While Andrea Thomas, regional director in Texas, frantically flipped burgers in the 100 degree heat at Texas A & M University in College Station, the line grew to 150 students waiting for burgers and hot dogs. About 500 people came to Burger Bash 2006. As new students were eating and hanging out, they were greeted by caring InterVarsity students.
As students went through the line, they walked past two poster boards asking them to consider where evil had come into their worlds and offer solutions to that evil. At one point, InterVarsity chapter president Andrew stood in front of the line, and in his loudest voice invited everyone to InterVarsity and a relationship with Jesus. He presented the gospel fearlessly: clear, compelling, and uncompromised.
Simultaneously, behind the scenes, InterVarsity students rotated in and out of a prayer circle. Students gathered and offered continuous, bold prayer for the outreach event.
As Lanee Webel, area director in Texas, flipped burgers on the other side of the park, she had a spiritual conversation with Mary, an incoming Mormon freshmen. Later, Mary complimented an InterVarsity leader, “You are really gung-ho about your faith.”
Students from India, Kentucky, and cities all around the state of Texas came out to Burger Bash. One Latina woman said that she is the first person from her family to attend college. TJ, a campus leader, is open to joining InterVarsity this semester before heading to medical school. A freshmen student said, “Thanks for helping us transition to college.”
InterVarsity staff and students are welcoming new students around the country into the campus community as well as into the community of faith within their InterVarsity chapters.
