Robert was involved everywhere on campus. He was an officer in student government, a member of a fraternity, and a good student, keeping a high G.P.A. in his classes. He was easy to talk with and always had a smile on his face. Everywhere on campus, he knew someone.
Last winter, the California State University, Los Angeles Gospel Choir led worship during DEEP, a weekly InterVarsity service on Tuesdays. As a member of the choir, Robert enjoyed the meetings and started coming even when the Gospel Choir wasn’t leading worship. He also began to feel too busy and distracted from the stress of his constant activity. He had a growing sense that he wasn’t devoting his full attention to anything.
Robert decided to attend a week-long camp at Campus by the Sea, an InterVarsity training center on Catalina Island. He enjoyed the fellowship and sense of community he experienced as he worshiped, participated in Bible study, boated, and snorkeled with InterVarsity students. As the students studied the Gospel of Mark, he was challenged by what Jesus taught and how he lived. “If I’m honest, my life is 75% Christian, but 25% other.” Robert shared with the group. What he meant by other included the typical fraternity scene.
Robert was intrigued by Jesus’ words and actions throughout the gospel. “I’ve always thought this was ‘Granny faith’—a life you can only have when you get older. I don’t think holiness and really following Jesus seriously can happen as a young man.”
When Robert returned to campus, he continued in the fraternity scene. But he also joined InterVarsity’s men’s Bible study, where he continued to study God’s Word and apply its truth to his life.
The next semester, Robert left the biggest party of the year, even though he had planned it, to go back to Catalina Island for a weekend of fellowship and Bible study with friends in the InterVarsity chapter. He asked for prayer, saying “I’ve given up all of the party life that I had before.” He confirmed his commitment to following Jesus as Lord.
Today, Robert is part of the Leaders’ Team on campus, and this summer he is participating in the Los Angeles Urban Project, a six-week ministry internship, passing up the opportunity to run for a higher position in student government. “I’m learning how to make my decisions with Jesus. I’ve never done that before,” Robert said.
InterVarsity reaches out to students on campus with the gospel and love of Jesus Christ. Students like Robert are invited and encouraged to join witnessing communities of faith as they discover the truth of Christ.
