What a ministry--what a community, what a group, what a movement and what a work of God! Over the past three months of having the privilege to serve at the Annex. It has become clear that God is doing way more than I expected. Which surprised me because I have been in college ministries and led college ministries so I assumed my expectations were accurate or at least fair. But there is something more going on here.

I think what stands out to me is the depth of life change that is occurring on a regular basis in students. As I have interviewed students, spoke with them before and after Annex and heard their testimonies, it has been surprising to hear how much the Annex has shaped them, their thinking, and their lives. Annex alumni and current student alike share that they have experienced real relationships, real love, and real support here. They have been welcomed and are known and supported for who they are. Students will describe this as “that’s just the Annex.”

“Just the Annex” is what is helping form and guide students through one of the most important experiences of their lives. The core groups and relationships here have brought students out from self-made, self-protecting walls and shadows to be authentic and experience being known deeply. They have found people who both really know them and really care about them. Within this community and this love, students have dared to listen, to try, to grow, to change, and to trust. Through this trust, students have stepped out to try God, to really see if He is as advertised.

Students are trying out God and trying out following Him. They are encountering Him in their relationships, during events, on trips, on missions, and while doing ministry. It is no wonder that students are buying in more deeply and that the ministry is growing. The past few months have been great. I’m looking forward to the remainder of this semester and the one to come. Nothing quite like sitting courtside to God doing His amazing work. Thanks for journeying with me and with us.

If you’d like to partner with us in ministering to college students, please consider supporting the ministry financially so it can continue to change lives. There are many ways to be involved through volunteering and prayer but giving enables students to go on retreats, life changing coffee and lunch appointments, and the 24/7 work of interns and leaders in students’ lives.

https://www.theannexboulder.com/donate.html 
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Thanks! Have a great night!

Mike climbing above the clouds at Juniper Pass. Mike brought together his passion for God, climbing, and Spanish by running a ministry to climbers in a drug-torn part of Mexico.


If you want to enjoy the fragrance of God, his love and his kindness, spend time with Mike Burdon. He is a man full of faith. A man who really seeks to enjoy God and be guided by Him. He is full of love and full of life. He is currently pulling double duty working at coffee shop and being a student at Denver Seminary.

What did you enjoy most about the Annex: Catching up with others before it started. And the worship - just being in His presence.

Highlights since Graduating: Australia and Mexico. In Australia, God called me to go to Mexico. I needed to raise 2,000 dollars but got a speeding ticket that was $400. So I was trending the wrong way. I just kept praying and asking God to provide. He did. He gave me one of the best jobs I ever had. I make 1,000 a week and made more than enough to go Mexico. Even greater, one of my co-workers decided to trust Christ during our last week working together. In Mexico, the rough, drug-infested northeast, I developed a ministry to climbers. I used the Spanish I had learned in college and my passion for climbing to connect with others to minister to people in a very difficult environment.

Great quotes to enjoy: This is just how it is sometimes; you just have to trust Him. He doesn’t provide everything immediately.

What have you learned about God:Finding that God is with me in all of the little things. Everyday God is involved in who sits next to me in class. Life is full of the divine.

What are you currently obsessed with: Greek. The amazing reality that knowing Greek can help him get more depth of the meaning of God’s word has been an undeniable opportunity.

What have you learned: To be gentle and humble and bold. Leadership is this great gift. The ability to do the right thing for others at the right time is an incredible privilege. Also taming the tongue, it is a very beneficial character trait that requires tending but richly rewards those who cultivate it.

What else would you like to share with your fellow Annex Alumni: As a Christian you can’t lose because He wants whats best for you.

What are you savoring about God these days: God’s goodness. God always has your best in mind. He is worth trusting in.



**Please let me know if you’re interested in being interviewed for “Catching Up With Annex Alumni” at [email protected]. Love to you all!