittsburgh! They recently sold their house in Oak Hill and stayed with us for a bit while looking for a new home. I’m happy to share that they found a lovely little house in Glenshaw, which is only about 15 minutes from us!
This is a big transition for them, so your prayers are greatly appreciated. My wife, kids, and I are all thrilled to have them so close.
Speaking of my kids...
For a while now, I’ve been teasing you about where Ben, my son, would go to college. Well, the wait is over—Ben has officially enrolled at... drumroll, please... The University of Pittsburgh!
Yes, Ben is heading to Pitt. Some of you might wonder how I feel about this, considering I’ve been a lifelong West Virginia University (WVU) fan. I’ve been going to WVU football games since I was a kid, and “Country Roads” was one of the first songs I ever learned!
Here’s my response: While I’m a diehard Mountaineer fan, I am an even bigger Benjamin Moore fan. I love WVU sports, but I love my son so much more. I couldn’t be prouder of him and this decision.
It’s not a huge surprise since Ben is a bit of a homebody, but I’m thrilled he’ll be close to home. Plus, I have the incredible honor of being his campus minister next year. Please keep him in your prayers as he transitions from high school to college life.
Today is Giving Tuesday, and there are many ways you can give. Our campaign is still ongoing, so that’s one way to contribute. You can also donate through the usual methods—links will be provided below or in my bio.
I’m praying for all of you this Advent season and asking that God blesses you richly. Thank you for your continued love and support as we minister to college students.
Hey everybody, Andy here. I'm actually in Bellefield's kitchen right now, about to cook a full Thanksgiving meal for students tonight. It's going to include turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, scalloped potatoes—all from scratch. Cooking is something I just love doing. It’s a way I can show love to people, serve them, and be hospitable. As many of you may know, one of Jesus's main ways of evangelizing was by sitting down and sharing a meal with people. It’s a way we can let our guards down, be vulnerable with each other, and ultimately serve.
All of this is possible for two reasons: first, because God has allowed me to do it, and second, because of all of you—your support, your love, and your prayers. I thank you all so very much for allowing me to do this.
Now, I could update you on the campaign and how finances are doing, but I’m not going to do that right now. I just want to take this time to thank you. After all, it is Thanksgiving. I want to thank you all for your unwavering love toward me, my family, and this ministry. Your love for college students, and your desire to see them proclaim Jesus and see God’s kingdom come to Pittsburgh, means so much. I can't thank you enough for that.
Instead of me rambling on, let me just repeat Paul's words to the church in Philippi, and that will be my closing:
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this: He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
This is the word of the Lord. I thank you all so very much, and I love you. Have a great Thanksgiving.
Andy: Hey, everybody! Andy here, and today I’m with Mikayla, one of our student leaders. Mikayla, could you tell everyone a bit about yourself?
Mikayla: Sure! I’m Mikayla Hetrick, a senior here at Pitt, studying Communication Sciences and Disorders—which is essentially the pre-Speech Pathology major. I’m originally from Los Angeles, so the East Coast is pretty new to me.
I’m on the Freshman Ministry Team at Cornerstone, where I work a lot with freshmen and new students. I also help lead the Freshman Bible Study along with a partner.
Andy: That’s wonderful! How did you hear about Cornerstone?
Mikayla: I actually heard about Cornerstone through my mom. She went to Penn State, and some of her old leaders joined the CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach) after she graduated. She encouraged me to find a CCO-related fellowship, so I checked out Cornerstone’s website, reached out, and connected with a student leader who introduced me to the group.
Andy: That’s awesome! We’re so glad to have you. What has Cornerstone meant to you?
Mikayla: Cornerstone has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much—about myself, about the Lord, and about what it means to live in community in college. It’s been great to be surrounded by other college students who are in the same stage of life. Before, many of my friends were grad students or already working, so getting involved at Cornerstone was my first real opportunity to “do life” with peers who understand what it’s like to be a college student.
Through Cornerstone, the Lord has taught me a lot about leadership—especially about leading others well, following the Lord closely, and helping others grow in their faith. It’s involved a lot of surrender, humility, and letting go of control, which has been challenging but really rewarding. I can see how God was preparing me for this season of leadership, even before I took on the role.
Andy: That’s wonderful! Do you have anything you’d like to say to those watching—my supporters?
Mikayla: Yes, absolutely! Hi, Andy’s supporters! I just want to thank you for the way you’ve supported Andy in his ministry here at Bellefield and Cornerstone. He’s such a joy to be around each week—full of wisdom and always willing to share it. He’s been a great leader for this fellowship, and I know I, along with many other students, really look up to him. His humility and willingness to admit mistakes make him more relatable, and it helps us see Christ’s humanity through him.
To all of you who support Andy, on behalf of everyone at Cornerstone, thank you so much for your generosity. It means so much to us! Your support makes a huge difference, even beyond just Andy—it blesses all of us as well.
Andy: Thank you, Mikayla, and thank you to everyone who has shown love and support. There’s still time to contribute to the campaign—I’m aiming to raise $3,000 by Christmas. You can find the link below, in my bio, or you can donate through the usual channels. Thank you all!
Hey everyone! I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share a quick update on what’s been happening with both Cornerstone and the Moore family.
First, Cornerstone. This past weekend, we took part in the CCO Western Pennsylvania Fall Retreat. This was actually our first time attending this particular retreat, held in Ligonier, PA. It was a fantastic experience, full of connection and fellowship. We enjoyed a mix of play, rest, and worship—everything you could hope for in a retreat. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect deeply with each other and with God, and we definitely plan to attend again in the future!
On the home front, things have been steady. Joshua recently had his first start as a wide receiver in a game against Pittsburgh powerhouse, Westinghouse. Unfortunately, on the first play, he took a hit to the head and ended up with a minor concussion. Thankfully, he’s recovering well, and his team is moving forward to States, where they’ll be playing Punxsutawney this Saturday. Please keep him in your prayers for a continued smooth recovery and a strong game.
Asher has been diving into Esports and is absolutely loving it! It’s a new adventure for him, and he’s enjoying every moment. Ben has officially submitted all his college applications, and now we’re eagerly awaiting responses. We’re hopeful and excited about what’s next for him!
I also want to express my deep gratitude for each of you. Thank you for your ongoing support—whether through financial contributions or prayer. Your encouragement, especially during challenging and joyful times, means so much to us, and I pray that God blesses each of you abundantly.
If you’d like to support us further, we’re aiming to raise $3,000 by Christmas. You can donate either through our usual giving platform or via the campaign link, both of which are included below (or in my bio).
Thank you all again, and may God richly bless each of you!
2. My voice sounds off because I was diagnosed with bronchitis yesterday. (Bronchitis—ain’t nobody got time for that!)
I just wanted to give you a quick update on our finances. In short, we’re doing fairly well. If you look at our campaign and where we currently stand percentage-wise, it might not seem like much, but many have been giving the regular way of donating. We truly appreciate all of your love, support, and kindness. We really feel it!
That said, we’re not completely out of the woods yet. We'd like to raise the balance in our ministry account by about $3,000, just to have a cushion that allows us to continue ministering to students. So, I’d ask that you prayerfully consider donating to the campaign—or setting up a regular donation if that’s more convenient.
The links for donations are below or in my bio.
Again, thank you all so much. I love you, and God bless!
