Two years in Texas... What's next?

July 10, 2016

On July 10, 2014 - exactly two years ago today - I packed up a truck and moved everything I owned from tornado alley in the Midwest to hot and humid College Station, Texas. I had only undertaken such a thing once before in my life. In 2004, after graduating college with a degree in computer science, I left a prestigious tech job in New Hampshire and decided to give my life to full-time ministry. There have been many ups and downs since then, but God has been so faithful through it all.

What an adventure the last two years in particular have been! I never thought I would be involved in campus ministry. Pouring out my time, talents, and treasures for college students at Texas A&M University has been one of the most difficult but most rewarding and fruitful experiences of my life in full-time ministry. As this author who has a similar story to myself recently said, I certainly do not think I’ve wasted my skills, nor do I have any regret for leaving the high-paying computer field to be a support raising missionary. I count the worldly success I had as loss for the sake of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-8) and making Him known to others.


I’ve made so many friends who I love and care for deeply. I’ve had unbelievable opportunities to talk about Jesus at special events, retreats, and local churches. I’ve been able to teach the Bible through regular small group Bible studies and to encourage many to not give up on their faith through regular discipleship. I’ve mentored students and strengthened them from my own experiences in college as well as the last decade in ministry.

On a personal level, I’ve grown in my faith and knowledge of the Scriptures as I’ve been profoundly encouraged through my fellow missionaries, pastors, ministry leaders, and friends in the Malachi Network and the Daniel Training Network. And realizing I’m no longer a teenager, I’ve also improved my health and fitness as I’ve come to absolutely love cycling.

Though I am no longer behind a keyboard on a stage in front of thousands (which, to some, may seem like a demotion - I don’t see it that way at all!), I know God has purposely put me here and I am more excited about it than ever. By His strength in my weakness, I will continue to personally invest in the lives of young adults so that they will go on to lead God-honoring lives, filled with the hope of eternal life and eagerness for Jesus’ return. Several that I’ve mentored over the last couple of years have recently graduated and will begin working this fall, motivated to strengthen the faith of their families and grow with their local churches. Others have decided to dedicate a season of their lives to missions overseas. Even with all my inadequacies and shortcomings, I’m in awe of how God has already used me. I can't wait to see what's in store for the future.

So, what's next?

I’m excited to continue to answer God's call to make mature disciples of Jesus here in College Station. I’m grateful for the team of people God has surrounded me with who not only see the importance of campus ministry, but want to share in a bountiful inheritance on the Last Day of those who have held to their faith in Jesus. If my story touches your heart in any way, would you consider joining my team of prayer and financial partners? I rely on the generosity of the body of Christ to continue in full-time ministry, and I would be honored to have you join me as we impact students together. For more information, you can contact me or view this page. God bless you!

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About the author

Joshua Hawkins is a pastor, Bible teacher, and content creator for disciples of Jesus from College Station, Texas. He co-hosts The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast, a weekly audio show exploring how a first century Jew would have understood the Gospel. He's also an all-around tech nerd and enjoys road cycling.

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