At God's Invitation

Two years ago, InterVarsity staff member Ashley Smith and a colleague walked the campus of Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, praying that God would open doors to start a Black Campus Ministry there. This semester, Ashley is walking over the same ground, but now she’s leading faculty and staff in prayer during walks on the campus.

It’s been a long, and sometimes risky, journey. Ashley came on campus last fall during move-in day, equipped with water bottles, candy, and InterVarsity materials. She didn’t feel confident about her ability to begin a new InterVarsity chapter—she prefers smaller group settings and clear, orderly plans. “But God saw fit to put me in a situation that has forced me to rely on him in ways that I have never had to before,” said Ashley. 

Calling All Students

Harris-Stowe is one of two historically Black colleges in Missouri. With just one dormitory and many commuters, it’s difficult getting students to attend any campus event. Last fall, when Ashley organized a music, game, and food night at the dorm, the administrators told her it would be a huge success if even 20 students showed up.

Yet the event drew over 50 students, who then heard about the vision for a new InterVarsity chapter. Several people even stayed afterward to help Ashley clean up. “God kept telling me, ‘If you’re faithful, I can gather people,’” said Ashley. Slowly, the new chapter began to grow.

During Homecoming week, Ashley was invited to participate in a student gospel music event as a spoken word poet. Since several participants had cancelled at the last minute, she was encouraged to perform more than one piece.  In the casual atmosphere, the 35 students in the audience were enthusiastic supporters of each performer. The program ended with a brief presentation of the gospel, but with little time to respond, the audience was dismissed.

“People were starting to leave the theater, and it was then that I felt the Lord was calling me to take a risk and do another call to faith,” said Ashley. She asked for the microphone and when people saw her walk back on stage, they quieted down and waited. Ashley spoke about the freedom God gives and made three invitations—one for non-Christians, one for those wanting to restore their relationship with Christ, and one for those who simply wanted prayer. Before she finished, fifteen students had come forward for prayer, and several others remained for a time of impromptu worship.

Only the Beginning

Over the past year, Ashley has spent time building relationships with many HSSU students, but she has also had opportunities to connect with the university faculty and staff. Last spring, she heard about a campus prayer walk on May 6, the National Day of Prayer, where she expected to meet more students. She brought copies of the prayer guide she had used as a resource in her walk two years before, though she assumed the leaders would have their own resources for prayer.

Ashley arrived early for the prayer walk and met the vice-president of Administration. They began talking, and Ashley learned there weren’t specific plans for the prayer walk. She offered her materials as a guide. The vice-president was so pleased that she asked if Ashley would also lead the walk.

“God had been opening doors and inviting me through them all semester,” Ashley said later. This experience was just one more opportunity. Ashley led the group of twenty faculty and students through campus, praying for the needs of students and faculty at HSSU and for the gospel to be made known.

Afterwards, several faculty members expressed interest in having a regular monthly gathering for prayer and Scripture study—and they asked Ashley to lead. One person sent Ashley a thank you note, saying, “InterVarsity is a refreshing presence on our campus. Just think, this is only the beginning.” Another staff member told Ashley she was excited that students had opportunities to explore their spiritual beliefs.

“The amount of favor we’ve received is uncanny. It reassures me that the Holy Spirit is at work,” said Ashley. “He is the one who invited us into this university.” As another year begins, Ashley and other InterVarsity staff members continue to pray that God would use both students and faculty to renew their campuses.