Hello loved ones! So I decided to head to Monclova, Mexico on a mission trip with my church back in San Angelo. I will not have internet access until I return on Saturday, so I will resume posting next week! I could totally use your prayers while in Mexico, so be praying for our travels, health, and ministry to our long-time friends at the orphanage there. Have a happy New Year, y’all!

Ok, so I was a week late in posting this… let’s just say that I had a wonderful break from everything…even blogging.
So in the last post, I brought everyone up to speed on my diverse December. I also mentioned the concept of the hybrid student- the student that is raised in the local church and is therefore acquainted with the away students, but goes to a local community college or university and is therefore aquainted with the home students as well. There is probably a better way to define this type of student, and there is probably a better term for it, but this will suffice for now. (If you know of any better definitions or terms, let me know!) Ok, so these hybrid students deserve a little extra attention and let me tell you why.

1. These students experience crazy transition at the beginning and end of every Christmas and summer…just like us church-based college ministers! This can definitely be stressful for some.

2. They may be struggling with various inner battles such as not being able to attend an out-of-town university, living with parents, living in their hometown…still, etc.

3. These students are the “tie that binds” the home and away students so to speak. They link your two ministries and this makes them critical to the unity of your ministry.

4. They get to see you, the college minister, and the college ministry the longest. They have unique perspective and can provide you with constructive criticism.

5. They know the away students and can advise you on the best ways to minister to them. They also may even keep in contact with the away students better, thus providing you with updates on how they are doing.

There are definitely more reasons that hybrid students deserve more focus, but these five are big. Can you think of any others? Leave a comment!