TCF is planning a day of fasting and prayer for the Trent and Peterborough communities. It will take place on Wednesday, March 31st, which is this Wednesday. Anyone who wants to participate is encouraged to fast for that day in whatever responsible way they choose. The LEC Pit has been booked from 10am to 5 pm for anyone who would like to take time there to pray.

Please pray for the students, staff and faculty at Trent. Pray that they may hear the Gospel, believe, repent and follow Jesus. Pray for the spiritual well-being of everyone, especially Christians, in this community. Pray for each others' specific needs, and give thanks for what God has done in our lives. Pray that all Christians would be fearless in sharing the Gospel, and would do it with love and wisdom.

For those inexperienced with fasting, the concept is pretty simple: one abstains from food (or something else) for a set period of time, in order to devote oneself to prayer. Some people choose to fast from all food and water, or all food (but still drink water/juice), or meat. Others eat a reduced diet (for example, only a little plain rice). Some choose to fast from something that isn't food (iPod, Facebook, email, television, alcohol, smoking, etc.). What you choose to fast from is entirely up to you and God. Fasting from food does not make you more spiritual than fasting from Facebook. If there is any reason you feel you shouldn't fast from food, but still want to participate, choose something else.

NOTE: If you are going to participate in this fast, please read and understand ALL the Medical Concerns described below. Our first priority is everyone's safety, so please don't do anything risky.

Medical Concerns

While fasting, it's a good idea to avoid heavy physical exertion. Also, make sure you get a good night's sleep beforehand, and are well hydrated (especially if you're fasting from water for the day).

If you suffer from any of the following conditions or symptoms, I encourage you emphatically NOT to fast from food: any illness (including cold, flu, infection, etc.), fever, anemia, low blood sugar, diabetes, seizures, or an eating disorder. Additionally, if you are feeling unwell, weak, or overly tired at the start of the day, or if there is ANY possibility you could be pregnant, please do NOT fast from food. This is for medical reasons: fasting while affected by any of these conditions is not more spiritual, it is foolhardy. Again, if anything in this paragraph applies to you, please don't fast from food. If you want to participate, I would recommend another non-food thing for you to fast from.

During your fast, you may feel certain symptoms: fatigue, weakness, dehydration, bad breath, nausea, headache, hunger, irritability, mood changes, or difficulty concentrating, among others. These are normal and to be expected. If they become problematic, or if you start to experience dizziness, disorientation, seeing stars, fainting, or anything else that could possibly cause a safety hazard to yourself or others, you should STOP THE FAST, eat and drink something, and get the help you need. If you're going to be fasting, make sure you have someone (a roommate or a friend) who will check on you.

If you need help and are on campus, call First Response at 748-1333. They have been made aware of this fast, and want to help anyone who needs it. Even if you're just feeling dizzy or disoriented, don't hesitate to call them. In fact, you should probably program their number into your cell phone. If you're off-campus, especially if you don't have someone who will take care of you, don't hesitate to call 911 for an ambulance.

If you've got any questions about fasting, or this event particularly, please contact me (John MacMillan): jhamacmillan@gmail.com. If you'd be more comfortable talking with a woman (or with someone who's not me), feel free to contact Michelle McLean, the Health Educator at Trent: michellemclean@trentu.ca or 748-1011 x7162. Tell her that you are fasting with Trent Christian Fellowship, and she'll be able to give you the information you need. I've been working with Michelle to assemble information about making this event safer for everyone.

Have a testimony (a short life story detailing some faith experience) or a prayer request that you would like to put before the community? If so, please contact us via email at trentchristianfellowship@gmail.com so I can send it to the group! If you wish it to be anonymous or to have only your first name sent out, just say so!

Bigger World

Clubs and Groups Euchre Tournament!

“Play Euchre; Study Late; Everybody Wins!”

Location: Champlain College

Date: April 6th, 2010

Participation: $20 / team or $5 / person

(Individual entrants can be placed on teams by the Central)

Registration Limited to 252 people or 63 teams

All proceeds go towards extended library hours during exam time 

Prizes to the winning team! Prizes to the most enthusiastic team! Prizes to the team who wears the craziest costumes! (Gift Certificate for Mark Jokinen, Gift Certificate for Funky Buddha and many more!)

Guatemala Missions Trip:

Dear students, school administrators and other friends across Canada,

God is drawing his church towards his redemptive heart for the nations.  You, or a friend near you, may be ready to take that next step in following our Lord's command to go and make disciples of all nations.  I encourage you to seriously and prayerfully consider if this summer may be the time to make your move or invite a friend to get the training needed to take that step.  Please check out the letter attached from Summer@CanIL Director Dave Jeffery and the attached brochure to find out about the great training opportunities this Summer@CanIL!  Language Learning, Literacy, Language Survey, Scripture in Use - all extremely valuable tracks and crucial ministry skills to put you in a place to bring hope to millions still waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus in their own heart language for the first time.

Once again, generous financial assistance is available at CanIL.  For further information, please feel free to contact Wendy at <canil_admissions@sil.org> or call at 604-513-2121 or toll-free 1-888-513-2129. Visit the CanIL website at: http://summer.canil.ca

Or, if you are ready to GO! check out our internship and volunteer vision work trips at  www.wycliffe.ca/involved/shortterm.html  Deadlines for summer Get Global (2 - 3 weeks) and Discovery (6 - 8 weeks) trips are approaching fast.  If you are interested in our Guatemala trip this spring, contact Jessica Dempster at jessica_dempster@wycliffe.ca  

Full on for Jesus!

Derryl Friesen
National Coordinator
Wycliffe Bible Translators
NextGen Ministries
403-616-5596

Vision is the world's most desperate need.  There are no hopeless situations, only people who think hopelessly.

Connect with mission hearted young adults:
Cafe Wycliffe                   www.wycliffe.ca/cafe
NextGen Ministries           www.wycliffe.ca/nextgen
Race to 2025                    www.raceto2025.org


Opportunities to Serve:

Our community needs people to serve, and as Christians it gives us a great opportunity to live out the Gospel! These groups don't require any skills or training beforehand, just a willing heart. If you want any more information, or if you've got other opportunities to serve, contact John MacMillan: jhamacmillan@gmail.com

John runs an English Practice meeting for ESL students. Meetings are on Mondays at 8 PM in OC 206, and will consist of reading the scriptures with ESL students. If you want to learn more of the English Language through reading scripture, or if you want to volunteer to help people learn, contact John.

Peterborough Northumberland Victim Services needs volunteers. You can help as a front-line crisis responder, or as support for victims going to court. Either one is a great chance to minister to victims of crime or family disputes, who need emotional support. To get involved, or for more information, email pnvs2@bellnet.ca, or call 748-0324.

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre needs volunteers for its 24-hour crisis line. They provide support to anyone who's been the target of sexual assault, harassment, or other victimization. To get involved, or for more info, email ksacvolunteers@nexicom.net or call 748-5901. NOTE: KSAC is currently taking female volunteers ONLY. Men, if you want to support victims of crime, talk to PNVS above.

Volunteer @ the Bridge:

Hey there TCF people!

I am the After School Program Coordinator with Youth For Christ Peterborough and I am looking for volunteers to work with kids ages 8-13 on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoons, starting in October. It's a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to kids in Peterborough who really need it. There will be organized games and activities, a tutoring/homework help component, opportunities to cook with the children, and time to share the gospel with the kids in creative ways. If any of these areas interest you, or if you have a passion for kids and for serving Jesus in a tangible way, please get in touch with me. These children need role models like you to take an interest in their lives and point them to the hope that is found in Christ. My number at home is (705)742-7471, and my e-mail is godsgirls13@hotmail.com.

Your sister in Him,

Melanie Shepherd

Community Advertisements

Apartment Near Zoo Available:

Nice clean 5 bdrm home across the street from the Zoo. 4 Car driveway & garage. Home features 3 rooms up and 2 down, 2 kitchens and 2 bthrms.  Sept entrances for each unit or keep open as one. Includes heat, hydro, internet, 2 x fridges, 2 x stoves, air conditioning, dishwasher, washer and dryer and some furniture. Fenced yard and rear deck. $400. per month. Nice home. Looking for responsible students. To view the home go to cathynichols.ca
Great landlord - Cathy Nichols.  705-772-2345 (cathynichols@remaxeastern.ca)


Need an Apartment?

East City Apartment (main floor 2 bedroom) available to rent for May 1! It is located in a beautiful location and backs onto parkland close to the Rotary Trail!  The apartment has high ceilings, hardwood floors
through-out, and is brightly painted.  A must see!  The apartment consists of shared Living / dining room, kitchen, and bathroom while having two large bedrooms. It has laundry facilities, basement storage space, a backyard, and parking.

$850/month, including heat.

Contact Henry Kater set up a viewing: 760 - 9929 or hskater@cogeco.ca


Looking for Apartment:

Responsible and honest student (Bryce O'Neill) is looking for a place to rent and stay next year, and for some Christian housemates. Contact at bryceoneill@trentu.ca.


Youth Worker Position

Lakefield Baptist Church has contacts us with an advertisement for a youth worker position that is opening up there. The position is paid part-time. To download the job description in .doc format, click here.


Looking for students interested in renting:

We are looking for two Christian females looking for a house to rent. It is just off of Armour Road, 3 minute walk to the bus stop, and a 5 minutes bus ride to Trent. It is a 5 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms, the condition of the house is excellent. We have two girls moving out this April so we need 2 girls to fill there spaces! If you would like more information please send us an e-mail and we will get in touch with you, acoates@live.ca.

George Street United Sunday School:

Hello!

I am the director of Sunday School at George Street United Church (located conveniently on George Street) and we have had the privelage of many Trent students as teachers in our program over the years. Unfortunately, we will be losing three fantastic teachers at the end of the school year. You may know Jessica, Emma and Rob. I am wondering if anyone in your group would like the fantastic experience (think how great this will look on your resume!) of helping to deliver the innovative and exciting Sunday School program starting next fall? Certainly you can participate anytime, but we really need some help in September.

If you can't teach, then please also consider joining us for Sunday services at 10am or on Wed. evenings at 7pm for a music filled exploration of the mysteries of faith. There is a very vibrant University/College/Career group that meet for dinner once a month as well (who doesn't like a free meal?) So, hopefully this hasn't landed in your junk mail. If anyone is interested or anyone has any idea how I might find people who are, please drop me a line or give me a call.

THANKS!

Kevin Vaughan
Christian Education Director
George Street United Church
742-4162
P.S. Don't be scared that you'd have to give up every Sunday. We would only
need you once a month



Looking for a Room:

Responsible Trent student, Nicholas, looking for a room. For reference call Joan at (613) 389-0920.

Closing Words

I hope you have enjoyed this edition of the Trent Christian Fellowship Weekly Newsletter. If you have any requests for content to go within the Weekly, please feel free to contact us at trentchristianfellowship@gmail.com.

As always, if you are in need of confidential help, you can contact our community care at tcfcommunitycare@hotmail.com. Please specify "for male" or "for female" in the subject header if it is something you wish to have addressed by someone of a specific gender.

For an archive of all of our Weekly Newsletters, click here.

Thank you for your interest in the Trent Christian Fellowship. May God be glorified through us all.

Because Jesus lives,

Sam (TCF's Communications Coordinator in training)