Sunset at SIUC's Campus Lake
I recently had the opportunity to be a part of a InterVarsity Spring Conference for my Alma Mater, Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The the conference was held at a church’s conference center in Orio Illinois (yeah I had never heard of it either). The congregation of the church welcomed the students with open arms, they were wonderful hosts. I was there to share about the ministry of Pioneer Bible Translators in the hope that some of these students might decide to use their degree to advance God’s Kingdom.
The weekend centered around evangelism and 75 students packed the building to hear James Chambers encourage and equip them on the subject. This weekend was a thrilling time for as I thought back to my time as a student at SIUC. I recalled one time walking around Campus Lake with my staff worker, Patrick (who is still serving at SIUC!) when he asked me what my vision was for the campus. I thought about it for a minute and I said plainly “My vision is for everyone on campus to come to know Jesus.” What seems at first seems to a be simply the naive dream of a young Christian is actually closer to God’s heart and Jesus’ mission then any other vision I could be expressed. What I witnessed during this weekend of evangelism training was a ministry full of student who God is using to quietly make that vision a reality.
I talked to students who have started almost spontaneous prayer meetings on their dorm floors. These prayer meetings have become places for students to receive prayer. Even student that do not yet proclaim to believe in Jesus are asking for prayer. Other students have start a homeless ministry! These students have been intentionally investing time and money to build relationships with the homeless and live out their faith. I don’t think I can express in words how the initiative of these missional students blew me away. When I was a student full of ideas for how God might move on the campus and in the community, I faced the most opposition from my Christian peers. These students are sharing ideas and finding like-minded peers willing to help implement them. There is no other explanation for this change then the transforming power of God’s Spirit in the lives of His people on the campus of SIUC.
I am full of excitement as I think about all God can do with the lives of students who believe that God wants everyone to know Jesus. I pray these students keep dreaming God sized dreams. I pray their lives, your life and mine would be defined by setting goals that can only be achieved if God shows up. One day everyone at SIUC will have the opportunity to know Jesus. I believe this possibly more today than I did when I first said it. I believe it because I see God doing it. God is making himself famous, one student at a time He is answering the naive prayers of faithful students and transforming Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Tye Parks 