June 2019 Newsletter

Meet the Students

Meet Kalan Culver-McDonald, a (now) sophomore World History Major at Pitt. Kalan is currently one of our Freshmen Bible Study Leaders. Read more about him:

As it often is in all of our personal narratives, coming to Christ was never an instant transformation for me. It has been, and always will be, an unfolding story, inseparable from the endless twists and turns of my life, and for people faithful and otherwise, college is the twistiest of turns. However, for me, this always came with the question: How will leaving home, being on my own, affect my devotion and my lifestyle? Of course, I am overjoyed, but I never thought that the Church would become a part of my daily schedule at that point, or that I’d be trusted to lead a Bible study, certainly never thinking fellow students would be telling me that my efforts were guiding them to God! I never imagined any of this because I never imagined that I’d find a community like Cornerstone.

When I arrived at Pitt, religion was very important to me, but I struggled to live my faith and find ways to apply it actively. As I have told many of my friends, my Church community back home was almost nonexistent. So, I had never learned how to do more than read the Bible and pray. I was striving for God, but I wasn’t using my life to love Him. Going to Cornerstone every Wednesday night changed all of that, and I specifically remember knowing it at the fall retreat. This was the first time I had found a group who loved each other because they truly cared to and felt called to. Where else could I go where everybody just wants to talk about God in every aspect of their lives? It’s incredible! Simply put, it is the community of Cornerstone that finally taught me how to put my faith into action all over my life, from relationships to activities and classes.

After a full year of being involved with Cornerstone, I can’t even begin to reflect on my life without noticing the major changes. I no longer view prayer solely as an ‘Our Father’ or a reverent petition, but I see my whole life as prayer. I wake up to follow the day that God has planned for me. I go to my classes so I can prepare for the career God knows He can use me best in. I talk to people knowing I’m being called to show them Christ’s love. My conversations are to better understand the Lord, and any second in between is used to find new ways to spread the Gospel. Cornerstone gave me the opportunity and trust to become a leader and a servant together. Writing this, I feel like I’m rambling on and on, but what God has worked in my life through Cornerstone can’t be described concisely. It hasn’t been a series of discernible changes; my life has been repurposed gradually but completely. That’s what God can do in this community, and I can’t wait to see the tumultuous and probably crazy way in which God bends my life next.

Financial Update

Every day 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 comfortable, but it is another thing to go to work and enjoy what you do. There is no better feeling in the world then to go to work, enjoy it, and in the process glorify God the work you just accomplished! The work that I do has only been accomplished because I have a base of people praying for me and supporting me financially. It is because of God working through you all, that I am able to minister to students like Kalan.

As you can see, we are now at $3,656 per month, or 80% of where we need to be. If you are wondering why the percentage is so low, it is because I received another raise of an extra $300 a month! Having full support for every paycheck for the past year has been great, but we could still use your help. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% to 25% on top of their usual giving. With this money we 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. 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

This past month was one that was marked with various academic achievements and awards for our children. Benjamin, after just one year at his new school (Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy), won the 6th grade student of the year. Joshua was voted in as president of the Elementary Honor Society at Fulton Elementary School, and will me giving a commencement speech at his 5th grade “graduation.” Finally, Asher won student of the semester at the Pittsburgh Gifted Center. We have always preached to our boys that God has given us a mind for a reason: to obtain as much knowledge as possible in order to glorify him and to help others. We are so incredibly proud of our boys!

In worse news, Emily recently had to undergo vascular surgery. For years, her varicose veins have been causing her a great deal of pain. After getting them examined, it was determined that the blood was flowing incorrectly in them (causing the pain), and they needed to be removed. She underwent the surgery on May 30th, and has been slowly, but steadily, recovering. Emily has always been slow at recovering, and the thought of being idle does not sit well with her. Please be in prayer as she continues to recover. 

Thank you for your prayers, and your continued support.

In Christ,
Andy Moore

February 2018 Newsletter

Fasting and Refocusing
Here is a recent article I wrote for Bellefield’s Facebook page on Lent. I thought you might enjoy it.

Lent is a time of fasting and refocusing. Often, we do one but not the other; we fast* and we have no idea why. We hear things like, “This year, I’m giving up sugar for Lent,” or “This year I’m giving up coffee for Lent.” Yet, if we were to ask that person, “Why are you giving ___ up for lent?” we would most likely not get a valid response, but one that is steeped in tradition: I’m fasting for lent, because that is what you do. Believe it or not there is a point behind fasting for the Lenten season, and that is to refocus.

Lent is a time where we examine and come to terms with our sinful, human condition. The human heart was made to worship God, but often we find ourselves replacing God with other things we love or obsess over. This, simply put, is what the Bible calls idolatry. Lent is a time where we come to terms with our idols, cast them aside, and the refocus our hearts on the one true God. When we fast at Lent, we fast from the things that have taken God’s throne. In other words, the things that we fast from during Lent are not supposed to be easy to give up, but difficult. The time that we would normally spend worshipping these Idols, must immediately be replaced with the worship of the one true God. Not to be snarky, but upon some self-examination you would most likely find that you are not worshipping sugar or coffee. We must refocus ourselves with God.

During this time of refocusing, we are reminded that the Lenten season does not stop with our own human depravity but points us to the hope of the Resurrection. Through the incarnation (God becoming man), Jesus Christ bore our penalty for sin and conquered death. And one day our sin and the penalty it bears, death, will be no more. “‘He (God) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He (Jesus) who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:4-5)

Let us cast down our idols and be reminded of what Jesus has done and will do.

*Voluntarily abstaining from food, drink, or any other good gift from God for the sake of some spiritual purpose.

Meet the Students

Meet Sara Kaempf, a one of the “Wednesday Night Team” student leaders on Cornerstone. Read more about her:

I came to Cornerstone for the first time last fall during my first semester at Pitt. Immediately I was able to recognize this was a fellowship rich in community and deep in theology. This is exactly what I was looking for as a new student who was feeling somewhat lost.

I'm from the area, but I transferred to Pitt after graduating from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. There, I had spent the previous two years living my lifelong dream as a fashion student. More importantly, there is where I heard and responded to God's true calling for my life. During that time, I was experiencing the hardship of broken family relationships and dysfunction brought on by abuse and drug addiction. My inability to intervene in the situation because I was nearly 400 miles away from home was a true testing of my faith. From this experience, which I am still actively facing today, I have learned countless lessons about God, His son Jesus, and His plan for my life. This is why I decided to move back to Pittsburgh to pursue a degree and career in Social Work. Being a primary witness to the darkness of abuse and addiction, but also God's vessel, I am dedicated to bringing His light into the population impacted by these things.

Cornerstone has been a tremendous help in this journey! I found a community of believers who are here to support, care for, and grow with one another through the college experience. I've also found a place where I can learn more about God so that I may continue to grow in my faith and identity in Christ. Cornerstone provides its students many opportunities to do this through weekly prayer and worships services, small group bible studies, discipleship and mentoring relationships, and service projects. I am honored to be a part of a strong and faithful community of believers who truly are a reflection of God's love. And I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next!

Financial Update
God has blessed us recently by helping us reach our monthly goal. Now, we are asking for help on a unique way of giving. If you are interested in learning more, please read the picture below.

Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Trip
As many of you know from reading past newsletters, I took over as the adviser for Habitat for Humanity two years ago. This role has given me the unique opportunity to meet and work with students. One such opportunity is taking part in a spring break trip to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to help build and work on houses. I cannot, however, do this alone. The trip costs $500, so I would like for you to prayerfully consider supporting students and me in this endeavor. The expenses include transportation, housing, and food for the week. If you are able and willing, I’m asking for your support to help to cover trip expenses for students and me. I realize that some of you already support me and I am thankful. So, I am asking that you to pray about giving an extra $10-$50 on top of your usual contribution. If you would like to help support me on this trip, please make a separate check out to:

Bellefield Presbyterian Church
Attn: Habitat Trip
4001 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa 15213

Moore News

Not much has happened in the Moore household in the past few weeks…except for one big piece of news. We found out a few days ago, that Benjamin was accepted into the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy (aka Sci-Tech) for middle school and high school! This is especially exciting not only because it’s a great middle school/high school, but because this was Benjamin’s number one choice of school! Benjamin doesn’t always show a ton of emotion in surprise situations, but he was through the roof for this one. Above is a video of him reading his letter of acceptance.

We have decided (as a family) that we are going to be taking a year off baseball. Emily and I threw out (pun intended) the idea to the boys, and (to our surprise) they understood and were fine with the idea. It seems like we have all been on the go, and we were all starting to feel it. Instead of reaching burnout, we thought it would be a good idea to take a much-needed break. The boys are currently taking swim lessons, and we plan to continue that throughout the beginning of the summer.

I pray that you are well, and that you continue to move forward in your relationship with Christ.

In Christ,
Andy Moore