Blog

Misunderstanding is an ancient human and spiritual problem. Many of us have experienced some form of misunderstanding as we’ve negotiated college life.

But through all my experiences of leading communities—of students, fellow church congregants, coworkers, and more—I’ve seen how transformative and essential good community can be.

Zacchaeus’s story is no less a miracle than the feeding of the 5,000 or the healing of the paralyzed man. For it’s the story— the miracle of a changed heart—that still resonates with us today.

Have you ever thought about what the word “blessing” really means? It’s said all the time in Christian circles. And it kinda make sense. But at the same time, it feels like something’s missing . . .

Over 40,000 students on eight campuses with only one known campus ministry in the most post-Christian city in the US. That was the situation InterVarsity Associate Area Director Jessica Pafumi found herself in when she felt God calling her to plant campus ministries in her hometown of Springfield-Holyoke, Massachusetts, in 2019.

The Light of the world, Christmas lights tell us, is not flickering aimlessly in the night. He came from somewhere and now awaits us somewhere. There is light ahead of us and light behind us.

But if you’re someone who wants to see the difference God can make in you and the world, coming on staff with InterVarsity is a great place to start.

Anxiety has plagued me ever since I immigrated to the US when I was nine. Like an imaginary friend accompanying me wherever I go, anxiety whispers questions of doubt and fear.

I woke up the other day with two papers due, 10 text messages that deserved thorough and urgent responses, three meetings to plan, and an achy neck that desperately needed physical therapy. I knew what I had to do. I walked to the park, put on some worship music, opened my Bible, and prayed.

Similar to many other InterVarsity chapters this past year, InterVarsity at UW–Madison adapted to meet the most critical needs of today’s students—focusing on topics like self-care and mental health during a time that has left many students feeling isolated.