Sent November 1, 2011

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

“One thing that I miss about college is how easy it was to find community. With Navs, it seemed I never had to search for it. It was always right there. Even outside of structured events like Nav Nite, there were chance meetings on campus. Or study sessions and spontaneous road trips—all of which fostered Christian community and fellowship. After college, that changed.”

Wes McElhany, a 2009 graduate from Texas Tech, continues. “After graduating, my schedule went from free and flexible to structured and repetitive. The fellowship that had once happened so effortlessly was gone. And in its absence, my desire to walk with God began to diminish.”

“What I discovered is that the Christian walk is not lived out just by reading the Bible in solitude every morning. Is that needed? Absolutely! But the Christian life is also meant to be lived out with fellow believers. Fellowship is one of the principal foundations upon which the Christian life is built.”

“Fellowship is not just coming together to study the Bible—it’s living out all facets of life together. Celebrate, mourn, eat and recreate together. Support each other, sharpen one another, and enjoy the company of fellow believers all for the glory of God.”

“Finding this kind of fellowship now takes more thought and initiative. Get involved at your church. Find a Bible study or small group. Make a conscious effort to live all of life alongside fellow believers and your walk with God will flourish.”

What Wes shares is important. Life lived alone can become pretty small or even dark. Remember Hebrews 10:24-25. Let’s encourage one another daily. Next to staying close to Jesus to be refreshed, is staying close to some like-hearted friends. You might also consider City Life, where like-hearted friends can experience community and purpose. And you can add yourself to the map on NavConnect. Check it occasionally to see if others have moved close to you.

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Serving graduates with The Navigators

Sent June 29, 2011

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

“In a recent conversation, a college student sighed, then complained about his 8am final the next day. I smiled. I remember those days when 8am classes and finals seemed like a death sentence and were to be avoided at all costs. But now in the workforce, I quickly learned that 10:30am in sweats doesn’t quite cut it in the professional world.”

Lauren Hlushak, a 2005 graduate from Florida State University, continues. “Most graduates land a typical 40-50 hour a week job, which lacks the freedom and flexibility of the college life. With smaller windows of freedom, I have found that spending time with God often gets shortened or pushed aside. I am grateful for my involvement with The Navigators in college where I learned and experienced the value of reading the Word and connecting with God daily. That foundation of quiet times and prayer set me up to desire Jesus in the hectic busy world of professionalism.”

“Still, I confess it is a fight to keep Jesus my focus. This world is full of troubles, concerns, desires, and distractions that lure us away from our first love. As you also face the challenges and demands of your work, I urge you to make time for Jesus daily. Jesus really is the only thing worth living for and we can forget that when we spend a lot of time in the world apart from His truth. Make time for Jesus. Make time for truth.”

I appreciate what Lauren shared. I pray daily for myself and my family to have a pure and simple devotion to Christ, 2 Corinthians 11:3. Time with Him in His Word is the relational foundation. It will refresh, connect, cleanse, correct, direct, teach, renew, and more. Let us make time to continually feed our hearts and minds on His Word.

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Serving graduates with The Navigators

P.S. Check out the just-posted article by Steve Brown entitled Personal Spiritual Warfare.

Sent April 8, 2011

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

As you walk with the Lord at home, on-the-job, and wherever God has you, here are a couple of excellent articles that will benefit and encourage you.

Professionalism in the New Normal
“Profound seismic shifts in global power, institutions, and systems have created a “new normal” in the work world …We must therefore change our mindset and understand what is changing because companies are changing how they think about you and me and others they may employ or contract.”

“We must embrace new ways to think about work and what it means to be a professional today. Just what is this “new normal?” How do I successfully work in it?” Read more

Astonished by Jesus
“From the very beginning Jesus has astonished humanity…I have found myself being especially astonished by Jesus in three connected ways. First, I am overwhelmed by Jesus’ jealous love and heart for me, us and his whole creation. Second, I am in awe how his jealous love for us moves him and propels him on a rescue mission…And third….” Read more

As you walk with the Savior, may He continue to bless and keep and lead you according to His excellent purposes. Also, consider adding yourself to the NavConnect map and find others of like heart.

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Serving graduates with The Navigators

Sent November 1, 2010

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

"I wish I had a big story about how some heathen friend at work became a believer after constant prayer and me witnessing to them day in and day out. But I don’t right now. Looking back over the past five years since college, one thing I’ve learned is that life is hard. Yet I couldn’t imagine how hard life would be without the foundation of Christ."

"In the corporate world, I have been fairly successful. I also married a wonderful woman and was able to buy a home in Dallas. Things seemed to fly by. Then my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly. It caused a ripple effect within my wife’s family that I was not ready for. My job also became a constant challenge just to be there. Plus many other things pulled me in multiple directions needing my attention or time."

"At times I wanted to run. At times I wanted to quit. At other times I just wanted to sit on the couch and do nothing at all. Many times I didn’t even want to spend time with God."

"But the foundation built back in college with Navs—having quiet times with the Lord, having deep and meaningful relationships with other Christian men, and the faith that no matter how dark things seem to get, my Savior is walking by my side—is a comfort and rock that I have that the people working next to me may not."

“I’ve learned it is not always about telling your co-worker that they need Jesus at the first chance you get when they share a personal problem with you. It is about living side by side with your co-workers. It is about living differently, living in a way that shines Jesus. Sticking to the foundations and spiritual disciplines learned in Christ has helped me shine the Savior."

This is some of what Josh Rangel is learning as he and his wife Bess live and work in Texas. Josh is a 2004 graduate of Texas Tech.

I have also had the privilege of getting to know Josh over the last several months. He is “good seed” like Jesus talks about in Matthew 13:36-39. The Gospel is advancing in Josh’s whole approach to life and work that has a striking Kingdom aroma. Just as the seed needs the right input of sun, water and nutrients, so we need the ongoing nurture of Jesus, some good friends, a kingdom vision and the disciplines.

May the Lord continue to provide His picture for your life in the Kingdom right where He has planted you. If it fits your situation, perhaps we can be an encouragement. There are a growing number of people, resources and opportunities to enable you to be good seed. Visit NavConnect. Check out the new articles. Add yourself to the map and find others of like heart. Look at the regional sites. Consider City Life.

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Serving graduates with The Navigators

Sent June 15, 2010

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

Insecure.
Awkward.
Lonely.
Lack of control.
Lack of belonging.
Everyone in different places.

"As 15 of us - all in our twenties - sat around our living room, several of us verbalized these words and impressions which described how we felt. Interestingly, this conversation came from recollections of what it was like to go through the torrent of hormones, emotions, and major adjustments from puberty during our teen years!"

"And interestingly, these same words capture how we feel now as college graduates, living and working in the 'real world.' It makes me wonder, is there a somewhat similar season of major change after college that is rooted in our emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth?"

"I would say yes. For many of us in general, while growing up and going to school, we were among our peers doing largely similar things. However, after college, we face a new environment. Often, we're away from what was familiar. We're paying our own rent and bills now. We might work in an office where the average co-worker is 50 years old. Maybe the exciting idea of the 'real world' that loomed with promise is overshadowed by our 50- or 60-hour work week. It's easy to longingly look back on a group of friends in which we felt a part of something, in which we knew and were known."

"It is normal to struggle with making new friends now. It is common to wrestle with the many adjustments to the work world. It is normal to feel lonely."

“My wife Beth and I find comfort during this post-college time because the Holy Spirit has graciously painted a clearer picture of Jesus for us. Although I can rattle off verses about God’s love for me, I still struggle with this crazy thinking that Jesus looks over my life after college with His arms folded and, though He loves me overall, He is at least a little disappointed. Probably a lot disappointed."

"However, I love that He not only sees our struggles of transition and loneliness and so on, He has experienced them! Matthew 12:20-21 is true for me and you right where we are: 'He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle . . . and His Name will be the hope of all the world.' He is with us! He cares deeply for you and me."

This is some of what John and Beth Starke are learning alongside fellow 20-somethings with The Navigators 20s Mission in Austin. John is a graduate from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Last month I sat in a living room with some graduates listening to their hearts. Katie shared with passion and tears the vacuum she faced coming from a thriving Nav ministry into her Kingdom calling of teaching 6th graders. She also communicated the truths that John shared above. Jesus is alive, aware, present and at work. Her depth and growth were evident.

Taking practical steps to stay connected with Christ and others is critical in this turbulent and exciting transition. The Navconnect site can help. We have added new articles by Jim Luebe and others, a new video from Mike Jordahl about some exciting opportunities, plus a new "Map" button. Check it out!

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Serving graduates with The Navigators

Sent December 10, 2009

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

In the midst of all that is coming up in the next few weeks, I wanted to let you know about two new and different resources. Both are outstanding, helpful, and empowering. One is about money. The other is about relationships and God’s incredible faithfulness. Both of these may also be exactly what you are looking for.

Personal Budgeting
John Scrofano is a fellow Navigator graduate who recently wrote the excellent article, Budgeting 101: Let the Excitement Begin! It’s posted on NavConnect, so click on it and take a look. You may find what Greg discovered. Greg said,

“Often I find budgeting information a bit tedious. But after reading this article, I marveled at what a great and practical resource it is. Thanks!”

John shares from his experience and outlines practical steps in how, why, and where to start with personal budgeting. If you already have a budget, these tips can enhance what you are already doing. A budget empowers! It facilitates you to accomplish goals and can be a starting point to work your way out of debt if needed. Plus, a budget enables you to let your money work for you. Check it out.

Love Worth the Wait – Trusting God for Real Romance and Real Relationship
This is the title of the new book I am reading, and it is impressive. It’s written by Navigator staff Sandy Weyeneth who has lived it! The feedback is excellent from men and women, single and married. It’s also much more than an impossible love story told through engaging and witty emails between Sandy and the wonderful man who pursued her.

It is a book that can be used in ministry with your friends as well. Don’t worry—it’s not another book about singleness or dating. It’s deeper and much more. Part 2 includes chapters on: Is This “The One”?, The Power of a Kiss, The Fabulous and Freeing Pure Lifestyle, and Living with Unmet Desires.

“As soon as I started reading, I was drawn right in. Read it in one sitting. I nearly fell off my seat laughing in a couple of places.”

To find out more and to order the book, go to: www.loveworththewait.com. It might be just the thing for a Christmas gift.

Love Incarnate
I trust these resources will benefit you in every way. We appreciate you. As we reflect on our Savior’s birth this Christmas, let’s praise and worship our Lord Jesus who is worthy. He is our Love Incarnate!

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Navigator Director of Ministry to Graduates

Sent September 14, 2009

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

You graduated from college recently. You might be looking for a job. Or maybe you’ve been working for a few years now. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a few friends with a similar heart and passion for Jesus who live near you? Wouldn’t it be great to team up with them? Also, how great would it be if your not-yet-believing friends could hang out with your “team” so they could experience a fuller picture of who Jesus is? And you could have lots of fun doing all of this!

That captures the heart of Kris and Katrina Warnemuende, Navigator 20s Mission staff in Detroit. Maybe that resonates with you as well. In a recent interview with Kris, he explains:

“After graduating from the University of Michigan, I was looking for a group or team like this, but it was hard to find. I found that I needed to be very intentional in pursuing relationships like these. I think others who were involved in Navs during college may also have a hard time finding that same sense of connecting and teaming for Christ off campus.”

“A group like this really helps you live out the Gospel among your not-yet-believing friends. You’re connected with a ‘team.’ Your life is enriched through these friendships. And, you can expose your not-yet-believing friends to something bigger than yourself, something that helps them see and experience the reality of Jesus in more ways. Our community becomes a place for that to happen. That is our desire.”

“In Detroit, we have a team of seven people, committed together. We’ve spent several months getting to know one another, and in Bible study, and now we want to be more intentional about ‘sharing’ our not-yet-believing friends with one another so they can see and experience a bigger picture of the reality of Christ. This will probably mean more parties! We’re learning as we go and excited to step ahead with all this! We’re also asking God to reveal Himself and draw our friends to faith and new life in Jesus.”

What Kris and Katrina have shared is encouraging. I have a growing conviction that we need three things to continue to live for Jesus and bring His love to friends and family: 1) A "Kingdom vision" that God is at work at every moment right where we are, 2) An "alongsider" who is a little farther along and available for support and encouragement, and 3) “Like-hearted” friends.

I had a conversation with Josh last month. He had been a student leader in a great Nav university ministry. He has worked as an engineer the last three years. He told me, “The transition from the college world to the work world is challenging. The choices you make about who you surround yourself with will have a significant impact.” It takes initiative and the Lord’s grace to find some friends of “like heart.” May it be so for you and me.

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Navigator Director of Ministry to Graduates

Sent June 18, 2009

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

• When: July 30 – August 2
• Where: Chicago, Illinois
• Hosted by: b2g (better2gether), The Navigators ministry for 20-somethings
• Info and Registration: Live Inspired website.

• Finding like hearted friends seems harder out here. What would it take to find or develop the kind of community I know I really need?
• The way I used to walk with God doesn't fit my lifestyle any more - I'm so busy! What can I do? Is there a way to integrate God into the things I'm doing now?
• Out here, what does it mean for me to be engaged in God&'s mission? What is God's mission?
• What does it mean to live "among the lost"? How do I do that?

Mark Lewis
Navigator Director of Ministry to Graduates

Sent March 3, 2009

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

"I never anticipated it would change this much."

"In college, I was involved in lots of Bible studies and one-on-ones which kept me in the Word constantly. I had plenty of time to spend with the Lord and enjoyed it! As graduation approached, friends cautioned me that my ministry and community would look different once I finished college and entered the workplace. So after graduating, I expected some changes, yet one thing I did not anticipate changing was my personal time with the Lord."

"With my first job, I had to get up early in the morning and was exhausted after returning home from work. For the first few months, I couldn't figure out how to have the same kind of quiet times as I’d had in college. I became discouraged and felt guilty all the time."

"Once I realized that my time with the Lord would look different now, I began to relax and try new and creative things that fit more of my schedule. Sometimes after work, feeling tired and worn out from being around people all day, I'd drive up into the mountains and have some quiet time with the Lord. It wasn't structured; it was a time to reflect on the day and just be with the Lord."

"I also took a small Bible to work and kept it in my desk to read during my lunch hour when others went to lunch, or sometimes in the morning before others arrived. If a verse was especially applicable or encouraging, I wrote it down on a small card and put it in my desk to encourage me throughout the day when I opened that drawer. Another example is a friend of mine. During her hour commute to her job, she often listens to the Bible on CD in her car."

This is some of what Aimee Hodges, a 2004 Colorado State University graduate, learned during her first few years out of college. She encourages you that whatever your work schedule or situation, instead of letting your time with the Lord dry up, try some new things!

The Lord wants to meet with you. In His very being God is relational. He is not simply a Power who impersonally creates and controls. A pre-eminent quality of our Father, Son and Holy Spirit is Love. God is a great Lover, in fact the greatest Lover. He loves us and loves to be with us!

Aimee's thoughts lead us to new and creative ways to walk in relationship and communication with the One who bleeds His love for us. The One who quietly fills the words of the Bible and even nature itself with His very breath. There is no greater thing we can do than to stay relationally connected with Him. May He continue to capture our attention and our affection day by day.

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Navigator Director of Ministry to Graduates

An upcoming event: Live INSPIRED.
b2g National Gathering in Chicago, IL. July 30 - August 2nd

Come and be inspired by like-minded 20-something friends who live inspired by Jesus and his teachings, people who are uniquely living out this inspiration right where they are. This gathering is a time to share, experience and hear about the unfolding story of lives missionally connected to God and to others. For more information: www.b2g.org/live-inspired

Sent November 21, 2008

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm writing to let you know about some new things for you on NavConnect.

As you know, NavConnect is designed for you as someone who was involved with The Navigators in college. We desire to walk along side you and help you during this time of transition, new things, and all that God has for you in this next chapter of life.

What's New - Articles you may resonate with! Check out:

Four Things I Wish I Knew Right After College
From a woman who experienced some surprises and new realities in living on her own, here are practical tips.

Two Decisions That Shaped My Life
Great insight from The Navigator's International President, Mike Treener.

Into the Nations - Will God Send Me to Africa?
From a man who nervously asked that very question.

Having Soul Friendship and Community
Discover a few ways you can pursue soul friendship and godly spiritual community.

Coming Soon
In a few weeks, look for another article about how to get out of debt. An alumni who previewed the article said, "I am deep in debt and appreciate the advice you gave on how to get out of it."

Worthy Pursuit
Life can be filled with a lot of "white noise." Because of my own heart clutter a couple of days ago, I looked back at the words of Jesus in Mark 4:19 - how the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Keeping a clear, simple Hi def focus on Jesus and His Word in the "static" of life is a miracle. But, it's one worth pursuing.

In the articles above, friends who are with you in the journey have shared some thoughts that have helped them. I pray that as you check these out, some clutter will clear. May Christ continue to rule in and through you to our needy world.

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Navigator Director of Ministry to Graduates

Sent August 7, 2008

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

"One of the biggest obstacles for me after college was how to develop friendships and ministries with people in vastly different stages of life than where I was, writes Lyndsi Parker." She continues:

After graduating from the University of Texas in 2005, I began working as an engineer at IBM. In my new department, there were twenty men and only one other woman. On top of that, over half of my co-workers were twenty or more years older than me! All but three were married, and most of these couples also had children.

Thinking back to college, nearly everyone you meet is close to your age and at the same life stage. This promotes deep friendships and opens doors for witnessing. However, in the workplace I found it difficult to connect with my co-workers—most of whom had kids my age—let alone share my faith! I felt alone and out of place. At work, it takes considerable time to earn the respect of people who have been there many years before me.

Yet, over many months, God gave that respect and blessed these relationships through my availability and willingness to participate. I also enjoyed getting to know other women who worked on my floor. By getting involved with them and what others were doing, such as going out to lunch, coffee breaks, and playing cards, I got to know them on a heart level. God even had me complete a half mile swim for a co-worker, Yvonne, who wanted to compete in a triathlon, and I had no previous formal swim training!

It took months for doors to open up, but deeper friendships formed at the office, and I began sharing my faith more openly and vulnerably. Also being married now, it has been nice to have my husband join me in activities with co-workers too.

Can you relate to Lyndsi’s story? I appreciate her desire to share her life and faith in Christ, and how she eventually stepped beyond feeling alone. She adapted to a different workplace environment and new realities. How are you doing with that? Are you willing to be available to co-workers and willing to participate in things with them? God often uses these to build friendships and create bridges that allow you and I to communicate with others about knowing Jesus and what that means.

For our Lord and Savior,

Mark Lewis
Navigator Director of Ministry to Graduates

Sent February 28, 2008

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

"After graduating from Dartmouth College in 2001, I was excited to land a job as a high school English teacher. I was also excited by Psalm 84:11, 'The LORD withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly,' because it seemed to guarantee that my life would be like a romantic comedy. I would get married, settle into a fulfilling vocation for God's kingdom, and find an encouraging community. Instead, I found myself sobbing on the floor of my new apartment in North Carolina."

That is what Danielle Davey wrote last week, after we asked her to tell us something she has learned since her years of involvement with The Navigators while at Dartmouth. Danielle continues:

"My apartment had no furniture. I had believed I would marry my boyfriend, but we had just broken up. I didn't know anyone else in the whole state. In my classroom, I faced a wall of wry teenagers while attempting to enforce the 'no bare midriff' dress code. I began to wonder, just what does this 'withholds no good thing' mean?"

"Over the next five years, I endured two more discouraging break-ups, extreme challenges in my teaching job, and seasons of significant emotional darkness. I was surprised and disappointed. But why?"

"You see, I was living in the wrong story. I had assumed that as God's daughter, I could write my own life story. But there is a different story — a better one. Jesus didn't have a lucrative career, write a book, get married, live in the suburbs, or retire to spend weekends at the lake house. He worked as a carpenter and itinerant preacher, spent his time with sick, strange, and poor people, and constantly clashed with religious leaders. While only 33-years old, he was deserted by his friends, unjustly accused, and died a gruesome death on a cross."

"The key to this story is the cross. Seeing my life through the lens of the cross turned everything upside down. Just as Jesus Christ's death brings true life, my own tragedies and trials were really triumphs, because through them, God set me free from the prison of living my small story. In God's story, I can joyfully pursue the happiest ending of all, 'His kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.' He does indeed, withhold no good thing."

As you reflect on your life, how is it going? Like Danielle, will you and I bring our disappointments, tragedies and trials to the cross so God can set us free?

The Navigators continue to care for you through the challenges and changes you face. If you would like to connect with someone who can help and encourage you wherever you live, simply reply and give us your contact information. Wherever possible, we'll forward this to a Navigator staff or another person in your area and have them contact you.

Let's continue to come to the cross and to His wonderful grace,

Mike Jordahl
The Navigators Collegiate Ministry Director

Sent November 27, 2007

Dear Navigator Collegiate Alumni,

"Earlier this year I was being candid with my management team and said, 'So let me make sure I understand what you're asking me to do: you want me to move my family across the country to run a project implementing our flagship software product - that I've never used - for our largest client - whose business practices I know nothing about?'  My boss smiled and replied, 'I'm glad you understand what you're saying yes to, Brian.'"

That is what Brian Ulrich wrote recently, after I asked him to tell us about something he has learned since his recent involvement with The Navigators during college. Brian continues:

"Looking back I thought my years at Texas Tech University kept me plenty busy with school work, involvement with The Navigators, friends, spiritually growing, and more, but that was nothing compared to the past few years since I graduated in 2003! Over the past four years I've lived in three states in three different time zones and I've had three different jobs in three different career fields. I've lived in four apartments, two houses, and I have a new marriage and new friends as well."

"Working in everything from sales to college ministry to IT project management, God has seen fit to keep me on my toes in terms of my career and my life.  He continually works for my good despite my well-intentioned efforts to plan my own future.  He has been faithful to shift the questions of my heart, albeit slowly, from "What am I supposed to be doing again, Lord?" to 'Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143)'".

"While tomorrow is as much up in air as it was on the day I got my diploma, God has taught me to take risks and trust Him – in my career, my finances, my marriage, and my relationships.  Even when it doesn't make sense to me, He always has my best interests in mind."

Can you relate to parts of Brian's life? To change? To letting the Lord who loves you work new and deeper things in your heart?

The Navigators continue to care for you through the challenges and changes you face. We also want to help empower you as a life-long follower of Jesus Christ. If you would like to connect with someone who can help you wherever you live, let us know your contact information. Wherever possible, we'll forward this to a Navigator staff or recent alumni in your area and have them contact you. Email us at: NavConnect@navigators.org.

Also, next year we plan to launch a new website by the same name:  NavConnect.org. The idea is to help empower you as you follow Christ. You can give feedback, find resources, find old and new friends, find opportunities for life and mission, and keep connecting. We'll let you know when it launches.

Let's keep lifting our eyes up to our Savior, the Faithful One.

Mike Jordahl
The Navigators Collegiate Ministry