January & February Newsletter

Embracing Change
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9

Change can be a hard pill to swallow. Giving up what you know, and what is comfortable in exchange for uncertainty is never easy. In a few months, senior students will experience the change of graduation to joining the working force. A few months ago, high school students became freshman, therefore experiencing change. It is the fear of facing an uncertain, cloudy future that makes change so hard to deal with. Change is inevitable. There is no dodging or avoiding it: Change happens. It’s just how we deal with change that matters.

I have found that it is easier to face change when someone is with you to experience the change as well. When I moved from Morgantown, WV to Pittsburgh, it was easier because I had Emily with me. How much easier is it then to have the God of the Universe, which dwells within us, when we face change? What an amazing thought that is.

So remember that when uncertainty arrives, you have the ultimate comforter, the very one who made comfort, with you. Though I still have my anxieties, knowing God is there helps put my mind at ease.

My Third Trip to the Dominican Republic
If you remember from one of last year’s newsletters, I defined my first trip to the Dominican Republic as “The largest spiritual renewal in my life, other than my conversion to Christianity.” This year I have the pleasure of taking 10 students back to the place were I found a love for those who are less fortunate and learned how deep Christ’s love and joy goes. This will be another great opportunity to see how God is working in the Dominican Republic. I can’t wait to go back! Please pray for the following students going on the trip: Nicole Arthur, Danny Churchill, Andrew Dekkinga, Danielle Englert, Dillon Hoffman, Cody Latimer, Jessica Martin, Jason Retucci, Megan Schug, and Connor Smith.

Why We Do What We Do

Meet Jason Retucci. Jason is a sophomore history major at Pitt, who started becoming involved in Cornerstone this year due to his roommate Cody Latimer. Jason recently came to know Christ as his savior and has been involved in a Discipleship group with Cody and me. He has a uniquely weird (in a good way) and funny personality, as you can see from the following questions. Read and enjoy!

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? I like the movie The Blues Brothers because I am the Blues Brothers…Both of them. I like the book East of Eden by John Steinbeck and am also a big fan of Raymond Carver's short stories. My favorite band is probably Rush.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I attend Cornerstone and am involved in a D-Group with Andy Moore and Cody Latimer. We kick it in Market Central and discuss our readings (Wayne Grudem’s Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know) for the week. Over Spring Break, I plan to attend a trip to the Dominican Republic.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone, as well as D-Group, has given me the opportunity to have some good old fashion Christian fellowship, which is important to me. Inserting these little breaks from a secular university into my life has helped me to grow stronger as a Christian.

You may have seen from the chart that our monthly giving remained at $3200, 91% of where we need to be. It is because of all of you that I am here and will get to where I need to be., I have been raising this support so I can minister to students like Jason, and see how God has worked in his life during his years at Pitt. Working with College students, and seeing God transform them, is a true blessing and I thank God every day for this opportunity. If you would like to help this ministry, we are always looking for new supporters. This is what makes 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. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% on top of their usual giving. This will help to make up the difference from what I currently make and from my goal. 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.

Moore News

Christmas was a wonderful time with the family. Like the past few years, we spent Christmas in Pittsburgh. My favorite part of the day was lighting the Advent Candle at church with the family. Benjamin shined as he got to read the passage in from of the congregation. It was an absolutely incredible experience.

Emily and I soon celebrated our birthdays after Christmas (mine on December 28th and hers on January 2nd). I turned the dreaded (duh duh duh) 30, but did not really stress about it. I started feeling older when I started having kids (age 24), so 30 was nothing to me. Hopefully we can say the same for Emily next year!

I hope all is going well with you all and that the Lord is blessing you richly in the new year!

In Christ,
Andy Moore