Second Chances
“Western Nevada College is in need of people who are willing to step up and do what InterVarsity is called to do,” said Rebecca Van Sickle. For the second time, Rebecca is starting school as a new student at the two-year commuter college in Carson City. This time, she is also starting an InterVarsity chapter. “I know Intervarsity can offer students at WNC a place to get into the Word through Bible study, connect with other Christians, learn to make a difference, and transform the campus.”
Rebecca first arrived at WNC three years ago after graduating from high school. She felt solid in her faith and was excited about the challenges of college. “I knew that God had great plans for me. I couldn’t wait to see what happened,” said Rebecca.
While there, Rebecca saw a need for Jesus in students’ lives and shared her faith when she could. She tried to start a Christian group on campus, but did not have the resources or support to keep it going. After two years, she transferred to finish her degree at a four-year school. “It hurt my heart to leave without having been successful,” said Rebecca.
But God still had plans for Rebecca
At the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), Rebecca contacted the InterVarsity chapter and connected with Ron and Amy, two Bible study leaders on campus. They both invited her to InterVarsity’s large group meetings and their Bible study. “The friendships forged in that first week were my encouragement for staying involved,” said Rebecca.
Over the year, Rebecca’s faith was challenged and deepened as she studied the Bible in community. She went to the chapter’s fall conference and leadership training events. “Doing up to 12 hours of inductive Bible study a day for an entire week will not only get you into the Word of God but will get you talking to other people. For someone who is normally a shy introvert, this was a big deal,” said Rebecca. “It made me stronger in my commitment in Christ and made me even surer of what I believe.”
After a year at UNR, Rebecca prayed about her major in education and her next steps. She felt that education was not the right field to be in and changed her studies to graphic communications. But to do so meant transferring back to Western Nevada College.
“At first I was upset to leave UNR and the family I had there,” said Rebecca. “But then I was reminded of what God had been showing me all year: the power I had to transform a campus in need of him. The reason I had gone to UNR was to gain the connections I would need to reach out to my previous campus.”
A New Chapter Starts
During the summer, Rebecca planned the start of a new InterVarsity chapter.She met with Jackie, her InterVarsity staff member at UNR, and joined student leaders from UNR in their new student outreach training. Rebecca has also connected with InterVarsity leaders at another two-year college in the area.
“At first I felt like I was doing this alone, but God has shown me that I have so many people, as well as himself, to help me along the way,” said Rebecca. She has already met five students who are interested in forming a chapter and meeting for Bible study on campus. Though it will be challenging to find ways to connect with students who commute to campus only when they have a class, Rebecca has faith that God will provide many connections.
“One of the things I learned while being involved with the UNR chapter was that no matter who you are, God will use you for things greater than you think,” said Rebecca. She is excited for people to experience the growth and community she experienced at UNR. This fall, InterVarsity students like Rebecca are actively reaching out to new students on campus, knowing that God can and does transform lives.