Evangelism to the Churched

“You’ve given me more answers in the past half hour than any of my professors have in the last year and a half.”

Alan, a sophomore, attends William Jessup University, a Christian college in Rocklin. Through a series of connections, our staff team has been given the opportunity to lead a small discussion-oriented class that students take for elective credit. Hoping to eventually start a Cru movement at Jessup, but not quite knowing what to expect, we decided to center the group around the basics of evangelism. What we didn’t expect was that the class would become a mission field itself.

On the first day of our group meeting, Cameron and another staff member named Lucas asked the class, “How would you describe your spiritual journey?” Many of the students were hesitant because, though they universally group up in Christian families and going to church, a majority of them were struggling in their faith, and many of them admitted to simply going through the motions.

Cameron and Lucas were at a loss. How could they both help the students that were walking with Jesus and really did want to grow in evangelism, while hopefully reaching the ones who were just there for credit? Late last month, the opportunity arose.

Being the middle of midterm season, attendance was low. The only students who were there were three roommates. Lucas saw an opportunity. “Since it’s just us today, we can just hang out for a bit and then you guys can leave early and go study.” He asked them about their struggles with Christianity. Alan spoke first, “Why is the Bible so complicated? If I had written it, it would be one line, ‘love each other’.” They talked for the rest of the class time. Lucas explained how the Bible was not about Alan as an individual, and not primarily a list of things to do, but about Jesus and his life, death, and resurrection.

They continued talking. At the end of their conversation, Alan told Lucas that none of his professors at this Christian school had answered his questions like this. This is somewhat understandable, since the other classes aren’t necessarily structured to answer the deep questions of individual students. Spiritual formation groups like this, however, are designed to provide opportunities for these deeper conversations. We’re so excited to be a part of it!

Thanks for being part of bringing the gospel to both students who grew up in the church and those who didn’t, so that every student on every campus knows someone who truly follows Jesus!

Prayer Requests

  • Pray for Alan and other students in the class at Jessup who are either questioning their faith or aren’t yet walking with Jesus. Pray that the Lord would draw them to himself.
  • Pray that a Cru movement would be started at William Jessup University that helps students learn to walk with Jesus for a lifetime and introduce others to him.
  • Pray also for the Lord to raise up laborers (Matthew 9:38) to start movements at Sac City and Sierra colleges.
  • Please also pray for Cameron and our family as we prepare for the arrival of our baby girl.  Pray for a healthy end to her pregnancy and joy during the last couple months as a family of 3!