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.
Hey everyone! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to give you a quick update on what's happening with Cornerstone and in our household.
Last week was orientation week, and we had several events. You might have seen on my Instagram Stories that we handed out 4,000 bottles of water. A big part of this was during convocation when all the freshmen gathered at the Peterson Events Center for basic instructions. We handed out 2,500 bottles in just 45 minutes to an hour—it was wild!
We also had a doughnut decorating event where people could design their own doughnuts. The idea behind this was to offer something—especially food—that would keep people around for a few minutes, giving us time to have conversations with them. It was a great success, with over 100 people attending.
Last night, we had our first Cornerstone meeting at a new time—8:00 PM instead of 8:40 PM. We aim to create a "home away from home" atmosphere, so we're now providing dinner every Wednesday. Of course, we had the college favorite, pizza, last night. I also gave a short devotion. It was a wonderful time, and God is truly moving through Cornerstone right now.
Emily is gearing up for the Bikes for Haiti event, which starts this Saturday. She's fully immersed in that right now. If you're interested in helping or donating, the link is above and below.
Benjamin is no longer looking at colleges. I’m still not going to reveal which college he’ll be attending until he gets accepted, but he’s starting his senior year at SciTech and continues to work at Chick-fil-A. I'm really proud of the man of God he’s becoming. He also just returned from a trip to Alaska with my parents, which was one of his dream destinations, and he had a blast.
Joshua is doing well. He has fully recovered from his surgery and the complications that came with it. Thank you all so much for your prayers; they really meant a lot to us. He’s back to playing football, now as a wide receiver for the University Prep, SciTech, and Obama football team (U.S.O.). He loves the game and is very gifted at it.
Asher has finally found a high school, though it's not SciTech like his brothers. Due to some administrative errors, he couldn’t get in there, but he did get into Allderdice High School, which specializes in engineering. He’ll be in the engineering program there. It’s a large school, but he’s adjusting well, especially since some of his close friends, including one of his best friends, are there with him.
Not much else is happening in the Moore household right now, but I'm sure things will get busier in the coming month. Thank you so much for your support and love. There’s still a chance to give to the campaign—I'll include the link below. If you want to give in other ways, that link will be below too. I love you all, and God bless!
Andy: Hey everybody, Andy here. I just wanted to take a moment to be vulnerable and say that we need your help financially. This past year has been one financially of ebbs and flows, goods and bads. Recently, it's kind of been one of those "when it rains, it pours" situations. We've had some supporters who can no longer give, understandably. We've had some hiccups financially, we've had some automotive trouble, and of course, we've had some medical expenses as well recently. So, I am just asking for your help financially. That's why we actually started the campaign, because we started to dip a little too low. I'm so grateful for you all—for your support, for your love. It's because of your support that I'm able to do what I do. I can go out on campus and spread the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.
But it's one thing for me to say what I do, and it's another thing to hear a testimony from one of my students about what I do.
John: Hi everyone, just wanted to take a second to talk to you all about some of the impact that Andy has had on me during my time at Cornerstone and at Pitt. I first met Andy Moore my freshman year of college, and he was quick to get me involved in his discipleship group with two other students. We've been meeting consistently for three years now, and Andy has served as a close friend and mentor to me and these other two students.
During this discipleship group, it's a time to decompress about our weeks, play some board games—which I'm sure you all know Andy is very fond of—and just talk about our spiritual lives and well-being, and get more into the Word with his guidance. Through Andy, I've been able to grow so much in my faith, and the support that you guys give him is directly responsible for the growth and ministry that he provides to myself and every other student at Cornerstone. He has done so much for this community for so long, and myself and every other student appreciates and thanks you for any support you give him, whether that be financial, through prayers, or by spreading his newsletter. He has done so much for this community, and it would just mean so much to me if we were able to support him back. Thank you.
Andy: Thank you to John for doing that. Now, I don't want you to hear John's words as a puff piece. I'm actually very humbled by what I do. The only reason I can do what I do is because the Lord allows me to do it and has gifted me to do it. Another reason I can do what I do is because of you all supporting me financially. So if you are interested in giving and helping in this time of need, I ask that you can click on one of the two links below. We have the campaign and our usual way of giving. Thank you all for listening, and God bless.
Andy: Hey everybody, I hope you're doing well! I'm
here with student leader Simon to tell you a little bit about himself and about
Cornerstone. Simon, why don't you introduce yourself?
Simon: Hi, I'm Simon Lingle. I'm a senior civil
engineering student at Pitt, and I'm part of the Wednesday night team here at
Cornerstone. I help run our flagship Large Group on Wednesday nights.
Andy: That's great! So, how did you first hear about
Cornerstone?
Simon: Well, a family friend from back home went to
Bellfield about 30 years ago and suggested I check it out, saying, "It
might still be all right." So, when I got to campus, I showed up on the
first Sunday and thought, "Everyone here still seems about all
right." I then decided to check out Cornerstone, and guess what? Everyone
there also seemed all right, and it just kind of stuck. Now I'm here, probably
doing way too many things!
Andy: Yes, you do a lot of things, and I'm glad we’re
"all right!" So, Simon, what has Cornerstone meant to you?
Simon: A heck of a lot of things. It's my primary
friend group and social network—it comprises most of the contacts in my phone
at this point. It’s also been my best opportunity in a long time to express
myself spiritually and grow in my faith, both in a strictly biblical sense and
in how I express it outwardly.
Andy: That’s awesome! Lastly, is there anything you'd
like to say to my supporters or to those watching?
Simon: This dude right here [gestures to the Andy] is
like a top-five influence on me, period. He’s extremely generous with any
student he meets—he’s even bought me Taco Bell numerous times by now! So, if
you feel like donating Taco Bell to a broke college student, or if you want to
support the wonderful ministry Andy's been doing here, it might cost him a few
bucks, but it’s totally worth it!
Andy: Thank you so much, Simon! And to everyone
watching, there’s still time to donate. We have a new campaign going, and
there’s also the regular way to donate. The links will either be below or in my
bio. Thank you all so much for your support and love. God bless!
Hey friends, Andy here. Just wanted to give you all a couple of updates on everything going on in the Moore household.
First, a couple of personal updates. My coworker of 17 years, Bobbi Perkins, has decided that God is calling her elsewhere and has decided to step down from ministry. Bobbi and I came on staff together at the same time, 17 years ago. We went through training together and have shared both good times and bad times. She has been my partner in crime and one of my best friends, so I am very sad to see her go. But I'm also thrilled to see what God has planned for her future.
In the meantime, we are hiring two people. We're hiring Boaz, who was my intern last year and is also a Cornerstone Alum, and we're hiring Savanna, who was our University Ministry assistant and is also a Cornerstone Alum.
Now, Bobbi is moving on to a position at Trinity Anglican Seminary, formerly known as Trinity School for Ministry, which is where I graduated from. This leads to my second announcement: after eight long years, I finally completed my Master of Divinity and have graduated from Seminary. Now, I am on the path to ordination, which I hope to complete by May. I still want to be a campus minister at Bellfield and work with Pitt students, as that is my calling. I will be ordained while doing so.
In other news, Emily and I celebrated our 20th anniversary, which has been a wonderful 20 years. We celebrated by going to Disney World in February, which is a less populated time. We had a blast visiting both Disney and Universal. I got to see Galaxy's Edge, the Star Wars theme park, and Emily got to visit the Harry Potter theme park at Universal—something we've both always wanted to do.
As for the boys, Ben has started looking at colleges pretty seriously. He's narrowed down his choices but hasn't made a final decision yet, so we’re not sharing specifics until he decides. Josh, on the other hand, has had a rough time recently. He had a tonsillectomy and experienced some complications, including bleeding, which led to a couple of nights in the hospital. It was pretty scary, but God is good, and He delivered Josh through that time. We are so grateful for your prayers during that period; it meant the world to us. Josh is now recovering very well and is back at home.
Asher is now looking at high schools and hopes to join his brothers at SciTech, which is located right by where I work in Oakland. He is currently on the waiting list for SciTech, so we would appreciate your prayers that he finds the best school, whether it's SciTech or elsewhere, and that God's will be done in this situation.
We love you all so much and thank you for your support, whether through prayer or financially. We just ask that God blesses you richly in return. There's still time to give to the new campaign or regularly, and those links will be below. Thank you all so much. God bless!
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!
