Nancy knew little about Jesus, but she was intrigued by Christians’ beliefs and curious about the community some Christians on her dorm floor seemed to experience. Wanting to know more about Christianity, Nancy began attending church and a weekly Bible study with a group of InterVarsity students. She also attended weekend conferences with the InterVarsity chapter. As she heard speakers present the gospel, participated in large group worship, and joined students for group Bible study, Nancy started falling in love with Jesus.
After the conferences, Nancy continued to participate in a weekly Bible study on the Gospel of Mark. Of the 15 participants, Nancy was one of the most committed and devoted. As the study ended with Mark 8, where Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, Nancy found herself confused about the truth of this statement—to the point that she could not sleep at night or study for her exams. She worried about what her parents would say if she became a Christian.
One sunny day, Nancy went for a walk to try to make sense of everything she was learning about Jesus. Walking in the hot sun, she realized that she was thirsty. As she sat on a bench resting and reflecting on Peter’s statement that Jesus is the Christ, a man walking his dog stopped by and asked if Nancy would mind watching his dog while he went to get some water. She agreed, and the man came back with two cups, one for Nancy and one for himself. She thanked him as he walked away.
Nancy was surprised by the man’s thoughtfulness. She was reminded of the Samaritan woman in John 4, to whom Jesus offered living water that quenched her spirit’s thirst. On that bench, Nancy realized that Jesus was also offering her living water to quench her spiritual thirst. With tears, she embraced the gift that Jesus offered her.
Later that night, as she talked with one of InterVarsity’s student leaders, Nancy said, “Jesus is the Christ—he is the way, the truth, and the life. And to know God, you need to know Jesus.”
Nancy wants to grow in her knowledge of God and her newfound Christian faith. During fall semester 2004, Nancy committed to participating in weekly Bible studies. She is also coordinating worship for the large group weekly meetings.
Many students like Nancy are curious about Christianity. InterVarsity introduces these students to Jesus Christ; the way, truth, life, and living water.
