Our core commitments: Evangelism

"We proclaim and live out the gospel with love and boldness, calling people to repentance, faith and new life in Jesus Christ."

I was recently struck by a passage in Matthew’s Gospel: “When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’” (Matthew 9:36-39).

The word “workers” hit me with particular force since InterVarsity’s mission is to recruit and prepare students, faculty, staff and volunteers to seek out “shepherdless sheep” on campus. Jesus calls us to reach them—students of every philosophy, life-stage, ethnicity and discipline—with compassion and boldness.

One of the best aspects of my job is receiving regular updates on campus outreach. It is my hope that the following vignettes will provide inspiration and encouragement to all campus workers.

Northern Illinois University and Rock Valley Community College
After weeks of rigorous preparation—including fasting, evangelism training, special dorm meetings and daily prayer—600 students attended a special event featuring a 9/11 survivor. The Lord blessed; 107 students decided to follow Jesus.

University of Maryland
Thirty-eight faculty and university staff took out an ad in the campus newspaper entitled “Peace at Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Messiah.” Citations from Isaiah and Luke followed. Each boldly posted his or her name, department and e-mail address.

University of Nevada-Reno
A Japanese student, who had been part of the student fellowship for two years, made a profession of faith at a fall conference.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
After watching the movie Bruce Almighty with dorm friends, an intrepid transfer student started a GIG (an investigative Bible study) with 16 students on her floor.

SUNY-Geneseo
Before the academic year began, student leaders made several key commitments: to pray daily, to hold dorm talks, to host a “Jesus Week” and to partner more intentionally with local churches. The Holy Spirit moved and twenty-one students came to faith during the year.

UC-Davis
A faculty member conducted an optional “Faith vs. Science” forum. An international student attended and, subsequently, several spiritual conversations ensued. The faculty member introduced her to a student-led GIG and, at the end of the year, she became a believer.

University of Michigan
An Arab student said “I’m ready” after having the gospel presented to him in a clear and cogent manner.

University of Kentucky
Last spring, 80 students viewed the movie The Passion of the Christ together at a local theater. Afterwards, a staff member shared the gospel not only with them but with theater staff and other patrons as well. Twenty-one prayed to receive Christ.

Cal State-Sacramento
A self-proclaimed skeptic became a Christian after several lengthy conversations. When his decision was announced at a large-group meeting, “the place went wild.”

I trust that these stories excite you as much as they do me. May the Lord bless your efforts on campus. And be sure to remember who you are—workers for the Lord of the harvest. Our role is to point others toward him. As Paul Little, InterVarsity’s first director of evangelism, once observed, evangelism is simply “one beggar telling another beggar where to find food.”

So, my fellow “beggar workers,” may the Lord enable, equip and encourage you as you labor in the field!

—Alec Hill hitchhiked extensively while in college. His first such adventure was in Montana when he was 15. Alec is InterVarsity's national president.