College Campus Ministry – Not My Gift!

It all started when a married couple began walking across the college campus handing out Christian pamphlets to students.

They soon gained permission to set up a table and began giving away Bibles with their literature.  When I first learned what they were doing, I thought, “How extraordinary!   It’s certainly not my gift—I’d be uncomfortable doing that!”  Then I was invited to join them!  I hesitated at first, but agreed to go once.  My plan was to sit quietly, watch, and pray.

I was hooked after the first hour!  The students were fun and easy to engage.  I soon discovered they enjoyed us as much as we did them.  They would hang out at our table between classes.  Some did not have good role models at home and we were becoming their mentors. One day the school psychologist stopped to thank us for being there. “We’re glad to see you every week, but we need you here every day!”

We discovered that every college or university we visited had different rules about people coming on campus to give away free literature. We had no problem for years until the rules changed at our local community college. We would have to become students ourselves,  if we were to continue.

That was easy!  We each registered for a class.  I enjoyed art, fitness, editing, even French, taking one class per semester.  We organized a college Christian fellowship and held Bible studies in a room by the cafeteria.  I started an email ministry. Students would sign up to receive my weekly email of Scripture and encouragement.  They would often write back with questions and prayer requests.

The best part was watching their lives change as they grew closer to God. I continue to hear from some of these students at Christmas. Most have since graduated from universities, married and are raising families. What a precious privilege to mentor them, to watch them mature in the Lord and become productive members of society.

• We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.  And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.    1 John 5:20