Proxes, Prayer, and Full Circle Moments at UW-Eau Clare

One afternoon earlier this fall, InterVarsity student leaders at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire set up a “Red Cup Proxe Station,” inviting students to discuss the things they longed for.  

As they talked with students, shared the gospel with them, and invited them to Bible studies, a student came up to the display and began talking to Beatrice, a senior helping to facilitate the Proxe. Beatrice couldn’t believe it. This wasn’t just a random student who came up to them but was actually someone she had been praying for for over two years.  

Four years before, Beatrice herself was introduced to InterVarsity in a similar way when student leaders offered her a popsicle and an invitation to Bible study. Since then, her life has never been the same.

Never Thirsty Again 

“I was lost until I found Jesus,” Beatrice said. “Drinking, drugs, sex, attention … just things that were not fulfilling. And I got into a really unhealthy relationship that was quite destructive.” 

Although Beatrice grew up in church, she never felt a very strong connection to her faith.  

When InterVarsity leaders invited her to Bible study her freshman year, she agreed to go, figuring she had nothing to lose. Very quickly, Beatrice was struck by how much the group cared for her, asking her questions about her life and showing genuine interest in who she was.   

Beatrice continued attending weekly Bible studies. Before she knew it, Jesus was working in her, showing her that no destructive patterns or pains could separate her from his love. Soon after, she became a student leader herself.   

Over the next few years, Beatrice’s faith continued to grow and so did her heart for others. She walked around campus praying and being aware of people she passed. Particularly, she noticed this one student. 

"He’s always on the move,” she said. “[I started] praying to have a conversation with him where I could get to know him and maybe even possibly witness to him.” 

Now, after praying for nearly two years for this student, Beatrice finally had her chance.  

The student came up to the table where the InterVarsity students were running their Proxe outreach. He took off his headphones, and he began talking to Beatrice.

“[He] was asking these really big questions about God,” she said.  

Already amazed at this answer to her prolonged prayers, Beatrice was surprised that the student came over to talk, not just casually, but eagerly. It was clear that he had been searching for truth.  

“It [was] a clear representation that prayer is powerful [and] that God always hears our prayers,” Beatrice said.  

Though the student didn’t leave the table a new follower of Christ, Beatrice was still more than excited that God made this moment happen. She could now pray for him by name, say hi to him when she saw him around campus, and continue getting to know him and inviting him to Bible study.  

“I think it shows how God is already working in him before I even know him,” she said. 

Full Circle Moments 

Four years ago, Beatrice needed someone to invite her to experience true satisfaction in Jesus, starting with offering a popsicle. Now, she offered that same invitation to others, this time starting with offering lemonade.    

“I get to now pour into other people. I get to share with them about how good God is,” Beatrice said. “It's so important to have conversations and do evangelism, especially here on campus. Nobody is too far gone. There is no such thing as someone who is too lost. [Jesus] already sacrificed everything for the whole weight of the world.”