By Ina Armstrong and Kathryn Maddy
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. ~ Romans 15:7
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In Old Testament teaching, the Israelites were to practice hospitality, being hosts and serving with respect and dignity. This meant graciously receiving even some “alien” person into their home, community or land, and providing for all of that person’s needs. To share food with someone was to share life.
In the New Testament, we find Jesus showing acts of hospitality and unconditional love. On campus, we learn who the students are, and we offer friendship and acceptance. The majority of churchgoing high school graduates will walk away from the church while in college. We are there to gradually win their trust and affirm their faith.
This fledgling campus ministry focuses on hospitality. During the 2015-2016 school year, our first year on campus, a small group from First Presbyterian and Riverlawn Presbyterian in St. Albans provided refreshments and conversation to and with students on a weekly basis from November through May. We served lemonade and bottled water in warm weather, hot cocoa and tea during cold weather. Snacks ranged from cookies and brownies, elaborate cupcakes, and “gold” Oreos on St. Patrick’s Day to pretzels, vegetable chips, fruit kabobs and whole fruits.
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Our ministry team members enjoy engaging the students in conversation and intercessory prayer. Information about the area Presbyterian churches is always available, and other PC(USA) materials are rotated to trigger interest in the Young Adult Volunteers program, DOOR, other mission and service opportunities, as well as seminary. Now in its fourth year, the ministry has plans for a Biblical Conversations event during the lunch hour twice a month. The idea came about from a conversation with one of the Muslim students about Father Abraham.
The original intent for this ministry was to establish a safe space for conversation and comforting reassurance that the student is known. Students are often lonely. Many are far from home and their emotional support system. Many commute and have few friends on campus to relate to when not in classes. Friendly, familiar faces, a warm drink, and a cookie provide openings for conversation on all levels. Sometimes comfort is facilitated by engaging students in stress-relieving activities, such as weaving, painting, and coloring.
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Our consistent presence on campus has established a rapport and ministry recognition that is evident in the local community. The lack of an agenda beyond friendship has garnered trust in our ministry and in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Students have recognized and engaged us off campus at the mall, local eateries and theaters. They say, “You’re the cookie lady,” or “Didn’t you hand out kits at finals?” Normal conversation flows from the recognition. Seeds are being planted. Community is blossoming.
Parishioners often ask, “Why are the students not coming to church now?” Be assured that is not the goal of campus ministry. Jesus was about building the Kingdom of God, not the church. These students are part of that kingdom right there on campus.
Please pray for the ministry at WVSU, and join us as we seek to help the college students stay connected to their faith and as we help others to explore faith and Christianity. Every member of our team of volunteers has stories of blessings to share from their involvement with the students, staff and faculty. We offer our thanks to God and to the Westminster Foundation for this ministry opportunity.