Christmas Letter

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” –Micah 5:2

Dear Friends and Family,

I was walking into a department store in early November and had to do a double take when I saw a Christmas tree up. “It can’t be that time of year already,” I thought to myself. Sure enough, I get back to the car and turn to a radio station play my favorite Christmas song, “O Holy Night.” Sure, it is a tad early to start celebrating Christmas, but I get excited non-the-less.

As I sit in the car pondering the lyrics of this favorite carol, I can’t help but think that it is a great reflection of what Christmas is all about. When I hear the stanza, “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth,” it truly makes me thankful for the sacrifice that Jesus made, and the humble method by which he came to this earth. Even though it is great to give and get all of those splendid presents on Christmas morning, and I do believe that God is glorified by that joy, only God can truly satisfy our souls. This is the reason why we can be so joyful to give and receive on Christmas.

It seems that this is the time of year where I find myself more grateful for what God has given my family and me. Though we have gone through are share of struggles financially this year, God has truly blessed us. In a time where 50% of all marriages end in divorce, Emily and I have a strong marriage that some would envy. We also have three beautiful boys whom we absolutely love. It has been great watching them develop and grow. We are in a place that we absolutely love, with a job that God has truly blessed both of us with. We have so much to be thankful for.

It is often at this time that I also find myself thinking of those who are less fortunate than me. I have witnessed the world’s poverty first hand, especially this year when I went to the Dominican Republic and Honduras. It was in these places that I truly learned of American consumerism, learned to be thankful for what I have, and also learned that true joy is found in Christ and Christ alone. So though the people I met may not be as rich financially as us, they often are rich in spirit which many of us would desire.

The song goes on to say, “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease.” It’s amazing to have such a personal God, isn’t it? A God who has freed us from the bondage of sin. A God who loves us despite of our blemishes. It is amazing.

So, this Christmas remember each other and, above all, remember our Lord and Savior. Remember how He came to this earth, and remember how He conquered it. May you have a very Merry Christmas! God Bless!

In Christ,
Andy, Emily, Benjamin, Joshua, & Asher Moore

November Newsletter

Cramming the God Shaped Vaccum
“Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” –Exodus 34:14

There is a need inside each of us to worship something. Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and philosopher, once said, “There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.” It is in the very fabric of our being, and is as much of a human need as water, food, or air.

Often enough, we say that God has filled that “vacuum” in our hearts and that he is at the very center and foundation of our life and this is true enough. But, sometimes we try to cram things into that “vacuum” that God has already filled. We are a culture that constantly needs to be entertained; therefore it becomes quite easy to become polytheists, worshipping both God and whatever obsession we may be currently facing.

Sometimes it is easier to worship something, or someone, which is visible and seems more manageable to worship. If we truly believe that God is our priority, then we know that he will not share his throne with any object or person. He alone is the only one worthy of our admiration and praise, and we have to constantly remind ourselves of that. So, cast aside your dualities, and focus on the one who saved us when no one could.


Cornerstone Update
Cornerstone is still going strong. Again, our freshmen class is especially large and solid. Every year, there always seems to be an overwhelming amount of females overpopulating the males. This year, it is different. We have a sturdy and steady amount of freshmen men involved in Cornerstone. All the freshmen are heavily involved in Cornerstone, and it is fantastic.

This semester, we have decided to do a different sort of talk series: the seven deadly sins. A Catholic tradition, we decided to put a bit of a protestant twist on the classic series. The students have seemed to enjoy it, and have been participating in the messages. They’re not always easy to talk about (i.e. sloth), but it has been a fun talk series.


Why We Do What We Do

Meet Charles “Charlie” Port. Charlie is a sophomore neuroscience major that hails from Grove City, PA and is on the Freshmen Ministry Team at Cornerstone. Though often soft spoken, Charlie has a dry sense of humor that is like no other. He is a very thoughtful, intelligent, and well read individual who is quick to serve others before himself. Oh, and he’s a Pittsburgh sports fan. Read more about him:

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? My favorite movie is probably "A Hard Day's Night" starring the Beatles. My favorite book is "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse. Music is a tough one; I'd have to go with good ole Leon Russell as my current favorite artist.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I started attending Freshman Bible study early on in my first year here at Pitt and found that it really helped to get to know people in Cornerstone. Now in my sophomore year I'm one of the leaders of that group, meeting weekly with the new freshman to fellowship and offer what I know I needed in my first year here at Pitt. I am also involved in Drama and Service teams.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Well, right from the get-go, when I first showed up at Pitt, Cornerstone was there for me. I wasn't really sure where I fit in at this gigantic institution, I felt kinda lost, but the Community of Cornerstone pulled me in right quick. Many of the people who have had the biggest influence on my life at college so far I've met at Cornerstone, it has really helped me to mature in my faith. It just makes such a difference in my life, that as I'm going through the rigors (and distractions) of college life, to have people to keep me rooted in my faith and make sure I never lose sight of those things that should be most important in my life.


Everyday I praise God because of where he has put me and who he has put me with. It is one thing to go to work to keep you, and your family, sustainable, but it is another thing to go to work and enjoy what you do. As John Piper has famously said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” There is no better feeling in the world then to go to work, enjoy it, and in the process glorify God with a joy from the work you just accomplished! The work that I do has only been accomplished because God has allowed it to further bring glory to himself, and because I have a base of people praying for me and supporting me financially. It is because of God and people like you that I get to bond with people like Charlie. As you can see, we are now at $2,600 per month, or 89% of where we need to be. The past few months, we had some huge one time donations that will help us make it through the next couple of months. This has been great, but we could still use your help. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% on top of their usual giving. With this money we can be at full monthly support again, possibly obtain a raise, and I will have more time to minister to students. We are always looking for new supporters that help make this ministry possible. If God leads you to do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through your financial gifts and your prayer. Remember that any gift is a good gift. In the past few months, we have truly witnessed God’s provision. We thank you, and may God bless you richly because you have given to advance His kingdom! Please be in prayer that God will continue to build our support team and that we would be faithful in doing our part.


Moore News

Big news in the Moore household! Benjamin, our four year old, professed Jesus Christ as his personal lord and savior! I have been talking to Benjamin about Jesus for sometime now, and he could tell you everything inside and out. One evening, before bed, I asked if he wanted to talk about Jesus in which he replied, “Yes.” I started to go through the whole gospel story, and what it meant to be a Christian. He soon interrupted me and stated, “I want to invite Jesus into my heart!” So Emily, Benjamin, and I prayed together the prayer of salvation. Right after we finished, Emily asked, “Benjamin, how do you feel?” To which Ben replied, “Happy.” What a great response!

Joshua is enjoying his life of being a two year old. He especially enjoys anything related to football. In fact, he makes up conversations about a Steelers game that we had just watched. It usually goes something like this: “The Steelers played for three hours…they threw a touchdown, though…and then Polomalu tackled the quarterback.” He’s pretty observant.

Asher continues to grow bigger and happier. We have caught him on many an occasion standing by himself. After we “catch him in the act” he usually has surprised look on his face and drops to the floor as if he was doing something wrong. We feel as though he will be walking soon. When he does, I’m sure he’ll give that surprised look as he gets into mischief.

In Christ,
Andy Moore

October Newsletter

The God of Redemption
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” -2 Corinthians 5:17

The other day I was watching the NFL network, and saw a clip on Jim Mora interviewing Michael Vick. For those of you who don’t know who Michael Vick is, he is a quarterback who was thrown in jail a few years ago for fighting dogs. It was one of those things that you catch a glimpse of on television, and then it just reels you in.

Now, I’ve never been a big fan of Michael Vick. Maybe it is because I am a West Virginia University alumnus, and he played for their heated rival Virginia Tech. Maybe it is because he was a trouble maker, and had a knack for doing the wrong thing. Maybe it is because he came across as cocky and had a “better-than-thou” attitude. I cannot pinpoint the reason, I just didn’t like him.

When Vick was arrested and thrown in jail for dog fighting, I thought, “Finally that jerk has what is coming to him.” Part of me was even saddened when he was released from prison, because I thought his punishment should have been more severe. I even was secretly hoping that the NFL would not reinstate him. I definitely had bitter feeling towards him.

So, when I sat down to watch this interview I was actually a bit stunned to what I had heard. Apparently Tony Dungy (the former coach for the Indianapolis colts and outspoken Christian) visited Vick in jail and led him to Christ. From then on, Vick has been straitening his life out.

All of this time, I was hoping Vick would get what was coming to him, but instead he went through a transformation that can only be found in Christ. All this time, I was focusing so much on Vick’s sin that I was blinded to the fact that even he can be changed by Christ. Redemption was not out of his reach.

Sometime we focus so much on the bad that a person does, that we fail to realize that God can change their life. It was a powerful lesson I’ve learned, and one that I am thankful God taught me. After all, when I found Christ in college, I’m sure many were saying, “He found Jesus?” Thank God for redemption and transformation.

Fall Retreat
One of my favorite Cornerstone events has come and gone. On September 24th-26th, approximately seventy students gathered at Suncrest Camp in Rochester, PA to worship God in community at our annual Fall Retreat. Our speaker this year was none other than CCO president Dan Dupee.

Dan gave three messages on what it looks like to work and rest for God. They were three fantastic messages that really resonated with students. He taught that when we work at our schoolwork, or future vocation, we do so with a fervency to glorify God. He also said that when we rest, or take a Sabbath, it should be one of restoration. These were messages that students definitely needed to hear.

The retreat was a lot of fun, and a great way to meet the incoming freshman…and show them that I still have a little juice in me when I play football against them.

Why We Do What We Do

Meet Steven “Mookie” Reich. Mookie is a sophomore at Pitt, majoring in mathematics. He has a great personality with a very quick wit, he is an eagle scout, knows morse code, and is great at connecting with freshmen. Read more about him:

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? Movie: Princess Bride, Book: Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut (if the Bible doesn't count), Music: The Who

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I'm on the Freshman Ministry Team, and I have been coming to Cornerstone for a little over a year now. I have taken part in a few different small group Bible studies as well as a D-group [discipleship].

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone has definitely been an important part of my college life. Having a supportive Christian community has strengthened my faith and brought me closer to God; I never really had that experience in high school. Jubilee in particular was very powerful to me, especially the worship there.


“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” –James 1:17
It is amazing that after months of worry and concern over not getting full paychecks, how much God has blessed us. It is also amazing what happens when you put full trust in him. Again, we have received a full paycheck and received a bit of cushion in our ministry account as well. After all of my doubts at what my calling is, it is great to know that God as surely affirmed it. God is truly good, and Emily and I know that better than ever. Praise him for his love, guidance, and generosity! As you can see, we are now at $2,540 per month, or 87% of where we need to be. Again, we had some huge one time donations that will help us make it through the next couple of months. Just because we are better off financially does not mean that we don’t need help. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% on top of their usual giving. With this money we can be at full monthly support again, and I will have more time to minister to students like Mookie. We are always looking for new supporters that help make this ministry possible. If God leads you to do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through your financial gifts and your prayers. Remember that any gift is a good gift. In the past few months, we have truly witnessed God’s provision. We thank you, and may God bless you richly because you have given to advance His kingdom! Please be in prayer that God will continue to build our support team and that we would be faithful in doing our part.

Moore News

Not much to report in the Moore household. Asher just celebrated his first birthday. We had an elephant party for him with close family and friends. He remains our happy baby; smiling at pretty much anyone, or anything he sees. It has been great watching him develop in the past year.

Another milestone will be taking place soon. I will be taking Benjamin to his first WVU football game. I promised him that when he turned four, I would do so. He is extremely excited to help his dad root on the Mountaineers (or has he calls them, “The West Virginias”). Yes, I know that I work at Pitt, but I have not been converted over to a Pitt athletics fan. Don’t get me wrong, I love Pitt students, just not Pitt athletics. I will always be A Mountaineer.

Joshua remains his mischievous self. Actually, people have started calling him, “little Andy”…but, I hope it is not for that reason. But as much mischief as he gets in, he makes up for it by his uncanny way of melting your heart.

Emily remains the best wife and mom anyone could ask for. She is the one the boys run to in distress, or for some cuddling…I am the one they run to for some rough housing, or to play catch.

In Christ,
Andy Moore

September Newsletter

The Cornerstone
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,” –Ephesians 2:19-20

What would it look like for people to carry their faith over from Sunday to Monday? What would it look like to be so transformed, and so Christ-centered that a physical/mental/spiritual change took place? What would it look like for one Christian to influence others to do the same?

I love Paul’s “cornerstone” imagery when writing his letter to the church in Ephesus. You see, a cornerstone is the first stone set in a building comprised of bricks. It is important because all the bricks will be set in reference to this stone. Thus, the Cornerstone determines the position of the entire structure.

When Paul wrote his letter to the church of Ephesus, he was trying to state that the church should be made up of both Jew and Gentile. And when the Gentiles were brought into the church, Jews and gentiles should be united in one new body with Christ being the common factor that united them…their Cornerstone.

So when we, as a students group, say that Christ is our Cornerstone we say that he unites us and is the reason for everything that we do. This is why our student fellowship is named “Cornerstone.” Christ is our sole motivation behind all that we do: the little and the big. He determines how our entire student body is structured.


Year Four
Wow, it’s hard to believe that the summer is over already. Freshmen have gone through their orientations, and the first few days of class are over. It seems that this year will be over quickly as well, and I’ll be preparing for the next batch of students to be pouring into the University of Pittsburgh.

We started the year as usual: with our water-giveaway, freshmen events, a booth at the freshmen activities fair, and kickoff cookout (our largest event). There has been one difference between this year and years past, and that is the massive amount of students that have come to all of our events. In the past, all of our events had a solid attendance, but this year it seems that there is an overwhelming amount of people interested in Cornerstone. It’s not a bad problem to have.

The Cornerstone large group held on Wednesday nights has had its usual amount of people there. This year’s freshmen class seems to be extremely outgoing and eager to get involved in anyway they can. We’ve even had a few help with some of the behind the scenes set up, which is usually done by upper classmen.

With each and every passing day, I notice more and more just how special the Cornerstone group is. How it is comprised of classy, God-centered students who are eager to live their life for Christ. I couldn’t ask for anything better.

Our biggest goal this year is not to see an increase in students, but an increase in a Cornerstone student’s knowledge, understanding, and application of God and his rule on us. We hope to see a spiritual revival on Pitt’s campus and we’ve got great students leaders to do so. Please be in prayer for our campus leaders: Ty Cline, Jake George, Steve “Mookie” Reich, Charlie Port, Gwen Pribish, Elise Hinderliter, Kathryn Sheuring, Grace Owens, Kara Klem, Katie Markovich, Heather Ludwig, Pete Mytych, Bob Durso, Blair Koch, Mike Stück, Danielle Englert, Russ Ludwig, James Moore, Cory Linfield, MaryBeth Kellett, Bethany Ground, Ben Schneider, Eric Marsteller, Lindsay Starner, Holly Asher, Leigh Wiker, Jessica Martin, and, Rachel Keatley.


Why We Do What We Do

Meet Blair Koch. She is a sophomore Mathematics major at the University of Pittsburgh. Blair is the head of the prayer team at Cornerstone.
She is very soft spoken, loved by all, and has a truly unique gift at making prayer exciting for everyone. Read more about her:

1. What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Sydney White, which is a modern day version of Snow White.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I am the prayer team leader, but I also try to attend as many of the activities that cornerstone hosts as possible. This involves Frisbee on Thursday nights, women’s lunches on Fridays, and game nights.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone has helped me in college because it has helped me to grow in my faith. Sometimes, classes can seem overwhelming, but going to Cornerstone each week forces me to remember that God is there helping me through it all.


“You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.” –Job 10:12

After three months, we have finally received a full paycheck! In all honesty, it was really easy to be discouraged about our financial situation. There were so many times when I questioned my calling, and just wanted to give up. But, I know this is exactly where God wants me and that my ministry is supposed to be for the college students at Pitt. There is no doubt in my mind that God will pick you up in discouraging times. As it says in Proverbs 30:5,“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Amen. Isn’t it great to have a God who loves us so much? Again, we cannot tell you where we are at exactly financially. However we can give an estimate. As you can see, we are now at $2,310 per month, or 79% of where we need to be. Last month, we had some huge one time donations that will help us make it through the next couple of months. Just because we are better off financially does not mean that we don’t need help. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% on top of their usual giving. With this money we can be at full monthly support again, and I will have more time to minister to students like Blair. We are always looking for new supporters that help make this ministry possible. If God leads you to do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through your financial gifts and your prayer. Remember that any gift is a good gift. In the past few months, we have truly witnessed God’s provision. We thank you, and may God bless you richly because you have given to advance His kingdom! Please be in prayer that God will continue to build our support team and that we would be faithful in doing our part.


Moore News

It is hard to believe that our eldest, Benjamin, is now four years old. It seems that he is growing up so fast, we can barely keep up with him. We had his big party with friends and family a few days prior to his actual birthday. Granny was able to come out from Colorado, as well as Gammy and Pops from West Virginia. The theme of the party was “Ben’s Favorite things,” which meant that everything was picked and planned out by Benjamin himself. He chose the colors (green and blue…his favorites) and the games from the show Minute to Win It. On his actual birthday we just had a small celebration as family. We opened up presents and he received the thing that he wanted the most…a Steelers jersey. Afterward we went out and ate at the restaurant of his choice: Eat ‘N Park.

Benjamin has been a constant blessing in our lives. He is extremely intelligent, loving, an excellent encourager and helper, and he is a great role model for his younger brothers. Pretty soon he’ll be off to school. Unbelievable.

Asher and Joshua are doing well. Joshua is really thinning out, and is constantly laughing. Asher has recently started to walk while holding on to things, has cut three teeth in the past month, kisses everyone, and has added some words to his vocabulary (he is finally saying “momma” which Emily is ecstatic about). All three of our boys continue to bless us in new and surprising ways.

We thank you all for your love and generosity. We pray that God blesses you as much as he has blessed us.

In Christ,
Andy Moore

August Newsletter

Doing the Difficult
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” -1 Corinthians 15:58

In President John F. Kennedy’s famous speech “We Choose to Go to the Moon” he said, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”

Sometime in the course of history, someone came up with the phrase, “You have to do what works for you.” This phrase, though it does have a small inkling of truth behind it, has become an excuse for someone to be lazy. How many times have we asked someone to complete a task, just to find the task unfinished and the person saying, “Sorry, it just wasn’t my thing,” or “Sorry, it just didn’t work for me?” Getting out of what makes us uncomfortable seems to be a top priority.

And don’t think that it hasn’t affected the Christian world as well. This excuse can make one spiritually lazy as well. Reading may not be “our thing,” so we don’t spend time in God’s word. Prayer may not be our thing, so we don’t communicate with our Lord.

If we look at the world through Christian spectacles, we know that everything belongs to God. There is nothing that does not exist outside of God’s hand. When God calls us to do something that is out of our comfort zone, we have no choice but to obey. After all God does not necessarily call us to be comfortable, but to Glorify and love him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

When we take in this Christian worldview, we know what our sole purpose is in life. We labor in order to persevere and further the Gospel, no matter where it might take us, what situation it might put us in, or what vocation we might pursue. I am not a minister because it’s cushy or looks good on a resume, but because this is where God put me and I have no choice but to obey. I do it not because it is easy, but because it is hard. I do it not to exalt myself, but to glorify God.

So in whatever hard or easy task you must partake in, do so with a joy and hope in Jesus Christ. In everything you do, glorify him.


OCBP
This year Cornerstone had the privilege of sending two of our students, Russ Ludwig and Holly Asher, to the Ocean City Beach Project (OCBP). OCBP is a summer-long community living opportunity for Christian college students to develop further as campus leaders. It provides the opportunity for them to grow personally in their faith and to develop a broader Christian worldview. They work and worship in one community and are being challenged to become a kingdom leader while living with other college students in a large beach house on the Jersey shore.

It has been a few years since Cornerstone has sent anyone to the OCBP, so it was amazing to have not just one, but two students. Russ and Holly both seem to be enjoying themselves immensely, and are being challenged in various ways. I can’t wait for them to get back and share their stories of transformation, and see what new gifts they bring to the Cornerstone community!


Why We Do What We Do
Meet Mike Stück. Mike is a junior majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. I have come to know Mike over the past two years in our discipleship group. He is a very gifted student who always puts God first.

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? My favorite movie is The Dark Knight, and my favorite book is Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. I don't really have a favorite band, but I love alternative, classic rock, and Christian rock. DC Talk's got to be the band that's held the number one spot in my heart for the longest.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I have been involved in Cornerstone through Bible studies, freshmen Bible study, and leading first freshmen Bible study and then the service team. Cornerstone has introduced me to my best friends at Pitt, and it's the best place for me to feel at home when I'm stressed or tired.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone, along with the college experience as a whole, has taught me a lot in the past couple years. I've learned much more about myself than I thought was left to learn. I have grown closer to God through what Cornerstone has taught me, but personally the main thing I had to learn was that there were some things in my life that I needed to unlearn. Cornerstone has done more than just "teach Christian truths" and "drawn me closer to God;" it has really shown me a lot about what those two things mean, how they fit into my life, and some of the stupid assumptions I'd made about them in the past. Cornerstone is teaching me to have a real faith and not just to say that.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” -Philippians 4:19-20

It has been a difficult summer financially, but God has provided. Through hard work, and God’s grace and provision, we are starting to get out of our financial funk. God is good! We are not exactly sure where we are at financially yet, but we know that we are in a much better place. The chart above reflects the past month’s paychecks. We have had an increase in promised supporters and will let you know in next month’s newsletter of what that increase is. Just because we are better off financially does not mean that we don’t need help. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% on top of their usual giving. With this money we can be at full support again, and I will have more time to minister to students like Mike. We are always looking for new supporters that help make this ministry possible. If God leads you to do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through your financial gifts and your prayer. Remember that any gift is a good gift. In the past few months, we have truly witnessed God’s provision. We thank you, and may God bless you richly because you have given to advance His kingdom! Please be in prayer that God will continue to build our support team and that we would be faithful in doing our part.



Moore News
There is not a whole lot to report on from home. The whole family got a chance (with some friends) to go to Latrobe, PA and attend Steelers’ training camp. Benjamin and Joshua absolutely loved it. They enjoyed watching the players, and participating in the games and activities that the camp provided. I, on the other hand, enjoyed standing on the sideline and watching the world’s greatest football franchise practice. Ah, it is almost football season. I can’t wait.

It has been a busy few weeks for Asher, and therefore a busy few weeks for Emily. In the course of a week, he started pulling himself up, trying to walk supported, and cut a tooth. We had no idea he had cut a tooth, until he bit Emily’s finger. He is always in a constant state of happiness and did not fuss at all. Pretty amazing.

As summer winds down, please be in prayer for our family. We have to adjust back to the school hours, and that can sometime be a bit rough on the kids.

Thank you for all of your love, support, and prayers! We love all of you and hope that God blesses you richly!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

July Newsletter

No Other Gods

One of the first lessons parents try to teach their children is how to share. Fathers and mothers are forever reminding their sons and daughters to share their space, share their toys, and share their food. “You have to share,” they say.

As important as it is to learn how to share, it is also important to realize that some things are not meant to be shared. A bite-sized candy bar, for example. Or a unicycle. Or a piece of confidential information, like the answers to a test. Or, to take an even more serious example, the sexual love between a husband and wife. These things were never intended to be shared with someone else. In order to be used properly, they have to be kept exclusive.

If some things were never meant to be shared, then it is not surprising to learn that there are times when even God refuses to share. He is a loving and merciful God who loves to pour out his mercy and grace on his people. But there are some things that he will not share. This is especially true when it comes to his deity. God will not share his glory with any other God.

This is an essential commandment, the one that comes before all of the others and lays the foundation for them. Before we learn anything else about what God demands, we need to know who he is and who we are in relationship to him. God does not share the stage with any other performers. He refuses to have any colleagues. He will not even acknowledge that he has any genuine rivals. God does not simply lay claim to one part of our life and worship; he demands that we dedicate all we are and all we have to the service of his praise. Thus the Ten Commandments begin by asserting the great theological principle of soli Deo Gloria: glory to God alone.


Honduras (Why We Do What We Do)

The jungle is hot. It’s even hotter with the humidity. Beads of sweat are rolling down my face as I walk through San Jose, from church to church talking with the pastors. The idea is to create something new, something exciting, amongst the villagers there: a festival that would unite every denomination and praise the Almighty God. The denominations hate each other there, so I expected my work to be difficult. Instead, I found that all were eager to participate.

Clods of red dirt turn to dust beneath my feet, dying my shoes the same color. I am going over in my mind what I will say at this festival, for I have been elected to speak. How will I relate to the Hondurans? My life is cushy and lazy compared to theirs.

My mind is racing from thought to thought. I can’t help but flashback to my time in the Dominican Republic. What did I learn there? That all who calls on the name of Christ can have a common, unsurpassing joy. That’s when I realize that I am thinking too much, and need to rely on God and not myself.

Days later, it is time for the festival. I walk across the front porch of our complex, nervous and sweaty. “Why didn’t I write any notes for this sermon?” I ask myself. Quickly, I remind myself that it is not I leading this talk tonight, but the Holy Spirit. “Let God take charge…Let God take Charge,” I remind myself.

I look up at the crowd of 300, wondering what I am going to say. Then, something moves in me. Words start pouring out of me, as if I didn’t know where they are coming from. I tell of the story of Zacchaeus, and his longing to look upon a savior. I tell of God’s overwhelming love for those he has created. I tell them that neither height, nor depth, nor any living thing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ. I tell them that only Jesus Christ can fill their void, much like he did for Zacchaeus.

I am much more animated, much more vibrant than I have ever been before. The Gospel has been presented, and I walk off the porch with a new vigor, and joy in the Lord Jesus Christ. I truly know I put God first. I have no idea what the Hondurans thought of my sermon, but I know that I did God’s work.

There are so many things I can say about this trip. Certainly God was glorified.


Financial Update

The past two months have been rough financially for Emily and me. For the first time since we began college ministry, we have not had a full paycheck two months in a row. It has been difficult and we’ve had to tighten our budget even more, but God has provided. I have been working extra hard to build up our lost funds, and know that God will eventually even things out. It has added some extra stress though, and sometimes it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Fundraising is such a tough part of the job that I often ignore or delay it. I think the past two months have been a great way for Emily and me to truly rely on God’s provision. I have had no choice but to face the thing in my ministry that I dread the most. God has truly been changing my heart about fundraising. I am even beginning to (gasp) enjoy it.

Because of an increase in health insurance and ministry expenses, we now have to raise an additional $300 a month. Our support has risen from $2,600 to $2,900. We are currently at 89% of where we need to be. We thank you for your enthusiasm to be part of this ministry and glorify God. We pray that we can be at full support again, and know that God will provide for us.

Because of the increase, I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% on top of their usual giving. This could help me easily raise the extra expenses. With this money, I will have more time to minister to students and lead mission’s trips. We are always looking for new supporters that help make this ministry possible. If God leads you to do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through gift and/or prayer. We trust for you and for us that God will provide. He always has, and He always will. Remember that any gift is a good gift. We thank you, and may God bless you richly because you have given to advance His kingdom! Please be in prayer that God will continue to build our support team and that we would be faithful in doing our part. Also pray that God will ease our anxieties or fears of fundraising.


Moore News

Shortly after I came home from the Honduras trip, I discovered that my grandmother, Dorothy “Dottie” Moore, had passed away from congestive Heart failure. It was hard, though not unexpected news. When my grandfather, and her husband, passed away three months ago we thought it was only a matter of time before she went to be with the Lord. It has been a difficult few months for my family, but it is good to know that we can take refuge in God’s grace.

In other news, Emily, the boys and I will be taking a vacation and traveling to Virginia to visit our close friends who recently moved there. We cannot wait to see them, and have some nice, relaxing down time.

We thank God everyday for all of you, and pray that he blesses you richly!

Also, check out our new facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=131453700205205) and our blog (http://thepittstop220.blogspot.com).


In Christ,



Andy Moore

June Newsletter: Support Raising Edition

Gifts For God

“So that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, and said to Moses, ‘The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do.’”-Exodus 36:4-5

The Israelites had constructed many buildings, but they had never built anything quite like this. Their other buildings were all over Egypt, but this one was out of the wilderness. The others were built on the backs of slaves; this one was made with free hands. The others were made of rock and stone; this one was made with their own treasures. The others were made for the glory of Pharaoh; this one was for the glory of God. What was this remarkable building? It was the tabernacle –the house that Israel built as the dwelling place for God.

The tabernacle was no ordinary building. Indeed, there was nothing like it in the world. It was designed by God himself and built to tell the story of salvation. Its layout and furnishings showed how sinful people could approach a holy God by offering an atoning sacrifice. This was all in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. In becoming man, Jesus became the true tabernacle –the dwelling place of God. And through his death on the cross, Jesus made the atoning sacrifice for our sins, bringing us into a relationship with God that will last forever.

It is no wonder that when Moses called for an offering from the Israelites they were so excited to give! Not only did they give, but they gave so much that it started to become a problem! A good problem to have, but it was still a problem. Remember that these donations were entirely voluntary. There was no tax for the tabernacle. Moses did not even give the people a hard sell. He simply asked for whatever they could give. This is not an approach that many fund-raisers would recommend!

This authentic example of generosity shows what happens when people who are saved by grace start giving from the heart. We are so grateful for what God has done that we want to keep giving. The story of the tabernacle shows that grace is the best motivation for giving. Rather than giving out of a sense of duty – God invites us to give with joyful, grateful hearts. Out of our gratitude for what he has done to save us from our sins, he invites us to make freewill offerings to advance the gospel.

What has God given us? Everything! Right down to the last precious drop of the Savior’s blood. What can we give him in return? What the Israelites gave was more than enough. But that will never be true for us. How could we out-give a God who laid down his life for us by dying on the cross? The most we can offer is to give our lives back to him, using our spiritual and financial gifts to build his church.

You have one life to give to God – only one. It’s not enough, but it’s all you have, and God is asking you to give it to him as a beautiful gift. And when you do, you will find that it is not so hard for you to give him your money as well.

The Case for Support Raising


With most of the students gone for the summer, I am taking the opportunity to raise extra funds. It is easy to avoid the mundane, things that seem to weigh you down, or things you do not like. Support Raising would have to be on this list for me. Not that I think that it isn’t important, but it takes a lot of time and effort.

However, I know that support raising is another avenue to glorify God. It is not merely about raising money to pay bills, and to keep afloat, but a way to sustain the Cornerstone ministry. Support raising truly allows me to do what I do. It has allowed me to be here at Pitt, and to teach students about the good news of Jesus Christ.

Support raising is also a way for people to be a part of a Cornerstone ministry. I often make the comparison that support raising is like owning stock. When you own stock, you become a part owner of that company. Similarly when you aid someone in ministry, you have invested in their ministry by letting them do what they do. In a sense, you are funding their ministry. So, you all are allowing me to do what I do.

It is so easy to become bogged down by the labor of fundraising that you forget about why you are doing it: for the glory of God!

Because of an increase in health insurance and ministry expenses, we now have to raise an additional $300 a month. As you can see from the chart, our support has risen from $2,600 to $2,900. We are currently at 89% of where we need to be. Being at full support has been possible because of all of you, because of your willingness to be part of this ministry and glorify God. Now you can make it possible again. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% on top of their usual giving. This could help me easily raise the extra expenses. With this money, I will have more time to minister to students like “Smitty” (see bellow section “Why We Do What We Do”). We are always looking for new supporters that help make this ministry possible. If God leads you to do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through gift and/or prayer. We trust for you and for us that God will provide. He always has, and He always will. Remember that any gift is a good gift. We thank you, and may God bless you richly because you have given to advance His kingdom! Please be in prayer that God will continue to build our support team and that we would be faithful in doing our part.

Why We Do What We Do


Meet Sean “Smitty” Smith. Sean is a senior majoring in biology and the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently trying to get an accelerated BSN to be a nurse. He enjoys music, camping, hiking, racquetball, Ultimate Frisbee, and playing drums. We hope you get to know a little more about him:

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? Favorite movie: Gladiator. Favorite book: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Series. Favorite music: Anything from jazz to techno.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I am currently one of the prayer leaders in Cornerstone, organizing All Night Prayer and prayer walks every Friday. I have played congas for the worship team and have been an avid attender of Bible studies and other Cornerstone events.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? In my past three semesters going to Cornerstone has impacted me in crucial ways. Certain talks by staff members about pain, suffering, and forgiveness, have been pertinent to overcoming difficult struggles that life has thrown at me. Without the guiding words of staff members and close friends that I have met through Cornerstone I feel my relationship with the Lord would have been destroyed during my times of losing a loved one. The Dominican Republic Trip was another crucial leap in my faith just showing me the true power of the Holy Spirit working through myself and others around me. The spring break trip showed me true team building skills and the true wonder God! Being invited into someone's home, sharing the love and compassion of Christ, and having him accept Christ into his life.

Moore News


Two days before our trip to Colorado, I got in a minor fender bender. I accidently (I guess that’s why they’re called accidents) rear-ended a guy. I was the only one in the car, and am safe. Luckily the check our insurance wrote us covered everything, as we got a new bumper whole sale and attached it ourselves in Colorado. The insurance even threw in some extra money so we could buy a new Steelers license plate!

We had the opportunity to go and see Emily’s family in Colorado for a little less than two weeks. We had a wonderful time, despite Benjamin developing Bronchitis, and traveling through a severe storm. Ben, Josh, and Asher thoroughly enjoyed Colorado farm life. Especially playing with Granny and Grandpa. We got to enjoy a train ride at the Georgetown loop, hang up a tire swing for the boys, and watch as Ben and Josh “drove” the tractor. Asher really started scooting out there as well. He is deceivingly fast (and curious), so we have to make sure that we are watching him at all times…especially his belly times. Thank you for your prayers as we spent two days driving out and two days driving back. We sure needed them as we hit that huge storm on the way out. The boys handled the trip wonderfully, and we are safe at home again getting back into the swing of things.

Please be in continued prayer for the ministry and church here in Pittsburgh as well as our finances. Thanks and God Bless!

Also, check out our new facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=131453700205205) and our blog (http://thepittstop220.blogspot.com).

In Christ,
Andy Moore