My Christian Life in College

The college experience is different for each individual. Some find their true calling, some simply enjoy the freedom that it brings. Some truly find themselves and some lose themselves in the endless possibilities that are available to them. Regrettably, my experience was that of the latter. Instead of hitting the books, I hit the parties. Hard. I was eighteen, and as I saw it, I was finally free. No more rules, no more demands on me, I was finally my own person, and it felt great.

Elisha

It took me seven years to finish college. I took some semesters off to work, and I dropped out halfway through two semesters, so although I enrolled in college in the fall of 2005, I did not graduate until the spring of 2013. I remember feeling lost and empty for many years. I was raised in a Christian household, and I had accepted the Lord as my Savior at age 11, but during this time I refused to turn to Him. Maybe I felt that I was too far gone, or maybe I simply felt ashamed of my lifestyle- either way I floundered on, confident in my own ability to make myself happy.

The Turning Point: A Bible Conference

In January of 2009, my mother asked me if I would like to accompany her to southern California to attend a weeklong Bible conference on the book of Psalms that summer. I rudely responded that I would not, and furthermore she need not ask me again. However, she did ask me again, twice more. I remember that the third time she asked me I felt like I was drowning, so the offer to get away for a week looked like a lifeline being thrown out to me. I said yes. As the conference drew nearer, however, I tried to change my mind. What was I going to do at a Bible conference? However, my mother had already bought the tickets. I was going.

Upon arriving I was taken aback by how friendly everyone was. Didn’t they sense that I didn’t want to be there? Nonetheless, I was as polite as possible to everyone I came in contact with. As the week progressed, I found myself enjoying the messages that were being spoken. However, I did not feel that they applied to me or any part of my situation. I was not going to change.

That Thursday, however, the message shared was on Psalm 51, and the forgiveness of sin. I don’t remember the exact words of the message, but I do remember that I wept through the entire thing. It was as though some faucet deep in my being had been turned, and I could not stop my tears. It was that day that I fully gave my life to God.

Although my heart was for the Lord, it was hard to remain in the enjoyment of His life after I returned home to Wisconsin. I did not have any spiritual companions, and when I tried to share my newfound enthusiasm for the Lord with my friends, I was met with blank stares and blatant disinterest. Although I did not forget about God, the speaking from the conference faded and soon became a pleasant, yet distant memory in the back of my mind.

Meeting Christian Students on Campus in Austin, Texas

In 2013, having (finally) graduated, I decided that I needed to move somewhere where I could be with people who were pursuing Christ. I desperately wanted companions who had the same desire for Him as I did. So I moved to Austin, Texas. I was able to find an apartment with three other girls who were Christians. How sweet it was to be able to have fellowship with them every day!

My roommates (all UT students) were all a part of a group called Christian Students on Campus. It seemed like a great club but being out of college I thought maybe it wouldn’t be something I would be interested in. However, eager to attend any meetings I could, I attended a Thursday night ministry series hosted by CSOC. Immediately upon arriving I was greeted warmly by several students and staff.

I found the entire meeting to be very enjoyable, but what struck me the most were the students. I had never seen so many young people enjoying the Lord with such a genuine spirit. Everywhere I looked there were smiling faces, speaking of open hearts and happy experiences. It occurred to me that these young people were incredibly fortunate to have this club. Here was the fellowship I had so craved in my college years! Here were young people with the same goal, the same desire to pursue Christ.

Christian Students on Campus Satisfied My Longing in College

Since I was working as a waitress downtown, I found it difficult to attend the ministry series and Bible studies that I wanted to, but I went to any that I was able to. In June of 2014, the restaurant where I was working closed unexpectedly. My roommate then suggested I join a summer internship offered by Christian Students on Campus. We would be introducing incoming freshman to the club, as well as helping them navigate the campus.

It’s been several weeks since I began the internship, and it has by far been one of the most precious things that I have experienced. Having fellowship every day with all of the other interns, as well as talking to freshmen who have a real interest in God is such a fresh supply of life to me. Not only that, most of the interns are college students who have chosen to dedicate their entire summer to this internship. Seeing these students choose Christ as their life, day by day, fills me with so much joy and peace. Being a part of this wonderful club has given me what I lacked in my college years- fellowship, companionship and a rich enjoyment of Christ. It is truly a blessing to be involved with Christian Students on Campus. The Lord has opened this door for me to be in a Christian community where my spiritual life thrives. Thank you, Lord.