Jonathan, a student at Rutgers-Newark, was always happy and smiling. He joined the fellowship in the fall of 2005, where he began to grow interested in reading the Bible. During the next two semesters he participated in large groups, small groups, and helped with other events.
I had been trying to meet with Jonathan since Valentines’ Day, but hadn’t been able to because of his schedule. So, one day in March, I walked into Large Group and invited him to coffee after the meeting. Jonathan and I began to talk, and I asked him how he began to grow interested in God. I asked him when he was saved. As he began sharing his story, I realized that there was no actual commitment time, but a growing curiosity and love for God.
I asked Jonathan if he had ever made a commitment to Jesus, and he said, “no,” because he hadn’t been ready. I explained the gospel to him and who Jesus was. Then I asked him if he was now ready. He said “yes,” but was hesitant because he thought that it should be done in the privacy of his own home. As I shared Scripture with him, I told him that today is the day of salvation. He said, “Okay, I know I need to do this. I should have done it already.”
I invited Jonathan to pray, and he prayed so honestly to Jesus, inviting Jesus to be the leader of his life, telling Jesus that he didn’t want to do life alone. “Jesus, I need you in my life,” he said. Jonathan was so excited! He was so thankful to cross the line.
