I walked onto the campus and I instantly felt at home. This is where I belong. The college students rushed around me from one building to another. In a few moments time I had the opportunity to talk to a few of them at their weekly meeting for a interdenominational Christian organization.
My stomach churned when the few college students, which I thought I would be preaching to, turned into 50 Rwandan students waiting to hear what this muzungu* had to say.
And I thought maybe this isn't where I belong…
IMPORTANT FLASH BACK…
Before coming on the World Race, I considered interning with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) which ministers to college students all over the world but especially in America. However, the Lord told me that the World Race was my next step. To my surprise, my love for Cru and American college students only grew through the race. In Guatemala (month 2), I kept hearing the Father telling me Cru was next, but I ignored the feeling until Malaysia (month 7) when I applied to go on full-time staff. I was officially accepted as a full-time campus staff in the Great Plains Region (MO, NE, KS, CO, etc.) during my month in Cambodia (month 8). While in Cambodia He taught me many truths that showed me why I needed the World Race before Cru.*
The above is my unofficial announcement that I will be going on staff with Cru for the next season of my life.
BACK TO THE PRESENT…
My palms started to sweat as I fumbled with my iPad to find my notes. I preached all last month, but I was especially nervous for this time. This is supposed to be my element. What if it isn't? What if they don't relate at all to me? What if they don't respond at all to me? What if college students hate me?
My first words come out…
"As Christina said I'm super excited…."
And I went on for about 20 minutes. They laughed at some of my jokes and stared blankly when I said the rest.
And honestly it was pretty uneventful. A glory cloud didn't fall on the room as I was speaking. I didn't get a standing ovation after I finished. But I walked off that stage assured. Affirmed by God that I still felt at home here. Affirmed by the attentive stares, the acknowledging smiles, the nods of their heads.
Speaking with these college students I felt as sure as I ever could be; this was my new home. My heart beats and yearns to invite college students into a deeper love and commitment to Jesus Christ. To wake them up from the slumber of a boring lukewarm Christianity to a lively, Spirit-filled adventure with a Father and Savior who loves them dearly.
And home is where the heart is. It feels like home to me!
*white person
*truths shown in Cambodia: My identity in Christ is unshakeable. I am able to see into others' lives and speak into them even when they do not want to receive or acknowledge it. I speak life into people and spur them towards holiness. I listen to others and seek to guide them to the Truth. I tithe to the Lord. I am capable of following up with new believers. I am approved. I live a life honoring to God that challenges and encourages others.
