Volume 2. Issue 2. Spring 2004.

If I had to count the most significant moments in the year 2004 that have inspired me, Malisha and Francesca’s presentation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is one among a very short list!

The presentation at Ohio State for the students was exactly what they needed to hear. In my work as a staff member, the single most important issue that goes unaddressed amongst students is money and the call to a devoted life in the area of finances. Malisha and Francesca and their work with INTO is a living, iconic example of the sovereignty of Christ over Mammon and His deep compassion for justice and the needs of the poor

Their talks, life and vision for INTO has inspired me to think in more strategic ways of how I can challenge an economic system that I sometimes fail to understand or deliberately ignore; feigning a comfortable naiveté. Thanks to their recommendations I am starting to read Rich Christians in a World of Hunger as a way to begin my journey in the area of justice.

I am thankful for the impact INTO has had on my life and the life of OSU students this year and am looking forward to their partnership next year!

Sriram Sridharan, Associate Director
Arts and Sciences Career Services IV volunteer staff
Ohio State University

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Notes from the journey

Volume 2. Issue 2. Spring 2004

I think it was at Our Church of the Redeemer that I finally realized we have done a lot. My character pushes me to constantly examine what we haven’t done as an organization, what we still need to accomplish, and what the future requires. However, when Father Steve Sedgwick introduced us to his congregation a few weeks ago I was surprised at my initial reaction. “What do you mean you are amazed with how much we have grown?” And then I attended Oberlin College’s graduation on Memorial Day and a former classmate of mine asked me how things with INTO were going. I mentioned some of the challenges. And her response was “that’s great because at least you’ re doing what you want to do.”

I think it is really easy amidst all of the obstacles and struggles to not realize God’s grace and His blessings. As two young people, Malisha and I have not only started a non- profit organization but also God has given us the know- how and means to make it grow. When chatting with Malisha’s father, Earl Richardson, a few weeks ago he mentioned: “Well, you know you are doing God’s will because He is blessing it.”

Sometimes I just want everything to be quick but what I realize is that we (and most definitely God) are training us to be professionals at what we do. For that to happen we need to learn a lot and learning isn’t always easy- most of the time it takes hard work. However, I think we are beginning to see the fruit of all our work and training. We certainly have more wisdom and can look to the future with a clear understanding of what it is going to take to build INTO’s foundation.

As I sit here I think about the time I spent working highway construction. My hard work wasn’t laying the foundation for a building it was digging and compacting the ground for the foundation. I think that’s what this last year has been like. It’s the work that is at most times the hardest, because you don’t see the fruit of your labor and you receive little recognition. As INTO enters its second year I can see how God is beginning to lay the foundation on the now well- prepared ground. It has taken time and obedience for the ground to be prepared but without that preparation a whole foundation can crack and crumble.

I praise God because He hasn’t let us go, rather He has humbled us more with hard learning experiences and great blessings. I’d much rather do it God’s way than my own, however you have to let yourself be disciplined by the Lord- something the disciples struggled with even when Christ was sitting in front of them. But I guess that’s why they call it a walk complete with twists, turns, mountains and valleys.

The challenge is reminding yourself why you’re on that path, who’s walking beside you, and where you are going. If you keep those thoughts in mind, God remains the beginning and the end, keeping His Spirit alongside you such that you realize afterwards the mountain you climbed or the bridge you crossed. I am excited for all the new experiences this second year will bring and I pray God continues to lead us to the nations whether that is down the street or down a river in the Amazon. -

Francesca Barbee