My relationship with God has always been a roller coaster, full of extreme highs and lows. I was raised in an amazing Christian household, attended a powerful church, and was involved in leadership roles in youth group and the children’s ministry. On the outside, I was a model Christian. But on the inside, I was constantly seeking happiness and fulfillment from outside pleasures instead of Jesus.
When I came to college, I was out of control with this newfound freedom. I attended Cornerstone once at the beginning because my childhood best friend’s older brother is heavily involved, and I told him that I would come check it out. I was overwhelmed by all of the people, and I didn’t want to deal with any uncomfortable situations, so I went to one freshman bible study and that was it. I took a break from everything to do with the church, convinced that I could maintain a relationship with Christ on my own. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done, and I found myself getting involved in unhealthy habits and friendships. I began attending a bible study but only in hopes of “balancing out” my life. Over winter break, I had the chance to really reflect on who I had become over the course of the first semester, and I decided that I didn’t want to be that person anymore. I prayed fervently, for the first time in months, that God would bless me with new, healthy friendships and take away all of toxic aspects of my life. With the start of the new semester, I was hopeful for a fresh start.
I had joined Cornerstone leadership on a whim, simply because I was so used to being in leadership positions, and this was one of the first opportunities that there was for me in college. I decided to lead the same freshmen bible study I barely attended in the fall, only because that was the only team that I felt even remotely qualified for. On the leadership retreat, one of the first bonding activities was to describe the five most prolific events in your life. I became instantly petrified because I had to tell these (almost) strangers my events, which were almost all terrible mistakes. However, at the encouragement of Cornerstone staff, I opened up to my team. I have never felt more vulnerable in my life. I realized that Cornerstone is a community full of genuine, real people. The more I began to trust these people, the more they showered me with unconditional love and support. I have met some of the most important and influential people in my life because of Cornerstone. Cornerstone helped bring me back to God. I understand that no relationship with Christ is ever perfect, but I know that I have a community who will help me through every high and low. A community who is supportive and sincere, welcoming each person with open arms, without judgement of past failures and flaws. And I am so grateful that God answered that prayer with a group of people like Cornerstone.
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A week after baseball ended, I drove the family out to Colorado to visit Emily’s dad and her two sisters. It was a great two weeks! We went to Cheyenne, Wyoming to visit a former student of mine (Jeff Schallick), visited the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, went to Estes Park, played a lot of board games, saw a few movies, drove the Kabota around the farm, and I even got to give a ministry update at Emily’s home church, The Evangelical Free Church of Eaton. Unfortunately, on the last day we were there, Emily’s grandmother passed away. So, please be praying for healing for her family.
Shortly after we got back to Pittsburgh, we joined my family for family camp at Beulah Beach, a C&MA camp near Vermilion, Ohio. This year’s Beulah, was probably the best I’ve been to. There is always something to do, and a lot of fun to be had. This year’s theme was “Super Heroes” and the family got dressed up as various super heroes. Emily and I were Tap Man and The Catch respectively (a Psych reference), Asher was Captain Underpants, Josh was Meme Boy, (his own creation) and Ben went as himself...we’ll just say he went as his secret identity.
In a few weeks, Emily and I will be taking an anniversary trip to Tennessee (the Knoxville area). We’ll let you know how that goes in the next newsletter.
I pray that you keep seeking Jesus, and learn to be more like him!
In Christ,
Andy Moore
