By Hanna Estes, Ministry Team Member • Association of Baptist Students at the University of Arkansas
Welcome, readers, to the first issue of The Hedge and The Hill! I’m excited (and a little nervous) to start sharing these with you. I’ve never been much of a writer. One of my high school agriculture teachers once told me that I write like I talk, and I’m not sure he meant it as a compliment! But with the Lord’s help, I look forward to keeping you updated on what He’s doing on The Hill — and how your support is part of that story.
So, Why The Hedge and The Hill?
The Hedge, for those that don’t know, is our ministry’s nickname on campus, and it’s also what we call the ministry building. One day, I was walking up to campus from The Hedge, thinking about what I would write about in a newsletter. Jokingly, I thought, “It feels like a significant part of my week is spent walking up hills,” and if you’ve ever walked the University of Arkansas’ campus, you’ll understand why it’s nicknamed The Hill.
When I sat down and considered the name a little more, I was reminded that sometimes walking with the Lord can feel like walking uphill as well. I don’t know about you, but my flesh often groans against the Spirit within me, who is calling me to walk in obedience. Psalms 121:1-2 says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (ESV).
As I step into this new role, I will remember that God created the physical hills on campus and look at them as a reminder of His power as the Creator of the world (and an opportunity to tone my calves). As for the spiritual hills, I’m certain there are plenty ahead — for me, for Stuart, for the students at The Hedge and for you as well. But we aren’t climbing alone!
The First Month on The Hill
Speaking of challenges, the first month of students being back on campus has been both challenging and exciting! Getting used to the pace of a new job was a little tough at first. I kept feeling like I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. Keep in mind that I had taught on this campus for the last nine years, so the instinct to teach or hold office hours was strong.
We also started the school year with a goal to meet as many new students as possible and launch discovery Bible studies with them. It felt daunting at first, but God has been faithful! Last week, I started my first women’s small group with two students who had never been involved at The Hedge before. As of today, I also have a second women’s group organized, with three new freshmen (one of whom is a curious non-Christian) and a junior who has been with us for a while. I am incredibly excited about these small groups and look forward to seeing how God works through them.
Prayer Requests
• Small Groups — That the gospel would be clearly shared, that people would feel comfortable asking questions, and that hearts would be softened to the Word. Additionally, scheduling times with college students (and, I suppose, anyone else) can be a real challenge. Pray that God would ordain open time slots between classes and that students would protect these times to remain available.
• New Connections — That we would continue to meet new students and have wisdom for next steps and the best way to get to the gospel.
• Student Laborers — That they would keep thinking strategically about how to engage with those around them, and that they would be encouraged as they try to live in obedience.
• Fundraising Goals — I am currently 44% funded. Praise God! I have startup funds through December, so please pray for continued provision and new financial partners. If you know of anyone with a heart for missions and/or campus ministry who may be interested in supporting, I would love to get connected with them.
Thank you for your support and prayers.
