Further Up and Further In

University Christian Outreach Alumni Association

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Founded Firm

Volume 4, Issue 1
Winter 2004

I have long appreciated the quote about giants (bottom right). I think the image is a fitting one for UCO. Fundamentally our foundation is, of course, Christ Jesus. I also see our alumni as a real basis for our ongoing work today. Your dedication during university days to UCO activities, relationships, evangelism, and discipleship has enabled the Lord to continue to call students to himself through UCO today.
The articles by Mary and Zach in this newsletter testify to the Lord's continued use of UCO in students' lives. Their choice to follow Christ and invest in committed relationships in small groups will be a strength to the body where-ever they end up after graduation, and a foundation for students who come after them.
There has been quite a bit going on in UCO these days. The ranks were a bit depleted first term this year after graduating many students

last year. Current members have been stretched taking on new roles and services.
Last term some of our best laid plans for evangelism came up a little flat, but some chance meetings and unlooked for opportunities brought men and women into UCO who have flourished and brought us great strength. The Winter Retreat, focused on worship, took place in Minnesota this year. Ann Arbor sent thirty-five, double our first estimate, out in minivans for a wonderful weekend.
Thank you for the tremendous support you have been to UCO. We younger brothers and sisters stand with you in the good fight, gratified by such good company. Please continue to buoy up this work in prayer and contributions.
-Brian Laba           UCO Co-Chapter Director

Discovering Christ

I wasn't raised within a Christian household. My parents were hurt by their churches. Upon marrying and having kids they fell away from their churches and decided to give us, their children, the chance to seek after God and religion when we were ready. 
Growing up I thought I had a good life, and I did not understand who God was or why people needed religion in their lives. I was a perfectionist, and I pushed myself hard to excel in everything I set out to accomplish. I could never live up to my ideal of perfection, and this made me grow very weary. I dealt with my struggles  growing up all alone. I was trying to live up to the image that I thought everyone expected of me. I could not let people know that I was not PERFECT! I had my whole life planned out as I graduated from high school, and had decided on going to U of M. I came here in the Fall of 2000 expecting great things, but once I got here everything fell apart. I struggled a great deal right from the start.
As my first semester moved forward, some

thing wonderful happened. My sister Joanne invited me to an Alpha Course put on by UCO. I began to learn about Christianity, sought after a relationship with God, and finally gave myself to the Lord. I found a group of people in UCO who were accepting and loving. I finally felt peace within my new life in Ann Arbor.
I joined a UCO women's group my first year, and have continued to be a part of one each year. It has been a blessing for me to have women to talk to and get support from during the trials of life. I have also served on the Worship Team for the last three years. My eyes have been opened to seeking the Lord's will, not only for my own life, but also for the life of UCO! He has blessed those of us planning the prayer meetings with words of wisdom and guidance for the entirety of UCO. The Lord has blessed me so abundantly over the last four years since calling me to Himself. I am thankful to be a part of UCO and to have the support of so many wonderful people. 
-Mary Begg

• If I have seen further
  

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