A Day in the Life of a Contact Card

You probably haven’t thought about the things I have seen. The connections made. The smiles, the surprises, that look someone gets in their eyes when they feel seen and wanted for maybe the very first time.

Oh, dear students, how key I am to the mission you are on! I am a tether, a lifeline between you and a fresh face, a homesick individual awash in a sea of endless possibilities and ever-present absences. I am hope itself.

To some, I am just a nosy piece of paper on which you hesitantly part with your personal information. But do not be mistaken. I am much more than that.

I am a contact card.

Phase One: The Table

It all starts with a table. I am nestled on a pile of my fellows and baking underneath a noonday sun. A rock crushes my face; it is windy. The wind has already carried away two of my brothers. They will be remembered as heroes.

I watch the brave InterVarsity students call out to the fresh faces passing by. Some pop in their headphones, avoiding eye contact. Some even move to balance on the very edge of the sidewalk as if the table has a radioactive aura about it. A shame, but nothing that can dissuade us from our mission. Lives will be changed yet.

Finally, a student stops and approaches when he is asked if he’s interested in Christian community. He is nervous and fidgety, and introduces himself as Mason. He explains that he hasn’t been to church in a long time and seems doubtful that we would want him in our community. The InterVarsity students respond with incredible love and kindness. Before long, I am being passed into Mason’s hands.

Mason shares his contact information with me, and as he does, something in his body language shifts. Confidence settles into his freckled hand as he wields the pen. If I had a mouth, I would smile, for I know that for the first time since arriving on campus, Mason is feeling less alone.

The last thing I see before the InterVarsity students tuck me away is Mason departing with a wave and a hopeful smile.

Phase Two: The Follow-up

I am now in the safe-keeping of an InterVarsity student leader, having been squeezed into a folder with a handful of my comrades. We proudly show off the information displayed on our faces and bicker with each other about who’s student responded the best to the table.

It probably hasn’t occurred to you that contact cards bicker. I’m not proud of it, and I hope this information doesn’t cause you too much concern. At the end of the day, we all agree that we are meant to be coworkers, not rivals. Besides, we have much to celebrate together. Our favorite part of the process is almost here.

Our InterVarsity leader, Leah, opens the folder and lays us out on her bed. After whispering a quick prayer to the Lord to dedicate this time to him, she messages each of our students, introducing herself and reminding them of InterVarsity’s upcoming outreach events. Some respond, some don’t. Mason chooses to remain silent, which is normal. It can be difficult as a new student to take that first step, which is why it is our job to take it for them.

It’s time for phase three.

Phase Three: The Invite

Many students balk at the idea of disclosing their dorms and room numbers. That’s fine. Students are free to share as much or as little as they want with me. However, those who do trust me with that information receive very special opportunities.

Leah is nervous as she walks down the hallway searching for Mason’s room number. Phase three takes courage, and I admire her boldness. She takes some time to pause and ask God for courage, taking slow, deep breaths, and I send some supportive thoughts her way. She may feel like she is overstepping, but sometimes a little push is all a student needs to get involved.

We find the door, and fortunately, Mason is home. His eyes widen before he offers an improvised greeting, and Leah is quick to chase away the awkwardness with a genuine invitation. She tells Mason a group of InterVarsity students are playing volleyball by the athletics center. She asks him if he would like to join her as she makes her way over.

Mason realizes that not having to walk in alone eases many of his hesitations. He follows her out the door.

Phase Four: The Welcome

Mason has a blast at the volleyball game. He finds himself connecting with many of the students there, and he is touched by their sincerity. On the walk over, I heard Leah asking Mason questions in a genuine attempt to get to know him. When he admitted to his hesitations about religion, Leah assured him that she used to feel the same way. She told him a bit about her story, how InterVarsity deepened her faith in a way she didn’t know she needed or even wanted.

I could tell Leah’s vulnerability surprised Mason. She made him feel valued and trusted.

As the sun sets on a long day, I watch now as Mason laughs and bonds with the community. Leah tells Mason about the Bible study she is leading this year and asks him if he would like to come and explore more about who Jesus is.

When he says yes, I know my work is done.