Autumn Starnes
Freshman orientation-this year's freshmen are full of personality and character!
June has brought a wave of new energy to Chiang Rai as the school year begins again. CRRU is alive with students freshmen finding their way, upperclassmen returning-and we've had the joy of stepping right into the middle of it. I want you to know, we wouldn't be here without you.
One of the sweet moments this month was getting to join the freshman orientation for the Western Languages Program. Because of your prayers and support, we were able to hand out over 100 cookies-each one given with a smile and a personal invite to our student center. It may not sound like much, but it opened the door to real connections and reminded some of the faculty that we're still here, still showing up, and still caring.
Our first night open was unforgettable. The room was packed-old faces, new friends-and then the power went out. Multiple times. But instead of it shutting everything down, it brought laughter, cheering, and a lot of popcorn-making in the dark. It was chaotic in the best way, and honestly, one of those nights that reminded me how special this place is.
Students come because they want to practice English-but many stay because of the relationships they're building. We're watching community form right in front of us, and we're trusting God to keep using it to draw hearts closer to Him.
Already, we see the Lord's hand at work. He's brought these students here—some of them with real spiritual hunger-and we want to be faithful with each opportunity.
Thank you for being part of this with us. Your support doesn't sit in the background; it's felt in every smile, every conversation, every step forward.
I'm so grateful to be in this with you.
Will you pray with us?
As the school year begins, my team and I are stepping into many open doors-but we know it's God who brings the fruit. Here are some specific ways you can pray:
1. Pray for Spirit-led opportunities to share Jesus with students.
Lord, open doors for us to share the hope of Christ through our conversations, activities, and everyday moments. Help us recognize the right times to speak and give us clarity and grace as we do. Just as Paul asked in Colossians 4:3-4, we pray that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ clearly, and that You would prepare hearts to receive it.
2. Pray for Christian students to grow in faith and become bold witnesses.
God, encourage and strengthen the Thai students who follow You. Give them wisdom, courage, and compassion as they seek to share their faith with Buddhist friends and family. Help them shine their light, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16, so that others may see their lives and be drawn to glorify You.
3. Pray for wisdom and favor as we partner with the university.
Father, thank You for the unique privilege of working within the university system. Give us discernment and humility as we grow in our relationship with faculty and staff. As James 3:13 says, may our lives reflect wisdom through humility and our actions speak louder than our words. Let our daily lives, as 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 says, win the respect of those around us.
4. Pray for the Chi Alpha Auburn University team. (Serving with us from June 29 - July 11)
Lord, as this team from Auburn steps into cross-cultural ministry, guide every conversation and encounter. Help them declare Your glory among the nations, just as Psalm 96:3 calls us to do. May they be bold and joyful as they serve, trusting that You are with them always, just as You promised in Matthew 28:19–20.
