Please pray, we are in a pretty crappy situation at the moment. We have lost our room reservations for the rest of the year, which could potentially destroy our ministry. Yes, we did something wrong, we did break a rule, but we had no idea the repercussions would be so severe. Here's the situation in more detail, if you wanna know:
We basically had an event outside of the Marshall Center to share the gospel, even though they denied our request to hold that event (our request was made only about 12 business days in advance, not the required 14... a rule which they have only very recently began to enforce). We had actually put in requests for 3 events and they all got denied.... but we figured we'd try to do this one anyway, because we really felt a need to share the gospel in this way. We figured if they had a problem they'd ask us to leave, and we would politely pack up and leave. Well, nobody asked us to move all day, and we had a great response from students... and then that night, Jeremy and Melyssa received an email informing us that we have lost our room reservations for the year. Meaning, we have no space for Common Ground, for leadership meetings... and for our special JJP event tomorrow, "Common Ground with the Voiceless."
It's really discouraging. It broke my heart when they told me this... it is so easy to take our room away, but by doing that, they don't understand how badly they hurt our community... our family. At first I was angry that we decided to break the rule, because of the amount of trouble we got into, and the fact that the Bible says we must respect authority... but then I thought about it, and I realized that because of what we did, about 50 students heard the gospel that day alone, and they were all really receptive to it. I think we got a lot of students to see a side of Jesus they did not know existed. We are to respect authority to the point that it doesn't go against God... and he definitely has commanded to preach the gospel to all nations.
Plus, yes we broke a rule... but we were OUTSIDE. And not disturbing anyone. Polite. Friendly. Informative. We have been an organization at USF for over 15 years, and have in that time requested over 900 rooms for events and meetings... and in all that time we have never broken a rule. We have always listened to them, even when they have been completely unfair (like this year, when they approved an event, and then changed their minds about it not even two days before the event took place... we just accepted it). And now the first time something goes wrong, they take our rooms away for the year?? It's absurd, and injust. The Marshall Center is for STUDENTS but they have been ridiculous about denying us this year. It's not just our orginization either... I have heard about 3 others who are having difficulties as well.
The good news is that after a day of headaches and meetings, we got a room confirmed for next semester (which is a huge relief!), but we're still without a home for this semester. Why do my groups always get kicked out of places?? The Underground got kicked out of its "home" at the Improv a year or so ago, and they hadn't even broken a rule or anything!!
Anyway. I am trying to reassure myself that we do not need a room... we do not need anything but Jesus. At the same time, though, I worry about new students who may not be connected enough right now to continue coming after this madness has settled back down. The leadership will be fine, the core group will be fine... I am just worried about the newer kids. But I have faith that God will provide and keep us together.
Anyways, prayers would be appreciated. Thanks. I will try not to let "the man" get me down... and to remember that even the Son of Man had no place to lay his head.
