By Ina Armstrong and Kathryn Maddy
 
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.  ~ Romans 15:7
 
West Virginia State University is home to numerous campus ministries, but WVSU UKirk (funded by Westminister Foundation) touches student lives across a broad spectrum of denominations, faith traditions and even non-believers. UKirk at WVSU is an all-volunteer ministry. The goal is to acknowledge the students by letting them know that we know they are there and that we care.
 
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. 
 
On the whole, refreshments are donated by church members, most of whom never go to campus. These donations make it possible for many others to get involved without leaving their comfort zone. In the spring of our second year, we introduced a prayer ministry, which further expands our congregations’ ability to participate off-site. Prayer requests are emailed and published in the weekly church bulletins. Even non-believers will ask for prayer, and the request is often the spark for faith conversations. Ashes to Go on Ash Wednesday (with, at left, Pastor Chris Kilbert of Riverlawn in 2018) also stimulates interest in our ministry and the PC(USA), especially from our Catholic and Apostolic students. Riverlawn has led the Finals Survival Kit distribution, the students’ favorite part of our ministry. 
 
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.  
 
The most popular UKirk event at WVSU is Tie Dye Day in the spring and fall. Several service projects have benefited students with a sense of joy. These have provided a local shelter with warm winter scarves, the Huntington City Mission with footwear, and A Place to Sleep at the First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville, KY, with tie-dyed pillowcases; there was also a food drive to let students know about the campus food pantry.    
 
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.