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The Purpose of Alpha

Megan Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Before I came into APU I remember reading on an APU blog about a girls experience meeting her alpha group. I had no idea what she was talking about and disregarded it completely. Ha. It is funny how the one thing I didn’t pay attention to at APU turned out to be the most influential.

Freshmen Year Alpha Group during Paint Wars

Rewind back 13 months, I came into APU knowing next to no one. The first night of college I got placed in a group of freshmen with one “alpha leader.” Looking back, I had no clue how this program would change my life completely. Most universities offer a program that helps you transition, typically though it lasts a mere weekend or the first week of school. Ours lasts three months to however long you want. This program alone tells a great deal about APU’s desire to form community (remember that word, you’ll hear it at a lot at APU) and build meaningful, genuine relationships.

My alpha group freshmen year was one of the first solid groups of people I got to know at APU. And my relationship with my alpha leader continues even into this school year. She is one of the greatest blessings of APU thus far and has poured into my life more then I ever expected. I know out of the list of the people I can go to if I ever need anything, she is at the top.

Some of my Alphies during our "Paint War"

Once my Alpha Group ended I sought out following in my wonderful alpha leaders footsteps and becoming an alpha leader myself. As luck would have it, I got the position and have had the privilege to get to know 7 wonderful freshmen and help them through their transition to APU.

City Links with part of my Alpha group!

Also, once you begin your role as an alpha leader you get put in an “alpha coordinator” (AC) group with a bunch of other alpha leaders and a former alpha leader (a junior).

The 2011-2012 Alpha Leaders!

My AC group consists of 4 of the most entertaining, genuine guys at APU (for real) and 8 incredible women of God. I don’t think I could have ever forseen how much these relationships would alter my view of so many things. I don’t think I could have ever forseen how being a leader would draw me nearer to God and help me discover even more so who I am in Christ.

My AC Group during Bridges (part of Alpha Training)

The purpose of an Alpha Group is not to torture you into being in an awkward group of freshmen that are forced to be together many times during a three month span. It is intended to build this wonderful community at APU and give you people that you can connect with and “do life” beside. The worst thing that could happen at college is to come in knowing no one and weeks later still feel like you don’t know anyone. With Alpha that is marked as impossible.

Also, I feel that with being an alpha leader it makes it impossible to not be madly in love with the school I ended up at. I not only get to meet with my wonderful “alphies” every week but I get to meet with my AC group once a week and build those great relationships.

Actually, “great” isn’t even a proper word to describe the relationships I have built in my AC group. It is more then a group, it is a family. Within the first 3 days of getting to know each other once we came back to school for Alpha Leader training, we were inseparable. It can best be described as Heaven sent, because I feel as if God was the only one that could have picked such a perfectly knit group of 13 people. 13 people with a heart for freshmen, APU, people in general, and GOD. 13 people that love loving and encouraging people. 13 people with the greatest senses of humor and 13 people that manage to have the best time together possible. The 2 hour meetings once a week are not enough time spent with these amazing people.

My AC Girls. SO much love.

The purpose of being an alpha leader is not only to grow as a person and as a leader, but to realize what it looks like to pour into people without ceasing and to have others pour into you. The purpose of being an alpha leader is all about the RELATIONSHIPS. The relationships I have built during the 2 months I have known the other alpha leaders in my AC group are just as strong, if not stronger, then some of the 8+ year relationships I have back home. There is something about the vulnerability, growth, love, and encouragement that grows on in an AC group that builds a relationship so much faster then they are ordinarily built.

AC Retreat in Big Bear

I could go on for ages about how much being an alpha leader and being in an alpha group upon entry at APU has changed things in my life, but you wouldn’t understand until you have experienced it first hand.

I encourage you prospective students, while deciding on a school to attend to discover programs and ways to get involved with the community at the school you are looking into. At so many schools you are just another face in the crowd. Here, you aren’t.

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I’m a sophomore?

Megan Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Without further ado, I will be continuing my blogging adventures throughout SOPHOMORE YEAR! (WOOOO)

Meghan, myself, and Melody. My beautiful fellow alpha leaders.

To catch you up on life (or to introduce myself if this is the first post of mine you are reading)… My name is Megan and I am a sophomore graphic design major. You can read all of my previous posts to get a good grasp on what I was involved in last year and what my life “looked like.” Basically, I was living in Trinity Hall with the most amazing hallmates (two of which are my roommates this year). I was involved in Young Life first semester and second semester I joined a D-Group and started attending meetings for a Focus International mission trip through the Office of World Missions (to Tanzania). I loved my experience with the Alpha program, and due to that I applied and was accepted to be an Alpha Leader for this semester. IT IS SUCH A BLESSING. Say hello to my incredible alphies:

So far, even though this year has already flooded me with busyness, I am LOVING this new change of pace as a sophomore. My roommates are two of the most amazing, Godly women around and it is such a blessing to be able to seek God together and know that they are always supporting me and uplifting me. My R.A. (Resident Advisor) is incredible, my D-Group is continuing into this year and is always such an encouragement, and the bond that I have formed with the other alpha leaders is indescribable. I am realizing the blessings of a small community such as APU, I am reaping the benefits of being able to pour into so many peoples lives and to be poured into by so many great people.

It is crazy to me that it has been over a year since I moved in to Azusa, California and this place became home. It became home quick, might I add. It is funny that it is such a random, little-known city yet holds so much importance in my life. This place used to hold potential, and now it holds growth, change, purpose, relationships, and passion. This place, Azusa Pacific University, and this city, holds a lot.

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A Necessary Blog Post.

Megan Monday, October 3rd, 2011

If you want to get technical, my run as an APU blogger ‘ended’ over four(ish) months ago when our summer break began. However, after the life changing eight weeks I spent this summer in Tanzania I felt that this post was entirely necessary after talking so much about this trip in my previous blogs.

I don’t really know where to begin, that seems to always be the toughest part about talking about a trip that had as big of an impact as this one had on me. I traveled to Tanzania (South-Eastern Africa) and spent two months there with a team put together by both the Office of World Missions and more importantly, God. (He hand picked this team perfectly, might I add.)

Three of my favorite beautiful girls of Nkungi.

We spent about 5 weeks in Nkungi village where we did work assigned by the village leaders, taught at both a primary and secondary school, installed water filters, distributed food packets, built blocks for a teachers home at one of the primary schools, and loved like crazy on the beautiful kids that we spent endless time with.

The new playground we build in Singida Town, the primary (elementary) school kids were so excited. It was the first of its kind.

Then we spent about 2 weeks in Singida Town where we worked at a childrens community center where food was distributed to the children that couldn’t afford it (in exchange for them being educated). We had the blessing of constructing a playground which was unheard of there and also repainted and fixing up the entire building. The other 1 week of the trip was spent in travel time and debriefing on a safari.

Babuu. One of the amazing things we got to witness on this trip was his hatred and aggression toward us in the beginning, that in time turned to love and admiration.

I think that the most present things that God taught me during that time was that (1) fears are petty when compared to life lessons that can be learned. We think our fears are justified, until God uses those fears to bring himself glory. (2) Statistics on poverty, lack of clean water, hiv/aids, prostitution, and disease are REAL, not only are their faces behind them but there are stories and names behind them. (3) Love and grace speak infinitely louder than words. Just because you can’t speak fluently in a language doesn’t mean your impact is less valid. (4) Stepping out of your comfort zone is always worth it. (5) The Holy Spirit is as as REAL and ALIVE as God and Jesus are, pray for the Holy Spirit to work through you because He most definitely desires to and WILL. (6) We cannot be strong and we cannot spread God’s perfect love without the power of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Seek it.

All of our friends that we grew to be SO close with in Nkungi village. Blessed beyond words to know these people and call them my Nkungi family.

Basically, the point of this post is not to boast about what I was blessed enough to do this summer but rather to encourage you and to point the glory to God and let you know that He has great things in store for you! A year ago I would have never imagined that going into APU God would call me to this mission trip and this mission trip would lead to so many convictions and blessings. Trust God and trust that His plan is infinitely greater then your own. Allow your life to look differently then you thought it would.

Also, while I know that world mission trips are obviously not in God’s calling for everyone, I DO encourage you to seek out Focus International mission trips at APU and see if God is calling you to one. We are all called to be missionaries, some in their hometowns, some in Azusa, some in other states, and some globally. Seek out where God has called you as a missionary.

My amazing sisters and brothers in Christ that I got blessed to spend 2 months serving alongside.

A side note: If you are a new freshmen at APU, WELCOME. I cannot explain my excitement to see so many new faces around campus and to finally have campus filled after 3 weeks of Alpha Leader Training! I encourage you to seek out ministry opportunities at APU and pour yourself into others. One of the greatest things about APU is being handed so many options to serve others and glorify Jesus Christ.

And if you are reading this blog as a prospective student, I encourage you to do the same, except where you are at. Google away and search opportunities to serve and love on others. Trust me when I say that it is worth every second. Bringing glory to God, and purpose and joy to yourself.

God bless you all.

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Staying Connected to Your College Student

Jim Burns Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

Here’s some great news for parents of college students: Through the wonders of today’s technologies, there has never been a better time in history to keep in touch with your young adult.

Technology Rules!

Just a few short years ago, as the pace of technological change exploded, many parents chose a cautious approach to embracing the newest and latest in digital gadgets. But, times have changed. A recent study from the Barna Group indicated that today, parents are just as dependent upon technology as their children. Parents spend almost as much time as their kids using technology devices. More importantly, most parents believe that technology has been a positive influence on their families. And so, most parents should find it easy to utilize today’s technologies as helpful tools in staying connected with their kids who are away at college.

The Toolkit

It’s exciting to know that a parent’s technology toolkit for staying connected to college students is already large and always expanding. Here are some tools parents can use today:

Texting. When my daughters were in college, for a time, I used to attempt to call them on my cell phone. Many of my calls went unanswered and I often waited…and waited…and waited for a return call. Frustrating! Then, I decided to try contacting them through texting. Bingo! The girls found it much easier to send a simple and timely text message reply. I learned my lesson and began to focus on texting.

Texting is an easy way to send short messages to let your sons and daughters know you love them and are thinking about them. On today’s smart phones, you can send pictures via text message to keep your college student up to date with what’s going on back home.

I find that texting is best suited for lighter and encouraging messages rather than for handling more serious issues. (“Fluffy died 2day” or “PLEASE EXPLAIN ASAP HOW YOU COULD CHARGE $1,000 IN LAST 2 DAYS” are not texts you should send!)

Phone. Most collegians have their cell phones near them 24/7. But remember, phone conversations require much more engagement for your son or daughter than texting. Don’t be surprised when your young adult doesn’t answer your call or get back to you promptly! Still, person-to-person conversations are valuable and absolutely will help you to stay connected. Best uses: a scheduled phone appointment (planning ahead is more convenient for your young adult and likely for you too—which can be arranged via text), and occasional voicemails – when you don’t need to talk immediately, but just want to say hello. (Think of it as an audio version of a text message!)

Phone Videoconferencing. Today, it’s not difficult to find phones and apps that allow you to connect face-to-face with your college student using phone technologies. These are great ways to actually see and visit with your college student in their own habitat!

Smartphone Games. Stay connected to your college student by playing a game like Scrabble over the phone and across the miles.

Computer/Laptop. Email is the oldest of today’s connection technologies, but almost everyone, even college students, still use it. Best use: for longer updates on what’s going on around home. Also, Skype provides free video conferencing. Idea: Some night try inviting your son or daughter to join you for a family dinner by setting up your laptop on the dinner table and letting them see and be seen. It just might be the next best thing to being there.

Social Networking. Social networking sites are extremely popular today, and it’s likely your college student is on Facebook. Friend them (if you haven’t already.) For many families, Facebook isn’t going to be the best way to stay connected. But, it’s very beneficial as a way for parents to stay current on what’s going on in their kids’ lives.

Manage Connections in a Healthy Way.

For the parent who is dealing with separation anxiety, it’s tempting to over-connect with their child. Resist the urge to inundate your college student with too frequent texts, emails and calls. Technologies allow for this, so you’ll need to learn to manage your use of them in a healthy way. Don’t short-circuit one of the main goals of your young adult’s college experience—to help prepare them for life as an independent adult—by going overboard. Your daughter or son will benefit from staying connected with you, but they also need their space in order to bloom into the woman or man they are becoming.

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Some Last Thoughts

Megan Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Next weeks marks finals week, and the last week of my freshmen year of college. The days keep going by faster and as much as I am excited for what next year and my entire future will look like, I find myself wishing time would somehow go by slower.

So here marks my freshmen year in a nutshell:

So excited to be moving into my new home!

Move-In day almost felt like it was straight out of a Hilary Duff movie (and I love Hilary Duff movies). Absolute madness, but one of the best days of my life. My stuff was moved in in no time and meeting my roommate was priceless.

Alpha Group 35!

My Alpha Group I met shortly after moving in and I had absolutely no idea what an alpha group even was. Come to find out, APU definitely prides itself on the whole Alpha experience, with a very good reason to. In the beginning, being with a group of 8 strangers was awkward (predictably), but by the end of Alpha I found myself wishing it would never end. Now I am going to be an Alpha Leader myself next year and could not be any more excited about it! It is one of the many ways that they help you transition easily to college life and meet new people you might not ordinarily meet.

Such a fun All-Access weekend!

Being an ambassador this year was the first commitment I made when I arrived at APU. It gave me the opportunity to host prospective students multiple times per year and be a part of All-Access weekends. It was such a blessing being able to see people fall in love with APU as I have. I cannot explain how many smiles and laughs I had during those weekends.

Young Life leaders!

Being a part of Young Life first semester was an experience I will never forget. I made priceless friendships and was able to serve God in the most amazing way. It was a new opportunity for me to put myself out there and love on high schoolers that were open to the Gospel.

Then, as God led me to no longer be a part of Young Life He led me toward being a part of the Office of World Mission’s Focus International mission teams. I found out at the beginning of second semester I would be going to Tanzania. I cannot explain how much God has been real to me through being able to be a part of this mission team. It has been without a doubt, one of the biggest blessings of being here at APU and I haven’t even left for the trip yet (it is in three weeks, crazy!). I never in a million years thought I would ever be going to Africa, it was never in my plan. But I realized that almost everything I have been changed by at APU was not originally in my plan. God’s plan is so much greater.

My hall in Trinity, Fourth South has been a huge part of my experience at APU as well. I have made so many life-long friends and I have learned so much by being able to live on my own and be a part of such a great community.

Spontaneous trip to The Hat with 4th South girls!

Last, but definitely not least, the courses that I have taken at APU so far have honestly changed my perspective on education altogether. I have had professors that changed my life because they changed my perspective on things in ways I never knew possible. Also, being a graphic design major, I am finally able to take design and art classes and it has been so much fun! I cannot explain how great it feels to finally be able to be educated in what I love. Also, words cannot do justice for how great of a blessing it is being educated by Christian professors. Each class (yes, even p.e., math, english, etc.) works faith and Christianity into its curriculum, which is amazing.

I think that everyone that knows me would know how much I would attest to APU being the greatest decision I have ever made. This year has been a crazy whirlwind of a year, but I have grown so much as a person and as a follower of Christ that I wouldn’t change it for the world.

If I were to give advice to incoming students at APU it would be to put yourself out there and do things that you never planned on doing. Enjoy living in the dorm while it lasts, because if you make the most of that experience, it will be one of the best experiences of your life. Don’t stress out, be excited for this year to come. And whatever you do, during the school year even though school can be stressful and overwhelming don’t let it get you to the point where you stop enjoying being here. Going to college is not forced, it is a privilege. Be excited, because a year from now, your life will be so different! The way that the community works here, and the way that God is present here, is enough to change your life alone.

Lastly, I want to say THANK YOU to all my readers for taking the time to keep updated on my experience here at APU! I appreciate it more then you’ll ever know!! If you have any questions feel free to comment and I would love to answer you! God bless.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

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God’s Love in Langa

Renna Nightingale Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Today included a visit to a township called Langa. It was named for the chief, Langa Libalele. Although it is mostly a Xhosa township, “Langa Libalele” means the same in Xhosa as it does in Zulu. Translated, it the township’s name means “the sun, it is hot.” I was so excited to know the true name of the township! All my hardcore Zulu studying this semester definitely paid off.

I was super surprised at the level of development in Langa. It seems to have evolved into a tourist attraction. Our tour guide commented that the residents like it when tourists come. I assume that is because tourists generate revenue and excitement in the township.

I was also shocked at the contrast between the homes. In one section of Langa, there were exceedingly nice homes. They looked like they could have belonged in a rich suburban area in Los Angeles. But then, across the street, there would be crumbling shack composed of assorted trash. The polarity between the disparity verses the wealth was alarming!!!

My favorite aspects of Langa were it’s art programs! They have a dance studio, a stage for theatre, music programs, a picture framing school, a fashion store, a recording studio and a radio station! The township’s goal in these programs is to educate youth and grant skills to adults so that they may have a better life, as well as attempt to provide AIDS prevention. At the radio station, they talk about difficult issues such as the effects of HIV and AIDS. These programs allow the kids to express themselves in creative ways, as well as allow them to dream for their futures.

I am so passionate about arts programs! I believe they have the most significant impact upon youth. If I was given the choice of something to do to benefit a township, I would have dreamed of beginning a program exactly like this. I hope that it can continue and flourish!

I got to play the djembe today! It’s an awesome African drum. I have found my calling.

My absolute favorite part about walking around Langa today: I was sauntering with my friend Kelly. And all of a sudden, this beautiful little girl runs up to us, and slips her tiny hands in ours, and continues with us on our journey! It was the most precious thing of my entire life! And in that moment, I felt perfect love. I loved her. I had only known her for 30 seconds, but already, she had stolen my heart, because she loved me. To think. I traveled all the way around the world to search for more about God’s love, and I found it in a four year old child.

Amen.

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