The first 2 weeks of school we are out and about "tabling" for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. (see pictures above) It is a great time for freshmen and new transfers to know who we are, where they can find us, and what our purpose is. Move in day was Saturday Aug. 21 and we already have 134 new students who filled out information cards!!! That means the next few days will consist of calling, texting, e-mailing, and dropping by dorms to meet, invite, and connect with new students.
Following up with students the last couple years hasn't really been a strong point for us. Yesterday a sophomore walked up to our table and said, "I wanted to get involved but nobody called me after I filled out an information card." That was hard to hear and definitely hurt my heart. Why am I telling you this?
1. We need your prayers. For strength, courage, and boldness. Sometimes our student leaders can feel awkward or are scared. Pray that they would care for new students well!
2. Help me be on campus full-time! I am currently not able to be on campus full-time because my budget is low. Would you consider giving financially to the ministry I do?
Instead of quotes like the one above I pray that more students would respond like these 3 new students I met the last couple days:
"I was so sad walking around campus feeling like I was the only Christian. I didn't know how to live out my faith. But then I found you guys and can't believe how many other people love God too!" - Nathan (freshman)
"Do you guys like to pray for people? I really want to start praying for the tennis team and get in conversations with them about God. Do you have opportunities like this?" - Daniel (junior transfer)
"I am so excited I found IVCF, I really wanted a Christian community. I also think I'm going to rush for a sorority. I want to stay connected with you but think I would have a great opportunity to talk to these girls about Jesus. Could I do both?" - Hillary (freshman)
Please pray that Nathan, Daniel, and Hillary would continue to know God on campus but would also be intentional about sharing how good God is!!!
If Hillary needs help on reaching her sorority sisters, there are plenty of InterVarsity resources for Greek students at www.greekiv.org! And make sure to talk to Becky Chiang at Berkeley since she'll be working with Greeks there.
ReplyDeleteThat's awsome what God is doing on your guys campus. Same things are happening at BSU in Indiana. We have been ahving NSO events since move in started last week on Thursday the 19th. We have had information tables and participated in the activity fair. We had a welcome week and other events planned for the freshman and we are up to about 150 names. I can honestly say that I know how scary it can be to follow up with them since I have been doing just that since we got their information. I have been on the phone and called about 40 people and then I have been mailing them all thanking them for coming out to our events and showing interest in our group. I also remind them of upcoming events and allow them to contact me any time with questions or to meet up and go to an event together. It has been a great opertunity to get to know them as well as serve God on this campus. We also have invited them to Bible studies and have been keeping in touch with them and keeping them informed of what's going on so they know we appreciate them showing interest in us and want them to be apart of InterVarsity. I will most certainly pray for your campus as well and I hope God moves on your campus and that you have a great year serving the Lord and that the leaders feel the peace of God with them as they follow up with the students sicne it is hard at times and scary to do.
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