"I know that God really is Good" Dipo, Jr. @ BSU 11/15/09

Dipo, Jr. @ Bowie State University
President of African Student Association & a brother in the ministry.

“During this Fall semester, I'm beginning to understand what it means to live for Christ. I used to believe that I would always succeed in leading people to Jesus due to the happiness and good counsel He has given me. I used to believe that because I knew Jesus, I knew everything about everything. Now, I understand that the road to destruction/death is, indeed, very broad; thus, I pray for patience and compassion for Jesus while attempting to manifest His love. Now, I understand that in order to become the light of the world, I must first acknowledge that I am in the dark--that is, I know nothing about anything. Now, I understand how much grace and mercy God supplies me daily. It's almost embarrassing, but I just praise Him all the while. I guess now I know that God really is good.”

The Refiners Fire & Growing Pains in Leadership 11/12/09

I was reading Spiritual Leadership By: J. Oswald Sanders because it is part of my mandatory curriculum as I'm being intentionally developed in ministry. It is an amazing book

So far a big take way that i took out of this is that...

In leadership our flaws are magnified and put in the light. In leadership our fear in our own inadequacies are constantly competing with Our faith in Gods Grace.

To be used by God is to Grow closer to God. and if we want to grow closer to Him it is going to Hurt.

Growing pains, We should not run from them, but embrace them.

Zechariah 13:9
And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, 'They are My people,' And they will say, 'The LORD is my God.'"

Spiritual Highs and Reality Check 11/4/09

Last week was amazing. I had the opportunity to go to San Destin Florida for the Navigators National Collegiate conference. I got to here Jerry Bridges, and many other amazing speakers, went to workshops, and just got to fellowship with friends from many campuses. I came back to Maryland refreshed, excited, bolder, and just ready to head back to campus. I was especially excited because the freshmen led last week and had an amazing turnout while we were gone.

Today I went to campus to Co-lead the Men's prayer group with Jeremiah because Eshon had football practice. As I walked into the Freshmen men's dorms, the mood was different. Then I saw women walking in and out accompanied by the freshmen men. It happens to be the week visitation begins, therefore this is the week were we really see what these freshmen are about.

Today 3 Men showed up, Jeremiah, Auburn and Malcolm. Three faithful men I might add. And we had an amazing time digging in the scriptures for about 2 hours, talking about everything, and getting excited, none of us wanted to stop but I knew they had homework to do.

We talked about how to create a grace filled environment in our ever changing men's prayer group, where now it seemed that SHAME was going to be a huge deal that would keep people from coming.

Jeremiah said we need to be authentic men not ashamed of what we believe in
Romans 1:16

Auburn Said we need to Have an active love, spending time with our brothers ans sacrificing for them
Psalms 91:9-16

Malcolm said we need to Be Wise men, applying what the word teaches us, learning how to trust God. Like
Proverbs 7.

IT WAS A BLESSING, Just Wanted to share an update from today!!


Please Pray that the men in Holmes hall will come to an understanding that Gods Grace covers their sin just like it covers mine.
Romans 5:11

And Please Pray for Robert Daniels, he is feeling sick, coughing up Flem, he is going to Doctors tomorrow.

I am Back in California for a few weeks!

Great Weather. Getting time to hang out with family friends, Updates everyone on all that God has Done while I was on the east Coast. And Searching for MOre Financial PArtners who want to Pour out thier blessings on the Bowie State University Ministry As I return for a second year. Im growing a Lot. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me. Im leaving Early June To go back to the East coast. North Carolina.



http://www.navigators.org/us/staff/bornes

Interested in finding out where im going to be this summer?




- I have been accepted into a Navigators summer mission program called Urban Hope. From June 3- August 5

- 40 kids Focusing on entrepreneurial and career development, economic development, spiritual development, and recreation.
- I am excited to have the opportunity to share my life with the campers this summer and loving them the way God does.

Watch this!! New Video...

Click HERE

Thank you for Partnering with me in this Ministry. Your prayers and financial support has been huge blessing for me.

As of Jan. 19, 2009, I currently have 89% of my support raised; through one time gifts and pledges. I am trusting God to put it on your hearts to fulfill the rest, so i can continue to build into the lives of college students full time and not have to worry about finances. I still need to raise $2,800. If God leads you to be a part of my ministry support family, there are 2 ways you can give; Online through navstaff.org/bornes ,

YOU WILL RECEIVE A RECIEPT IN THE MAIL, ALL GIFTS ARE TAX REFUNDABLE.

Hopefully you walked into the blessing of God today!
Brandon Bornes

Whoever said that the Bible isn't relevant for today...was probably illiterate, cause every time i open the pages, it speaks life to my spirit.

God is good...that's the first thing that comes to my mind whenever I reflect on where I'm at and how God brought me here. I was talking to a friend from Bowie yesterday and he said that he wants to invest his life into something that has worth, something that's going to last. He started naming all the things he was involved with on campus.. and how they were keeping him from spending quality time towards the things of God. He was struggling with the prioritizing the right things. This is something that we all struggle with. How hard is it to let God be our God? It is really hard. I am excited because I get to learn and grow with this student as we figure out what it means to put God first.

During this time in between semesters, I have be able to really dive into and marinate in the life of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses. It is amazing. The struggles they went through, the faith they had, the drama between broken families..and soo much more. I'm going to have a lot of fun seeing God move next semester on campus as I get to talk about these life lessons with students more. Whoever said that the Bible isn't relevant for today...was probably illiterate, cause every time i open the pages, it speaks life to my spirit.and give me direction.

I am still Alive and Breathing

Months have passed since I wrote in this blog. I am going to update everyone with what God has been doing in my life within the next week. Following him is exciting (:

Exodus 3:11-15
11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"
12 And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."
13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"
14 God said to Moses, "I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "
15 God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.

Bible Wars

I'm Stepping up my game in the verse memorization department. I grew up in AWANAS, and back then they had me memorize everything in NKJV, So I got remnants of that in my head, Im reading NASB now, and Memorizing Verses in NIV because its the easiest version for me. You can tell how that could cause problems. So Marvin gave me the advice to just go back to NKJV, cause he had the same problem, but im fight the sytem right now. I love my NASB and NIV. THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!

Exciting Day

God let me cross paths with a lot of young men today that I got to build relationships with, get into the word with, and just share life, testimonies and what God has been doing. I also Got to share the gospel with a young man today and pray with him which is a miracle. It was a very blessed, exciting day.

Do you beleive we are forgiven?

A motivational verse that one of the Men I met with today was Psalms 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” He said it motivates him when he gets discouraged about life’s struggles he deals with. To know that God forgives. Many times we forget to rejoice for the forgiveness we have been given. God is Good

The heart of a Man who Longs after God...priceless

I met with a young man today and we had the opportunity to get into the word for about an hour and just talk about life. and where we are at, what God has been revealing to us and where we are headed. It was great. I know God had our paths cross for a reason. He has a heart to lead, take chances, grow in his faith, and he is teachable, and full of life. I know God is preparing him for somthing great, but i have no clue what for.. (: to be continued...

I also got to spend time with a nother Man who is excited to see what God is giong to do on the campus, it is evident that God has also been preparing him. I have been blessed to get to know some men on campus with character, integrity, passion and a heart to serve God...No matter if they have the tools, if it fits in thier schedule. And thats what I love to see, people who want to serve God where they are at in life. And not wait till they get to where they want to be.

God is Good

Leadership meeting

God keeps amazing me every day. Its like a great story that constantly has a “to be continued” at the end of the day, just before I about to find out what Gods plan is. Every day I’m excited to watch God work. Today we had a leadership meeting. 2 women and 2 men showed up wanted to learn how to how to lead. They saw a need on campus for and stepped up in faith to the challenge. God is working on thier hearts, and I cant wait to see the fruit that comes from this adventrure.

Divine Appointment on Metro

This morning I had a great quiet time and mini bible study with Taylor, Zack and Marvin Campell. We went thru scriptures in the old and new testament that talked about how we should honor God with our best.

I rode the metro to school today, and God encouraged me even before I hit campus. I was sitting on the bench waiting for the bus to arrive and God woke me up. There was an older lady standing in front of me. So I got up and offered her my seat. As I walked away to stand near the side of the benches, I met a football player from Bowie state, We talked a little bit, about why I am here on the campus, and about his faith. Then he told me that he was trying to start up a mens bible study on with some other football players, but they had to get a time organizaed and really expressed a need to be equipped. I got really excited and my heart started racing, God is good, and he provides in his timing. Him and I talked all the way to bowie and I shared the vision that God gave me for men on this campus, and how I just wanted to help them grow in Christ. God arranged that meeting today, even before I got to campus, to encourage me the rest of the day. Today is a Good day that the lord has made.

I want "Change" too

32% of men at Bowie campus Graduate, I want to change that. more than 75% of the people that I talked to who claimed to be Christian on Bowie Campus, did not mention Jesus in their definition of what it means to be a Christian. I want to change that. I don’t want people to think they are saved, I want people to know that they are saved. Men on this campus are shying away from leadership roles, shying away from responsibility and accountability, I want to change that. Men on this campus are afraid to state what’s right and what’s wrong, I want to change that. I want to bring back Chivalry with no ulterior motives. I want to change a lot of things on this campus and prepare Men for life, and Prepare men for leadership, prepare men for success, and prepare men to have families. And most of All show men how to find their completeness in Christ.

First meeting of Mens group was amazing.

God moves. We had our first men’s bible discussion group today. We met in the library, second floor. 4 people showed up. I guy showed up that I didn’t call, but he was really opinionate and had a thousand questions about faith, and he said he believed in God but that was it. no Jesus. He was raised in church but thought the religious construct was not good. I agreed a little. But He brought questions to the table that a lot of us are afraid to deal with, so I invited him to be a part of the bible study. He just sat down, He had amazing questions that a lot of people on this campus probably deal with, about God, truth, how is Christianity different than other religions, It was just amazing, Everyone there was excited and couldn’t wait to come back next week and brings people. God has brought us some men and women who have a heart to learn to walk in faith, to grow in their faith, and that is exciting.

Has christianity become just a culture?

I got to talk to a Muslim brother today for about 30 minutes, he was asking me a bunch of questions for about 30 minutes that nobody could honestly answer, so I said I don’t know. We were joking around, I asked why did the last 3 Muslim people I talk to ask me questions that can’t be answered, then ask me “how do I know I have the only way.” He was cool, we joked around some more. But he grew up in catholic school forever and got turned away from religion because of experiences and unanswerable questions. We got to talking about religions and he said what’s the difference between what he believed and what I believed. I said I believe people are natural sinful, and cannot be good enough to get to heaven. He said people can be good enough to get to heaven, I said we are all sinful and unlike all the religions I’ve studied, Christianity is the only one in which I am saved by the grace of God and not my own actions. I am saved by Gods love , not by my works. I talked about the gospel and who Jesus is, and it surprised me that after being raised in catholic church all his life, he finally understood who Jesus. But that shouldn’t be a surprise because most “Christians” that I’ve met here cant explain their own faith , and their salvation anyways. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Sharing God's Love

I had the opportunity to meet up with a student today who was sitting on a bench. I started up conversation with him, and he claimed to be a christian , so I asked him what it meant to be a Christian. He didn’t know how to explain it, so I asked him if he wanted me to explain it for him. He said yes. So I got to share the gospel of Gods love, Jesus dying on the cross in our place , and rising again on the third day. And that all we have to do is believe in what Jesus did for us, and that our sins are washed away by the Blood of jesus. Then I got to pray for him which was amazing. He also lives in my area, so we are gonn ameet up and connect sometime. God is Good

Draw the Line in the Sand

God is teaching me how to address People who boldly speak sweet lies to the masses. The Student Association set up a forum discussing “rap lyrics that glorify promiscuity. I thought it was going to be a good discussion of the harmful effects of it. But it turned out to be a bunch of people joking about and glorifying promiscuity and sexual freedom to have sex with whoever they want whenever they want, no strings attached. And nobody was speaking out against it, or pointing out the harmful effects it has on society. I couldn't just sit there with 30+ people listening to these lies and not say anything. So I spoke up and asked “does anyone see the relation between broken families, single parent homes, the high percentage of aids in the area, abortions, broken hearts, lack of trust in relationships, rape, and physical abuse, the breakdown in moral foundation in society, kids becoming sexually active at 11 and 12.…..with the way we view sex” “ Do you see anything wrong with that?”. I was surprised by their openness to talk about sex, but I quickly realized it was a one sided discussion. I was trying to speak truth, which is controversial, and draws a line in the sand, Many people stopped talking, few picked what sides they were going to stand on. After a great discussion on deeper issues of sex, and its effects on society. The last question the moderator asked the crowd, which swelled to around 50+ people was “ how many people agree with the lyrics in these sexually explicit songs..No one raised their hand, God is good.

God is always moving

God is funny, amazing, spectacular. Even when I can’t see him working in the middle of things I can see him in hindsight and see that he was in the middle of everything. Me and Marvin were driving back, after our “Nav night”, which ended up being just a gathering with the Bowie football team. We were reflecting on the need for more help on campus. I did a survey and asked a room full of men if they believed they were Christian 99.9 percent of them raised their hand. Then I asked if anyone could explain what a Christian is. 5 people volunteered to come on stage and explain what it meant to be a Christian. To my surprise, not one of them mentioned Jesus. Somehow Christianity has become such a cultural identifier and sugar coated that people forgot about Jesus, because they don’t want to be offensive. It was amazing. Me and Marvin Shared the Gospel with them, so they understood what it meant to be a Christian, and if they were saved.

Finding Partners in the Gospel

Right after that, I had the opportunity to meet up with a student on campus to invite him to be a part of what navigators is doing on campus. We ended up talking for almost 2 hours about life, and sharing the Gospel and how to equip young men on Bowie campus. WE both were fired up that because we shared a vision to reach men on this campus through relational, intentional mentoring and discipleship. He wanted to learn tools that could better help him reach others for Christ.

First time riding the MAryland Metro

Today I got to wake up extra early to get into the word. It was great. Then I packed up some of Ms. Campbell’s delicious Banana bread she made the night before and headed out the door with Marvin at around 7am, Marvin dropped me off at the Metro station and I hoped on the train, heading to bowie State University. I was excited to ride the train because I actually Got to see a lot of the city. People up early going to work and school, and whatever else they do. The trip took about 3 hours on the metro because I had to change trains and find the bus after I got off the train, that went to bowie. When I found the Bus it had left 10 minutes before I got there and I had to wait another 50 minutes for the next one. Which was great cause I had time to sit down read some scriptures, pray, and write down some things God was putting on my heart. I was reading my word, and time flew by, when I looked up, there was a line of people standing, even before the bus was there. So I got in it. I’m lucky I did because the Bus was packed. I wish I had a camera to show everyone how cramped it was. They had to leave some people behind to wait for the next bus that came an hour later. Yeah, my first experience riding the metro system in Maryland was a lesson in punctuality. Because I was a few minutes late here and there. I was an hour late getting to Bowie. But God is Good. I made it to Bowie.

2nd Day of School. Ice-cream Social

We had the ice-cream social today and it was almost 200 people who came through. God was gracious cause nobody knew the exact room number where we were serving at. I had fun running through the campus telling people that there is free ice-cream, in the CLT building.

God also arranged thing out that a lot of the dorm halls were meeting in the same building we were having our ice-cream social.

It was the second Day of school and we already had some men and women who volunteered to help us serve ice-cream and expressed an interest in being a part of our navigator group on campus. They were excited to find out more about it.

We also got to tell people what Navigators is about, pass out free books of John.

1st Day of school

The first Day of school was today and we did a raffle at lunch time gave out a lot of prizes and connected with students. God is good. He opened the door up for me and Marvin to make our presence known on campus. We were out there all day just showing love to the students, telling them about navigators, and inviting them to the ice-cream social that we are going to have tomorrow night. I’m excited, Marvin and I are expecting a huge turnout. And Staff from the school hooked us up with a great room in one of the building that is accessible and visible to students walking past. We also met the leader of FCA (fellowship of Christian Athletes) that was on the campus. We also met people from the student government, basketball and football, and track teams. I was excited to see the responses of the survey of people who have a desire to get connected to some sort of Christian group or bible study. I got to hang out with a group of freshman in the game room , and we played a few games of Uno, it was really fun. People here are friendly.

1st Day on the job

God is good. I arrived in Maryland Sunday night. It is a lot more beautiful than I expected. The Campbells’ picked me up from the airport and we went out to eat at a restaurant that served Mexican food. Then on the way back to their house they showed me different landmarks and areas. Monday morning Marvin didn’t waste any time, “showing me the ropes” we went out to different businesses to ask for complimentary gifts to use at a raffle we were having at Bowie State University to connect with students. Marvin spoke to the managers of the first few places of business then told me to do the next one. I didn’t feel like I was prepared, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me, so I accepted the challenge. I like learning on the job. It was a great experience. I got to see Gods plan unravel and Marvin was giving me tips on how to communicate better. We were probably hitting up stores for an hour and a half and we got over a dozen gifts to give away to students. Discount coupons at the Christian Book store, five $2 meal coupons at Quizznos, multiple gift cards from star bucks and pizza places worth almost 100$ (given to us for free), 4 free coffee thermoses, a coffee mug, and some tea, and a free tire rotation from sears. After that we went down to Bowie State University so I could get familiar with the surroundings. After we got to hang out there for a little bit and meet some people, we went back to Marvin’s house for a BBQ. I got to meet the Navigator Staff from Maryland University in College Park. They are wonderful people.

There is so much stuff that needs to get done, and I know God is starting something amazing here, and I am thankful that God has given me to be a part of what He is doing here.

His Love is Amazing.

1 John 4:10
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins

God is good. I started reading this book today by John Piper called “FIFTY REASONS JESUS CAME TO DIE”. It opened up with a wonderful passage in the that Bible touches my heart,

Isaiah 53:3-10.
[paraphrased] He was Wounded for our Transgression ; he was crushed for our iniquities..the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (READ IT!)

This last week I have been trying to understand God’s love….the small piece of it that I can comprehend is amazing. He has been working on my heart, showing me that I don’t deserve anything, but because HE is good, and HE is full of grace, mercy and love..I am forgiven! I’ve only read the first 2 chapters But I can’t wait to read more. I don’t like reading a lot at one time because I daydream all the time. I have to take notes when I read to remember anything the next day. I read a little, and let it digest and look for ways I can apply what I read to my life. It is hard for me to read the Bible without taking notes, or writing short lesson plans or a study guide. I was given the opportunity to lead bible studies these last 2 years and it changed my mindset on how read scriptures. I read it, digests it, write what I’ve learned, and how I can I teach others from it. I want to apply what I have learned and not just waste it. “Wisdom is knowledge applied”

"Im leaving on a jet Plane"

After half a dozen date changes, i finally got a plane ticket...Aug 31. 2 days before school starts at Bowie University.

God Has Different Plans

I was suppose to leave Aug. 1st for Maryland...Now it is Aug. 19th and I understand why I'm still here. God has a plan for everything. He has blessed me with many opportunities these last three weeks to speak at many different venues with all types of people . I have been given more time, so that I can share my testimony more and plant more seeds. These last three weeks have been amazing. God has been giving me comfort in doing his work. He has lightened my burden and showed me that he is in control and all I can do is honor him in everything i do. I am greatfull for the opportunity I have to serve him Here in California and the opportunity I will have to serve Him in Maryland. God has also been building connections for me on the East Coast through friends I have made here in California.

God has also has blessed me because i no longer have to drive to Maryland...My Car is Broke! Actually it works fine but it didn't pass the smog test and it is going to cost over $2,000 dollars to get it fixed and registered. So i'm Flying there instead, in 2 weeks. I say it is a blessing because God knows I've never driven over three hours before and I have a hard time staying awake driving from San Diego to Vista!..which is less than an hour. I know i would have had a lot of trouble trying to drive 3 days straight to get to the east coast. Plus I am horrible with directions.

I finally made it to 75% percent this week in support. I'm excited because I'm 3/4's of the way there financially. Thanks to many people who felt led to give. Thank you very much.

A verse That God Put on my heart yesterday afternoon, when I spoke to SDSU's football team, was Ephesians 2:8-9

"8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast."

God is Good!

God is Stretching My Faith

God is stretching my faith a lot. I've met with a lot of people face to face. Sent out letters. I’m calling people back and being patient. But I'm not a patient person.

I feel like Proverbs 16:9 .. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. I know where my heart is. But God is in control. I've set up meetings, shared my heart, asked for support. And its July 10, almost empty-handed, They want me funded by August 3 and heading to Bowie State University. On paper it seems like an impossible deadline. My faith in His timing and His will are growing though, I’m still patient waiting for God provide or point me in a different direction. Like James 4:15, I’m telling myself "if it’s Your Will, You will provide a way, if it’s not, You will open a different door. I don’t like waiting, being patient. God has placed in my heart a desire to see young men grow into strong leaders, who walk in faith and know who Jesus is.

Like Colossians 1:28, I want to help Men find their completeness in my savior. But I turn to Hebrews 11 and I am humbled by the great men of faith who died before they saw the fruits of their labors. Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t see the fruits of his labor. Cesar Chavez didn't see all the fruits of His labor. Yet they were great leaders’ because they had a vision and a purpose and plan that rose above their circumstance. I'm scared because I believe God is preparing me for great things, and I desire to give Him the glory for whatever he has for me. I know his purpose is greater than my plans and I've seen many miracles recently that have made me excited to walk in faith. Yet not knowing how He is going to provide is scary, even though I know that He will. For his glory

Please Pray for me.