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.
As you may have seen from my last video, I have started a new campaign and wanted to talk about it a bit. I'm reaching out with a heartfelt request to replenish my ministry account, which has dipped a little due to my focus on another campaign, the Cornerstone campaign. I'm aiming to raise about $6,000 to provide a cushion as I seek new monthly donors to sustain and expand our ministry's impact.
A healthy account allows me to dedicate more time to campus activities for meaningful ministry, reducing the need for support raising. It also covers personal expenses related to ministry work, ensuring effectiveness and our presence in the mission field. Importantly, it enables us to assist students, making a tangible difference in their lives.
Support raising might be a foreign concept to many, but I believe it is vital. It transforms ministry from an individual effort to a communal mission, inviting others to join in a sacred partnership. By pooling resources and prayers, we further the kingdom of God. Raising support helps us cultivate a network of believers united in a purpose, each playing a unique role in the ministry's success. This collective endeavor not only sustains me but also allows supporters to actively participate in God's work, creating a shared legacy of faith and generosity.
Through support raising, we embody the truth that ministry thrives best when carried on the shoulders of many, echoing the early church's spirit of unity and shared mission. So, I ask that you prayerfully consider donating to the cause. Your generosity will directly impact our ability to minister effectively and support the students we serve.
If you're interested in donating, the link to the campaign will be below. There is also the regular way of donating listed there as well.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers, support, and commitment. God bless.
Andy: Hey everybody, Andy here. I'm here with John who's going to be telling us a little bit about Cornerstone. So first, John, tell us about yourself.
John: Yeah, my name is John Darnall. I'm a rising junior Computer Engineering major from Coatsville, Pennsylvania. I've been with Cornerstone since my freshman year. Excited to be here.
Andy: And how did you hear about Cornerstone?
John: I was raised in a Christian Presbyterian household, so my parents have been involved with my home church. It happens that my home church is in the same denomination as Bellefield Presbyterian Church where Cornerstone is based out of. So, it was a very logical step as I was going to college to go to the EPC church that's right on campus. Turns out they had a college ministry, Cornerstone. The first day we visited the church, I was greeted by various students who were older than me. They invited me to Bible studies in large groups. It took a little while to come around as I was getting adjusted to college life, but I got plugged into a small group led by Andy with two other students. And from there, I continued to come, and I've been coming ever since.
Andy: Awesome. We're glad that you're in Cornerstone. So tell us, what has Cornerstone meant to you?
John: Well, the biggest thing is it's really kept me centered in college. I feel like it can be really easy to get lost in all of the academics and different friend groups you can find. And just Cornerstone has been that centering place that I always come back to. The people there are so loving and godly and have played such a large impact on my life. I would not be where I am today without Cornerstone, without a shadow of a doubt.
Andy: That's awesome. Thank you so much for sharing that. And is there anything you'd like to say to those watching?
John: Thank you so much for supporting this man right here. He is so awesome. As I mentioned, I've had the pleasure of being in a small group with him since my freshman year. I've gotten to know him, be mentored by him, and guided for these last three years, and I'm excited for the fourth year. I can call him both a mentor and a friend. He has had such a large impact on my life. And by supporting him, you are supporting students like me and the ministry itself. Thank you so much for that.
Andy: Thank you. And if you're interested in donating, we have a new campaign that will be going on, or the regular donation link which will be listed below. So, thank you, and God bless.
Hello, everyone! Happy Giving Tuesday! I wanted to take a
moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the amazing support we've received
so far, whether it be through monthly giving, one time donations, or through
our campaign.
But here's the exciting part – we're relaunching our
campaign to replenish my ministry account. We're currently at 61% of our goal,
having raised an incredible $6,076.13! It's truly incredible. We're just about
$4,000 away from reaching our target. Can you believe it?
Now, I need your help to make that final push. You can lend
a hand by either making a contribution through the link below or, if you're
unable to donate, simply sharing this newsletter. Your support can go a long
way. Let's make this Giving Tuesday extraordinary. Thank you all so much for
being part of this journey. Together, we can make a lasting impact on college
students.
As a campus minister, I engage in support raising for my
ministry. At times, people may view this practice with skepticism, perceiving
it as a form of begging. Interestingly, this skepticism is not often directed
at other non-profit organizations raising funds. It's important to clarify that
support raising for ministry is deeply rooted in the Bible, and it carries a
strong biblical precedent. Here are some detailed examples that affirm the
biblical basis for raising support for ministry:
In 2 Corinthians 11:7-9, The Apostle Paul openly
acknowledges the financial support he received from various churches and
communities as he spread the Gospel in different regions. This partnership
allowed him to focus on his ministry work.
The Levites, tasked with serving in the tabernacle and later
the temple in the Old Testament, were supported through tithes and offerings,
as outlined in Numbers 18:21. This practice reflects the concept of raising
financial support for those dedicated to religious service.
The early church's practice of commissioning missionaries,
as seen in Acts 13:2-3, emphasizes the financial support aspect of ministry.
When the church in Antioch commissioned missionaries like Paul and Barnabas, it
signified a commitment to both their spiritual mission and providing for their
financial needs during their journeys.
In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, the Apostle Paul provides guidance on
compensating those engaged in ministry, including elders, teachers, and
preachers. Paul's statement, 'The laborer deserves his wages,' reinforces the
idea that those involved in ministry should receive financial support, allowing
them to dedicate themselves to their work without distraction.
Finally, Jesus was dependent upon the gifts of others. While
(as far as we know) Jesus did not actively solicit support or raise funds for
His ministry like Paul did, the Gospel of Luke reveals that Jesus and His
disciples received support from certain women. These women, who had been healed
of infirmities, provided for Jesus and His disciples 'out of their means.' This
demonstrates that Jesus, in His itinerant ministry, received support from those
who believed in His message and ministry, underscoring the concept of support
for ministry in a biblical context.
So, you see, support raising is Biblical, and (I hope) you
can see why I am not a financial beggar but trying to rely on the provision of
God. I hope this clears up some stuff for you all. Thanks for listening and be
sure to check out (and share) our campaign. God Bless!
The school year kicked off with our first large group
gathering of the semester. Anticipation filled the air as we gathered to
reconnect with friends, welcome new faces, and embark on a year of growth and community.
However, things did not go as planned. I found myself involved in an intense incident
with a student, one that I won't delve into the specifics of. Though there are
parts of this incident that I could have handled better, I can assure you that
I was not in the wrong.
The incident, though unfortunate, had far-reaching
consequences. It sent me spiraling into a whirlwind of anxiety, leaving me to
seek therapy to navigate the emotional aftermath. Little did I know that more
challenges lay ahead.
The following week, we were hit with a disaster of epic
proportions. The church basement, which served as the gathering place for our
large group, Cornerstone, had flooded. However, it wasn't just any flood; it
was a sewage backup that brought excrement and chaos everywhere, causing
significant damage. We were no longer able to meet downstairs in that now tainted
space, and we were faced with a dire need to adapt quickly to the situation.
With our backs against the wall, we had to make the best of
the situation. We found refuge in the youth room, located on the third floor of
the church. Although it lacked some of the facilities required for a full band,
it was spacious enough to host our group. Little did we know that this change
in venue would set the stage for something incredible.
In this less-than-ideal location, a revival took place. A
movement of the Spirit unfolded, and our group started to grow, not just in
numbers but also spiritually. Christ's presence was palpable in that room, and
we created countless beautiful memories during our gatherings there. It was as
if God was taking a seemingly bad situation and making it better, reminiscent
of the verse from Genesis 50:20, "As for you, you meant evil against
me, but God meant it for good.”
In light of this verse, the challenges we faced in the
beginning of the school year took on a new perspective. The incident with the
student and the devastating flood were indeed difficult to endure, but they
were also opportunities for growth and transformation. These trials served a
higher purpose, bringing our community closer and deepening our faith.
Our journey through that school year was a rollercoaster
ride of challenges and blessings. From the initial incident to the sewage flood
and, finally, the pandemic (which I will write about in the next Newsletter), we weathered storms that we never saw coming.
Through it all, we learned that God's plan is often mysterious, and even in the
darkest moments, He can bring forth light and growth. Our faith and community
were strengthened, and we emerged from that year with a deeper sense of purpose
and a stronger bond that will endure any trial that comes our way.
But, as we know, the year wasn't over. Just when we thought
we had overcome the worst, a global pandemic hit…
Moore News
Hello, everyone! It's the Moore family here, and we're
excited to catch you up on our lives.
Emily continues to amaze us with her dedication. Not only is
she excelling as the Communications Director of Haiti h2o, but she's also taken
on a second job at the front desk of a dentist office, supporting our friend
Gary Liberati. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to helping others are
truly inspiring.
Benjamin is navigating the challenges of high school with
determination. In addition to his academic pursuits, he's found joy and
fulfillment working at Chick-fil-A. The positive environment and the sense of
teamwork at his job have become a valuable part of his life. As he looks ahead
to college decisions, he's embracing the uncertainty with enthusiasm and a
readiness for new adventures.
Josh's recent football season has come to an end. As a wide
receiver on both varsity and junior varsity, he led the team in touchdown
receptions on JV, showcasing his talent and dedication. The coaches are optimistic
about his future, and his dream of earning an offer from WVU is a driving force
for him.
Asher is thriving at CAPA, immersing himself in the world of
the performing arts. While he has made wonderful friends and enjoyed the
experience, he's contemplating a move to Sci-Tech for high school. The pressure
of a performance arts school has been tough on him, and we're hopeful that
he'll find the right balance that suits his passions. Plus, he gets to join his
brothers.
As for me, I'm in the final stretch of seminary. Juggling
three classes this semester and two next semester, I anticipate graduating in
May (Lord willing). The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and
I'm excited about the prospect of seeking ordination in the EPC and continuing
in the world of campus ministry.
Life is a whirlwind of activities, and each family member is
embracing their unique path. Your support means the world to us, and we're
grateful to have you alongside us on this journey.
Wishing you all the best, and until next
time! God Bless!
Usually I have my Financial Update/Financial Ask in the middle of my Newsletter. Due to a recent strain in our monthly giving, I wanted to make sure you didn't skip over it. I know that a financial piece isn't as exciting as the rest of my Newsletter, and it can be easy to skim through, so I ask that you PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW. Thank you!
First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude
for your unwavering support and generosity. With your help, we have experienced
financial stability and growth in the past year, and I am incredibly grateful
for the opportunity to serve in such a meaningful capacity.
However, I want to be transparent and vulnerable with you
all, and share that this past month presented some financial challenges for us.
This past month we made approximately $4,200. The month before that, we made
approximately $4,200. That is almost $1,000 less than what we need per month. A
few years ago, we found ourselves in a financial struggle because I let our
Ministry Account (the account that collects my fundraising, and where my check comes out of) dwindle without expressing our need. This time, I want to stop
the bleeding. We need help replenishing our Ministry Account. To meet this
need, I am starting a campaign through the CCO and striving to raise an
additional $10,000, just to replenish our MA. This $10,000 is a one-time thing,
and will be separate from the $5,600 we are trying to raise monthly. This
$10,000 of extra cushion will allow us to continue pursuing our mission without
financial distraction. You can find a link to the campaign, as well as a link
for regular giving, below. If you plan on sending a check towards this $10,000
goal, kindly indicate "replenishment of MA" when making your
contribution. This will enable us to allocate the funds accordingly and
acknowledge your remarkable support.
I am humbly requesting your assistance in reaching this
goal. Any gift, regardless of its size, will make a significant difference and
contribute to the vitality of our ministry. Whether you can commit to
increasing your monthly support or providing a one-time donation, your
contribution will be immensely valued and appreciated.
I want to emphasize that your assistance extends beyond
financial contributions. First, prayer. Please pray for our ministry – for our
students, our staff, and my personal finances. Pray to bring God’s kingdom to
Pitt. Second, you can help by sharing this newsletter on your social media
networks. This is what I call a “Social Media Blitz.” By doing this, you help
spread awareness about what is happening at Cornerstone and our current
financial need. Your support, financially, prayerfully, and tangibly through
the power of word-of-mouth, ensures that the Gospel message reaches students
and that our personal needs reach those who are called to join us in our
mission.
Once again, I cannot express enough how deeply grateful I am
for your continued support. Your belief in this ministry and your commitment to
its growth and impact fill me with immense joy and motivation. Together, we
are making a lasting difference in the lives of the students we serve. Thank
you, from the bottom of my heart, for your friendship, generosity, and
unyielding support. May God bless you abundantly in return for the blessings
you bring to others.
Send checks payable to the CCO: 5912 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Write "Andy Moore: Replenishment of MA" on the Memo
After that fateful night at the pub, and many brainstorming
sessions and reflections, we came to a unanimous decision to change the format
of our large group sessions at Cornerstone We realized that our previous
structure closely resembled that of a conventional church service. We had a
repetitive cycle of worship, announcements, more worship, a talk, and further
worship. This resemblance was not in line with our vision for Cornerstone, as
we wanted to create an atmosphere distinct from the Sunday services at
Bellefield. We did not want to play church. We desired to offer something unique and
different, an experience that would captivate and engage students in a
meaningful way.
A pivotal factor driving this change was our recognition of
the diverse ways in which individuals learn. We acknowledged the importance of
catering to different learning styles, including auditory, visual, and
experiential approaches. With this revelation in mind, we embarked on a new
teaching methodology that sought to create an interactive and immersive
environment. We aimed to foster deep connections between the material being
taught and the students' own experiences and understanding.
The inaugural lesson in our revised format happened to
revolve around the profound concept of Jesus being the bread of life. I had the
privilege of leading this lesson, and it proved to be an incredible experience.
After delivering the teaching, we encouraged the students to actively
participate in a bread-making activity. The act of making bread served as a
powerful illustration of the profound truth we had just explored. Witnessing
the students engaging with the lesson firsthand and experiencing it tangibly
was an immensely gratifying experience.
The new format displayed remarkable success, both in terms
of facilitating meaningful learning and fostering an atmosphere of enjoyment
for the students. We observed a genuine thirst for knowledge and spiritual
growth among the students, igniting a sense of excitement and engagement.
Moreover, we received answered prayers from God, as He brought forth students
who were truly passionate about their faith and wholeheartedly desired to see
His kingdom flourish at Pitt. Their presence and enthusiasm infused an extra
layer of vibrancy and unity within our community.
Something was happening. God was working.
For a while, things progressed fairly smoothly as we
continued to walk in alignment with our vision. However, it is often that when
you are doing something right, and glorifying to God, you will be attacked.
And, we were about to be…
Moore News
We are thrilled to update you on the latest happenings in
the Moore household. The biggest news is our unforgettable vacations.
Our journey began with a trip to the magnificent Badlands in
South Dakota. It was a special place for me, as I had visited 20 years ago on a
National Parks tour with my parents, right before Emily and I got married in
Colorado. The Badlands truly showcase the stunning artistry of God's creation.
The rugged landscapes, unique rock formations, and vast open spaces left us in
awe. Our boys had an absolute blast hiking and immersing themselves in the
beauty that surrounded us.
From there, we ventured to Custer State Park, where we were
treated to sightings of bison, prairie dogs (which are everywhere), antelope,
and weirdly wild donkeys.
We then made a special stop (on my account) in Deadwood, a
town of significant historical and cultural significance and is most noted for
the town where Wild Bill Hickock was murdered while playing Poker. I am a huge
fan of Westerns, which I inherited from my Dad, and I couldn't resist the
chance to visit this iconic place, especially after recently finishing the HBO
show. While the town is famous for its rich history and captivating stories, I was
surprised to find it had transformed into a bustling tourist attraction. It
reminded me of a mini Nashville except with numerous casinos. I don’t know what
I expected, but it wasn’t that.
The next day, we traveled to Eaton, Colorado, to spend
quality time with Emily's family. We had a wonderful week with her father,
LeRoy, and her two sisters, Leslie and Polly. It was a week filled with a lot
of board games, laughter, and catching up on each other's lives. During our
stay, I had the honor of giving an update at Emily's beloved church, the
Evangelical Free Church of Eaton. The church holds a special place in our
hearts, as it is where God found Emily in their youth group, and where we were
married. It was awesome reconnecting with many familiar faces in the congregation
and share updates on our lives and Cornerstone.
One of the highlights of our time in Colorado was
experiencing Top Golf for the first time. For those unfamiliar, Top Golf is an
entertaining and interactive golfing experience where players aim for targets
on a large outfield, earning points for hitting specific areas. It was a
thrilling and enjoyable experience for all of us. It was a memorable experience
for all of us, and we couldn't help but have a friendly competition. Josh
managed to hit the farthest shot, but I was not far behind.
A week after we got home from Colorado, we traveled to my
parents house in Oak Hill, WV. It was great to be back home and spend time with
my parents – whether it was watching a movie, or swimming in their pool, or
eating, we always have a great time when we return to my hometown.
We are grateful for the opportunity to explore new places,
create cherished memories, and strengthen the bonds of family. As much as we
loved our time away, it is also wonderful to be back home.
Lastly, we want to express our deepest appreciation for your
continued support, love, and friendship. Your presence in our lives is a true
blessing, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering care and encouragement
you provide. As we reflect on our recent experiences, we are reminded of God's
abundant blessings and the beauty that surrounds us in every season of life.
My Cornerstone Testimony - Part 1 - A Pub, Pints, and Prayer
Usually, this part of my Newsletter is dedicated to student
Testimony. I decided this time to do something a little different. I wanted to
share my testimony of how God is working within Cornerstone.
In 2018, I was visiting my best friends (Clay Fuller and
Will Coulson) for a weekend in Morgantown, WV to watch the NFL draft together –
something we’ve been doing together for almost 20 years. During those days, we
drove around the town, visiting our old college haunts, and I started to get
nostalgic. Morgantown is a very special place to me - a place marked with
growth – a place where Jesus found me. I thought to myself, “It would be great
to move back here. God would have to provide a way.”
A few days later, I kid you not, I got a phone call. It was
from a pretty well-known church in Morgantown asking me to apply for the
position of Director of College Ministry. Was this a sign from God? Afterall, I
had just said “God would have to provide a way.” Seeing no harm in listening to
what the church had to offer, and the appeal of moving back to West Virginia, I
decided to apply. After a strenuous interview process, where they wined and
dined me, I was offered the job. On paper, the job seemed pretty prestigious:
it was a big-time job (for a pastor) at a big-time church, with an easy way to
work my way up the pastoral ladder. The pay was about the same, but I wouldn’t
have to raise half of my salary anymore. However, I turned down the job. There
were a few reasons for turning down the job was 1. I wasn’t called to the job,
I felt called to stay in Pittsburgh, continuing my job. I felt that I had
unfinished business. I also didn’t want to leave behind an already established
community. Now some of these reasons have left many puzzled. Couldn’t God use
you in Morgantown? Well, yes. God can use anyone anywhere. But power, fame, and
money aren’t reasons for leaving. My wife, Emily, felt the same way.
You see, I realized that I was deeply unsatisfied with job
at Pitt. I was near burnout, and the once-joyful experience had lost its
luster. It wasn't solely Morgantown that I desired; I craved change. It was
evident that a significant shift was necessary. Instead of simply informing my
coworkers via text, I opted for a more personal approach. Hence, we convened at
our beloved local pub to share the news.
Over a pint or two, I informed them that I was staying, and
they seemed happy and relieved with the decision. However, I didn't stop there.
I felt the urge to express my deep concerns about the stagnant nature of our
work. It seemed like we were trapped in a monotonous cycle, repeating the same
motions endlessly. Let me clarify, there's value in following a familiar
routine, but only when it's infused with passion and purpose for the Lord.
Sadly, that was not the case for us at the moment. I felt a spiritual drought,
and it was evident that our students were far from reaching their full
potential, which was disheartening for all of us.
I was fairly emotional, and started to tear up – literal
tears in my beer. Both of my coworkers looked at me, with complete empathy, and
said that they felt the same. We collectively recognized the pressing need for
change. However, we acknowledged that the power to initiate true transformation
did not lie within us alone. Our students' renewal required a higher force—only
God could orchestrate it. So, in that humble pub setting, we made a resolute
decision to turn to prayer. Our heartfelt plea resonated, “God, we are asking
for change. We are asking that you just show up!” And do you know what? God
showed up! Just not in the way we were expecting…
I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude
for your unwavering support and generosity throughout this incredible, continued
journey. Thanks to your amazing help, we have experienced significant financial
blessings over the past year. I am delighted to share that I have also been
blessed with a raise, which allows me to continue pursuing my passion of
reaching college students for Christ. As we strive to do this, I am reaching
out today to ask for your assistance in raising $5600 each month to support our
ongoing efforts. We are excited about the prospect of increasing monthly
support, while recognizing that one-time donations are equally impactful. Additionally,
I am seeking to replenish my Ministry Account with an extra $10,000. Please
remember that any gift, regardless of its size, is immensely valuable and
appreciated. On a side note, any contribution towards the goal of “$10,000” should
be marked on the check or as a side note, as "Replenishment of MA" to
ensure proper tracking. If interested in donating, you can click on the link
above. Your incredible kindness fuels our mission, and together, we can make a
lasting difference in college students’ lives. Thank you again for your
unfailing support and unwavering belief in this ministry. Thanks, and God
bless!
First and foremost, I want to apologize for the lack of
updates recently. It's been a whirlwind of activity, but I am committed to
sending out a monthly newsletter for the rest of the year to keep you all in
the loop. Your support means the world to me, and I want to ensure that you stay
connected and informed about the exciting happenings in our lives.
Now, let's dive into the biggest news of the past year -
we've moved! Well, not too far, just 12 houses down from our previous address.
We went from 1104 Portland St. to 1144 Portland St. It may seem like a small
change, but the new house offers us so much more space, and we feel truly
blessed to have it. Also, the dogs love it. If you're curious about how we came
into possession of this wonderful home, it's actually a cool story. Feel free
to reach out to me, and I'd be more than happy to share the details with you.
I would like to provide you all with an update on my
seminary journey. As some of you may remember, I had initially planned to take
a sabbatical. However, I am grateful to share that I was granted permission to
extend my required campus life to two years instead of one. This wonderful
opportunity has allowed me to balance taking classes and continuing my work
simultaneously. With this adjusted timeline, I am on track to complete my
degree in May 2024. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue ordination in the EPC
(Evangelical Presbyterian Church) while also continuing my work with college
students.
On the professional front, Emily, my incredible wife, is
thriving as the communications director at Haiti h2o. She has recently been
involved in producing, directing, and editing a podcast called "Lessons of
Hope." If you're interested in getting a glimpse of her remarkable work
and learning more about the inspiring mission of Haiti h2o, I invite you to
click on the link above to listen. It's a fantastic
opportunity to see firsthand the impact she's making and to gain insights into
the incredible work happening at Haiti h2o.
Now, let's talk about our boys. Benjamin, who is now in 10th
grade, and Joshua, who is in 9th grade, are both attending sci-tech, which
happens to be conveniently located across the street from Bellefield. Benjamin
is currently an active member of Boy Scouts, where he is dedicatedly working
towards achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. As he prepares to enter the next
phase of his life, Benjamin will soon be embarking on the exciting journey of
exploring college options. Joshua had an eventful year, as he joined the
football team, but unfortunately experienced a separated shoulder that limited
his playing time as a Wide Receiver and Cornerback. Determined to contribute,
he found a new way to shine on the field by volunteering as a punter and
kicker, and he thrived in those positions. As for Asher, he continues to pursue
his passion for visual arts at CAPA. He's really enjoying it, and is quite the
artist. Although he does have one complaint - those flights of stairs he has to
climb every day!
In closing, I hope this update finds you all in good health
and high spirits. I sincerely pray that God's blessings continue to shower upon
each and every one of you. Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look
forward to sharing more exciting news with you in the coming months. Thanks, and God Bless!
Financial Ask
Usually I have my Financial Update/Financial Ask in the middle of my Newsletter. Due to a recent strain in our monthly giving, I wanted to make sure you didn't skip over it. I know that a financial piece isn't as exciting as the rest of my Newsletter, and it can be easy to skim through, so I ask that you PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW. Thank you!
