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Christian Union the magazine :: fall 2019

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Christian Union New York: Hearing the Lord’s Voice Christian Union Day & Night: Spiritual Devotion & YouTube The Spiritual Climate on Campus: News from some of the nation’s leading universities

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36 The Spiritual Climate on Campus

updat e s fr om l e ading univer si t ie s A City and Campus Aflame (Brown) :: Designing Your Life (Cornell) :: All-Campus Worship (Penn) :: Testifying in Song (Stanford) :: Giving Up Darwin (Yale) :: News-in-Brief from each university, and more

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©2019 Christian Union. All rights reserved. Christian Union: The Magazine is published quarterly. Its goal is to encourage and inform Christian alumni, students, parents, staff, faculty, and friends about Christian Union’s work—and about other spiritual activity—at eight of this country’s most influential colleges, and in key cities.

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lives of these students, on these campuses, and in raising up

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allows you to make a powerful and long-lasting impact in the

Though I never would have anticipated it, I now engage in the ministry of healing, inner healing and deliverance (ejecting evil spirits) at least once a week. It’s astonishing to see God changing people’s lives in such dramatic ways.

I

I pray for many people and see nothing happen, but other times, I pray for people and they are dramatically impacted for the better. Jesus Himself had three primary ministries as He journeyed from town to town before His crucifixion. Countless times in the Gospels He can be seen teaching, healing, and performing deliverance.

One friend calls this “the Gospel of the Kingdom Triad.” The Gospel of Matthew alone chronicles twenty episodes of the Savior healing or performing healing and deliverance.

Over time, I’ve seen that many have adopted John Stott’s view (from his book Baptism and Fullness), which espouses how miracles and works of the Holy Spirit only occur when the Gospel is first introduced to a new area. It’s the view I held until Jack Deere’s book critiqued that perspective and I began to see the Holy Spirit at work in so many contexts. If the supernatural work of the Spirit is unfamiliar to you, I’d encourage you to look into it, so as to expand your ability to minister to others. Many are hurting and need a touch of God, and Christians have the privilege of playing a role in extending God’s touch to others.

Sincerely in Christ,

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Holy Spirit Power

t’s been more than 20 years since I first read Jack Deere’s book, Surprised by the Voice of God, and its impact on me continues to this day.

I especially remember the chapter titled “Bible Deist,” which made the case that Jesus’ promise of provision for His followers was primarily the Holy Spirit, even though, of course, the completion of the canon of Scripture cannot be overstated in its significance and importance. The Holy Spirit Himself is the author of the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:19-21)—yet, there’s more that’s needed for a fruitful Christian life than the Scriptures alone. In Acts 1:8, Jesus said that “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Indeed, the book of Acts shows that Christians are to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ, by the Spirit of Christ, including witnessing, holy living, sacrificial service, living by faith, the ministry of the Word, prayer, and even through supernatural work of the Spirit.

Many have helped me in my journey through the years including Francis and Judith MacNutt and Ken Fish. Though I never would have anticipated it, I now engage in the ministry of healing, inner healing and deliverance (ejecting evil spirits) at least once a week. It’s astonishing to see God changing people’s lives in such dramatic ways. This doesn’t negate the need for solid, thorough teaching, but some people have healing and deliverance needs that can only be met through the direct intervention of the Holy Spirit. Of course,

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feature section :: fall 2019 The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts / 6 Q and with Ken Fish / 10 Supernatural Ministry / 12

Spiritual Gifts & Supernatural Ministry

:: christianunion.org

nicolas poussin (french, 1594–1665). saints peter and john healing the lame man, 1655. the metropolitan museum of art, new york, marquand fund, 1924 (24.45.2)

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—Acts 3: 2, 6-8

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And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

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feature section | spiritual gifts and supernatural ministry

The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts (1st Corinthians 12-14) by dr. craig keener

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ome kinds of church bodies accept only particular kinds of gifts, hence they amputate certain kinds of members. Other kinds of churches pile together the amputated members and celebrate that they are an ideal body. Yet ideally, a body that is whole welcomes all its members.

Some value teaching but disregard prophecy (1 Thess 5:20); some exalt tongues but resent teaching; and so forth.

We need to appreciate all the gifts. By definition, gifts given by God’s grace are good.

We just need to make sure that we use them in the right ways!

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Again putting the gifts in context, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, Paul emphasizes that the gifts are only for the present time, whereas love is eternal. The gifts are partial, so we will not need them when we enjoy the fulness of God’s presence. I won’t need someone to correct my faults prophetically when I no longer have faults. I won’t need to study for my Bible exams when I know fully as I am known.

Paul offers three key examples of gifts that he elsewhere highlights in this letter: prophecies, tongues, and knowledge (13:810). From 1 Corinthians 1:5, we see that the Corinthians highly valued knowledge,

First Corinthians 13 is no mere abstract treatise on love, despite Paul’s use of epideictic rhetoric here to praise the character of love.

1 Corinthians 13 is showing why love is central in the proper use of spiritual gifts.

Paul is merely praising love. He is praising love, but he is also implicitly reproving the Corinthians. Love is not jealous (zêloi; 13:4)—but the Corinthians are (3:3). Love is not arrogant (phusioô; 13:4)—but the Corinthians are (4:6, 18-19; 5:2). Love does not seek for oneself (ou zêtei ta heautês; 13:5); in 10:24 Paul exhorts the Corinthians to seek not for oneself, but for others (i.e., not one’s rights, but preventing others from stumbling).

Paul again waxes eloquent with rhetorical patterning in 13:7: four times he begins with panta (“all things”). Love, he declares, puts up with all things (13:7a). This evokes Paul’s earlier example of himself in 9:12: he puts up with all things (using the same term, stegô) to prevent others from stumbling.

along with speech (1:5). Their culture helped make such gifts appealing: the rest of Corinth highly valued philosophy (wisdom) and rhetoric (oratory). But whether in Corinth or for us today, especially for those of us who teach others, loving others matters more than boasting in theological knowledge (8:1-3, 7, 10-11). If we use our knowledge to show students how smart we are, to make them feel inferior, or worst of all, to cause these little ones to stumble, we abuse our gift.

People debate about the meaning of “word of knowledge” in 1 Cor. 12:8. The tradition that has commonly arisen in charismatic circles is that it applies to special knowledge of someone’s sickness, sin, or the like. Certainly God can do that, and

that sort of insight appears in many biblical examples. More often, however, the Bible would present that as an expression of prophecy.

“Word of knowledge” in 1 Corinthians 12:8 uses the same Greek words as “speech” and “knowledge” in 1:5, and probably refers to speaking knowledgeably (related to gift of teaching; 12:28-29; 14:6). We dare not boast in this gift, for one day it will pass away. When Jesus returns, I will no longer be a teacher; everyone will know the Lord equally (cf. Jer 31:34). I have the gift now to serve Christ’s body, but it is not my eternal identity. One time when I was worshiping, I felt like God was commending me for my diligent labors for Him. But then I felt something far more beautiful: I will not always be a teacher, or this gift or that gift.

But I will always be His son.

Love is Forever The gifts pass away at Jesus’ return (13:8, 10, 12) not because they are bad or in the present unnecessary. They pass away because they are surpassed by something infinitely more wonderful. Our knowledge and prophesying are partial (13:9). (Consider, for example, John the Baptist’s uncertainty regarding Jesus’ identity, or people saying to Paul “through the Spirit” that he should not go to Jerusalem.) Partial gifts are no longer needed when we experience full knowledge—when we see our glorious Lord face to face (13:12; cf. Jer. 31:31-34). Gifts are valuable for the present, but they are resources for the greater objective: serving one another in love.

The Corinthians would concede Paul’s point that what is eternal matters more than what is temporary (13:11-12). Greek thinkers rightly valued eternal over temporal. Paul compares our state in the pres-

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1 Corinthians 12 and 1 Corinthians 14 are about spiritual gifts, and it’s no coincidence that chapter 13 lies right between them. (Those of you who are good with math may have already noticed this pattern.)

The Perfect Forever vs.

The Limited Present

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The Way of Love

mountains (a hyperbole borrowed from Jesus), would not grant us status before God. Even if we work hard to develop these gifts, these skills are gifts, not merits, and they are worthless without love.

The point, of course, is not that God’s gifts are bad. God’s gifts are by definition good. But if we use them only to honor ourselves and not to build up Christ’s body, if we deploy them selfishly, rather than to serve lovingly, we miss the point for which God gave us the gifts. He gives us gifts so we can participate together as Christ’s body in building one another up, in being agents of God for one another.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul describes what love is like. Sometimes we think that

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We should, therefore, keep in mind the purpose of gifts: to build up Christ’s body.

God gives us gifts, especially to minister to others. If we use them to boast of our superiority, we abuse them. We dare not despise others’ gifts, no matter how small they seem. Nor dare we minimize the value of our own gifts.

In explaining this point, Paul waxes eloquent. Many Corinthian Christians were unimpressed with Paul’s rhetoric, so he uses here the rhetorical technique called anaphora: three times he repeats, but varies, the same sort of expression: “varieties of … but the same” (12:4-6). Then he offers his thesis in 12:7: “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (NASB). Then he again uses rhetorical repetition, linking diverse gifts with the phrase, “to another …” (12:8-10, varying the Greek terms for “another”). In 12:11, he returns to “the same Spirit,” as in 12:4, bracketing the entire section.

Then he elaborates on the point that the body works as one, yet has many mem-

1 Corinthians 13 is no mere abstract treatise on love, despite Paul’s use of epideictic rhetoric here to praise the character of love. 1 Corinthians 13 is showing why love is central in the proper use of spiritual gifts.

We should note the verses that frame Paul’s elaboration about love: 1 Corinthians 12:31 and 1 Corinthians 14:1. These verses are explicit that we can seek for spiritual gifts; it is not simply a matter of what we are born or born again recognizing, but we can pray for God to give us particular gifts (1 Cor 12:31; 1 Cor 14:1, 39). (God is, of course, sovereign in which ones He gives us, knowing what is best for the body as a whole; 12:7.) But Paul is also clear which gifts we should particularly seek. Love seeks the best gifts—best being defined by love as those gifts that build up the body.

Paul demonstrates that, without love, use of gifts is worthless. Gifts are valuable, but we abuse them if we do not deploy them to serve and love. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul declares that love is greater than all God’s gifts to us; in modern terms, love rather than unmerited gifts is a sign of “spirituality.” (Even if love, too, is a fruit of God working within us; Gal 5:22; 1 John 4:19.)

Paul uses hyperbole, or rhetorical overstatement, here to reinforce his point graphically. Even if I spoke in all tongues, communicating in all languages, I would be nothing without love! (Most Anglo Americans speak just one language. Most of my African friends speak three or four.

But even if we spoke all languages …)

Having all knowledge—a status that not even the world’s greatest scholars dare claim—and all faith so as to move

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Building up Christ’s Body

bers (12:12, 14, 20, 27). He dwells on this point at length; dwelling on a point was an approach that orators used when they wanted to reinforce a matter. Paul takes his body metaphor to grotesquely graphic lengths: we don’t want our eye or foot declaring independence from our body! Today, we might even think of tissues that become harmful to the rest of the body, as in the case of cancers or gangrene (cf. 2 Tim 2:17). God forbid that any of us should become gangrene to the rest of the body of Christ! We should use our gifts to serve the rest of the body, and also recognize that we ourselves need the rest of the body and its gifts.

We don’t routinely amputate members of our body because we think some less important than the others. We don’t tear out some members because we think, “That one’s dispensable! Oh, here, I’ve got two eyeballs, let me get rid of one!” We don’t normally regard any of our members as dispensable, because all of them have functions that contribute to the whole. Indeed, Paul says, we work harder to protect weaker members and to clothe the less public members (12:22-26).

Paul goes on to note gift-roles in 12:2830. Of these, he ranks only the first three: apostles, prophets, and teachers. The others are unranked, although Paul probably lists tongues last because of its abuse in Corinth (1 Cor 14).

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ent era to being like a child; someday we will have full maturity in Christ (13:11; cf. Eph 4:13). Then, Paul says, we will see Jesus face to face (1 Cor. 13:12). Now we see dimly as in a mirror. Corinth was famous for its bronze, which was used in the best mirrors. The best mirrors then were not, however, as good as our mirrors today: one would merely see dimly. Paul’s language recalls the Greek translation of Numbers 12:7-8, which contrasts Moses with other prophets: Moses saw God face to face (comparatively speaking), not in riddles.

When Jesus returns, all will be revealed (3:12-15; 4:5; 11:26; 15:22-57; 16:22).

Thus, Paul says, you need not lack any spiritual gift while you await Christ’s revealing (1 Cor. 1:7). We share our gifts with others to help prepare Christ’s body to be ready as His bride. But once He appears, He will perfect us fully.

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sickness (2 Kgs 13:14), but was so full of God’s power that when Israelites threw a corpse on top of his bones, the corpse came back to life (13:21).

Jesus used healings as a foretaste of the kingdom (cf. Matt 12:28//Luke 11:20).

Thus, when John the Baptist asks whether He is really the expected kingdom-bringer, Jesus replies by appealing to His acts, healings, and preaching good news to the poor as signals of the promised future restoration (Matt 11:5//Luke 7:22; Isa 35:56; 61:1). But we don’t yet have the full consummation of the kingdom. Thus, even Jairus’ daughter, Lazarus, or others raised from the dead in the New Testament died again. Healings in this life are by definition temporary, as we await our resurrected bodies. All nineteenth-century people of faith, no matter how often they got healed, are no longer walking among us. But when God heals anyone, it is a blessing to all of

(Adapted from Three Crucial Questions About the Holy Spirit, published by Baker Books.) dr. craig s. keener (PhD, Duke University) is the F.M. and Ada Thompson Professor of the New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is especially known for his work as a New Testament scholar on Bible background (commentaries on the New Testament in its early Jewish and Greco-Roman settings).

Dr. Keener is the author of 25 books, including recent works: Galatians (Cambridge, 2018); Mind of the Spirit: Paul’s Approach to Transformed Thinking (Baker Academic, 2016); Spirit Hermeneutics: Reading Scripture in Light of Pentecost (Eerdmans, 2016); and Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts (Baker Academic, 2011).

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knowledge.” All have some knowledge and some faith, but some have a special enablement. Moving mountains (1 Cor 13:2), for example, suggests an extraordinary gift of faith.

That healings (1 Cor 12:9, 28, 30) serves the body is obvious. Although they may overlap, healings differ from “signs” (dominant in the Gospels and Acts), the primary objective of which is evangelism.

Healings can be, but unlike signs need not be, dramatic; if a person recovers gradually or through medical attention, we still thank God for answering our prayer. Some problems inhibited this gift in Corinth. In a congregation divided by social class and arrogance, this gift was blocked by failing to discern Christ’s body (11:29), thus allowing much sickness (11:30).

When we pray for healing, we should pray with confidence in the Lord who delighted to restore people’s health when He

resolve some problems I might not even admit that I was really dealing with. But while it communicates to God—God understands it—it does not communicate to others unless it is interpreted. So its function is in private prayer unless interpreted.

Paul urges us to seek gifts (12:31; 14:1, 12). Seeing needs, we can pray for gifts to meet those needs. We can seek prophecy (14:1, 39) because it builds up the body.

(At least it should, in churches that make room for hearing from God in this way.

The larger the church, though, the more the constraints necessary to keep everything in order during the gathering.) Likewise, we may pray for the gift of healing, out of compassion for others’ needs, just as Jesus healed from compassion.

In the end, the point is that we need to use the gifts to serve one another. Paul’s conclusion to these chapters on spiritual gifts is relevant for us (14:39-40, NRSV): “So, my friends, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues; but all things should be done decently and in order.” | cu

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christian union

Jesus used healings as a foretaste of the kingdom. Thus, when John the Baptist asks whether He is really the expected kingdom-bringer, Jesus replies by appealing to His acts, healings, and preaching good news to the poor as signals of the promised future restoration.

us, a reminder of His promise to us of complete healing of ourselves and a new heaven and a new earth, a restoration that Jesus purchased by His own suffering on the cross.

I can also make some comments about tongues, the abuse of which Paul addresses at length in 1 Corinthians 14. Keep in mind, though, that Paul really likes this gift: 14:18 tells us that Paul does it a lot. But he does it privately, rather than interrupting the service loudly with a tongue and no interpretation. Personal prayer in tongues is good, with or without interpretation; Paul says that it edifies oneself (14:4). Edifying oneself is good; that is why we study the Bible devotionally (not just for sermon preparation) or pray personally, as well as in church.

But, of course, Paul’s emphasis in 1 Corinthians 12-14 is what we can do to edify the body; when tongues is addressed to the whole church, it needs to be coupled with interpretation. What matters most in the gathered assembly is edifying others, so prophecy is more important unless tongues is interpreted. The same principle applies to any kind of speech: if I am preaching, I had better make sure I use my time to meet people’s needs and not just to show off. (That is, I would be wise to be prepared and not just waste everybody’s time.)

Paul approaches tongues from a somewhat different angle than Acts (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6). In Acts, Luke shows tongues’ symbolic value as a sign that God has empowered His church to speak for Him cross culturally. Paul, by contrast, explains tongues’ function for a congregation and for private prayer. When Paul prays in tongues, he explains, his spirit prays; his mind is not involved. (Sometimes I pray in tongues while doing something else with my mind.) Tongues communicates on a different level; from the depths of the heart, one’s spirit communicates on the affective (feeling) level, bypassing some of our mental defense mechanisms. I find that it helps

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Paul gives various lists of gifts. They seem to be samples of gifts—the list is not limited, as some teach, to nine gifts. Paul lists the gifts most at issue in Corinth.

In Eph 4:11, where the focus is primarily on Word-gifts, he emphasizes one body (4:4, 12, 16), and lists apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers. In Romans 12:4-8, Paul emphasizes, as in Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12, that we are one body with many members (Rom 12:4-5).

As also in 1 Corinthians 12, in Romans 12:6 he indicates that these gifts are given to us according to grace (charis). The gifts he notes include (for example): prophecy, teaching, giving, leading, and so forth.

In 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Paul lists such gifts as speaking wisdom and knowledge; miracles; and again (as always in his lists) prophecy. As in Romans 12, this is because we are one body with many members (12:12). Then again in 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, he lists gifts, because, he says in 12:27, we are one body with many mem-

was on earth. Nevertheless, many of us are familiar with times that people pray for healing and do not experience it (though usually they receive some sort of blessing).

This is not a new experience. The Bible mentions some who were not healed, treating it just in passing because it is the ordinary state of affairs when God does not act in a special way through His people.

Paul had some sort of bodily infirmity when he ministered in Galatia (Gal 4:13), and Epaphroditus, though he survived, was sick close to the point of death before he recovered (Phil 2:27). Paul had to leave Trophimus at Miletus because he was too ill to travel (2 Tim 4:20). Elisha died of

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Sample Lists

bers (12:27). Here he lists, for example, apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, he lists tongues, prophecy, knowledge, and faith. In 1 Corinthians 13:8-9, he lists prophecies, tongues, and knowledge.

In 1 Corinthians 14:6, he lists as valuable for public use among believers prophecy, teaching, and in context, tongues, if accompanied with interpretation. In 1 Corinthians 14:26, he includes contributing to worship (with psalms), teaching, prophetic revelation, tongues, and interpretation.

We can elaborate here a few specific examples. I have already noted “word of

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feature section | spiritual gifts and supernatural ministry

‘Demonstrations of the Spirit and of Power’ Q and A with Ken Fish

:: christian union

KF: My academic background probably

CU: Why do a lot of people, including

in a campus ministry. It was a good ministry. We had a belief in the things of the

helps me think about what’s happening with a more clinical eye than your typical

Christians, not embrace supernatural ministry?

quoted the Old Testament Scriptures in their writings. They knew it well and understood it in light of the revelation of Jesus…they experienced Him and understood who He was. As John says in his first letter (1 John 1:1), “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…” John was not going to get pushed off of his belief, and that’s why he ended up on Patmos.

That kind of experience, coupled with your

There is an immense amount of unbelief in the body of Christ. We live in a society where the things of the supernatural are either openly mocked or questioned, whether it is in academia, the media, in government—no one really takes any of this very seriously. gerous.” That’s the underlying tone you see pretty much universally throughout most of Western Christianity, at least Protestant Western Christianity. Additionally, a lot of seminaries are infected with that [kind of thinking]—seminaries where we train our future theological leaders, pastors, etc.

CU: As a Christian Union board member,

how important is it for students to receive training in the gifts of the Spirit?

What kind of leaders can that kind of teaching develop?

KF: Those are exactly the kind of leaders

we need. If you look at the early leaders of the church, they were all steeped in Scripture and took it very seriously. It’s almost not fair to look at Paul. He could certainly be an example. You could also look at less educated men like Peter or James. They

knowledge of Scripture, is what makes leaders who are not easily swayed. Yes, there are some that fall away and don’t stay the course, but, in general, if you’re on the switch rails of Holy Spirit power and in Scripture, and you have both in your life— those kind of people don’t easily fall away, and they are not easily bound to the prevailing orthodoxy of the greater culture around them.

CU: You returned recently from a min-

istry trip to Athens, Greece, with author and national radio host Eric Metaxas, and reported that there were many miraculous healings. You also said that about fifty people came to know the Lord. What is the correlation between supernatural ministry and evangelism?

KF: I think the main reason God does things like this is because He loves people and He’s compassionate. Of course that always brings up the question of “Why isn’t everybody healed?” That is a complex topic and there are a lot of answers. Even if I gave every answer, it would not fully explain everything. But many people are healed and, increasingly, many more are being healed. I certainly see an ongoing uptick in the level of grace, the number of healings, the complexity of healing, the nature of healings that we see week to week, month to month, year to year…”

CU: How essential is prayer for a min-

istry like yours that operates in healing, deliverance, and prophecy?

KF: Prayer is essential to everything we do.

I’ve got a team of intercessors that hear from me regularly and I have a wider prayer letter that I send out every month. Prayer is a critical component. I don’t think you can do this kind of ministry without prayer.

CU: What Bible verse is foundational

for your ministry?

KF: 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, “My message and

my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” | cu

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KEN FISH: At Princeton, I was involved

returns will we find faith on the earth?”

There is an immense amount of unbelief in the body of Christ. We live in a society where the things of the supernatural are either openly mocked or questioned, whether it is in academia, the media, in government—no one really takes any of this very seriously. And religion is kind of relegated to, “You believe what you want, but don’t take it too seriously, don’t go too far with it; we don’t want to have a lot of fanaticism here and things that are dan-

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CU: How do your academic and theological backgrounds help you in your work with Kingdom Fire Ministries?

KF: Jesus said, “When the Son of Man

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CHRISTIAN UNION: How were you first introduced to the ministry of healing, deliverance, and prophecy, etc.?

charismatic Christian. By the way, I’m not a big fan of the term charismatic Christian.

I use it because people use it, but I really think a better term is pneumatic Christian—we’re people of the Spirit and the gifts.

Having a seminary degree puts a discipline around the way I think about Scripture, church history, theological tradition, etc. I went to seminary because God—I mean this is going to sound weird, but it’s the truth—God told me to go to seminary. In my sophomore year at Princeton, I had an open vision, which means that I saw this vision whether my eyes were open or closed and it was as real as if you hold your hand in front of your face and see your hand. The vision lasted three days. When I would lie down at night to go to sleep, I’d close my eyes, and still see it. When I would wake up in the morning, it was still there. If the professor was lecturing, I’d look down and see it as superimposed over my notes. There was no escaping it. Then, after three days, it left. The vision clearly instructed me to go to seminary; there was no question that that was what God wanted me to do. I probably needed that vision because I didn’t enjoy the seminary environment. I found it filled with a lot of unbelief, a lot of very propositional theology, and almost, a hostility to what you read in the Bible at face value. I found a lot of hostility to that kind of vibrant Christian faith.”

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Spirit, but, honestly, we couldn’t report on en Fish, Princeton ’82, is the a single healing…and I don’t remember founder of Kingdom Fire Minisever seeing a demon cast out of anybody. tries. He is the featured speaker at We were well-intentioned, but we didn’t Christian Union’s Gospel of the Kingdom know what we were doing and had no one Conferences, which are hosted biannualto train us. Around my junior or senior ly in New York City. The conferences are year, I started praying and said, “God, I known for focusing on physical and emosee all these things in the Bible and I don’t tional healing, deliverance, and prophesy, live any of it.” There was a disconnect beand other supernatural aspects of ministry.

As a student at Princeton, Fish was a solid-state physics major before shifting his undergraduate studies to relig i o n a n d p h i l o s o p h y.

Following graduation, he worked on Wall Street before taking a job in the financial sector in Southern California and pursuing a master of divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. An internship led to a full-time position and over a decade working for the late John Wimber at the Ken Fish teaching at a Christian Union salon in 2018.

Vineyard Church. Under Wimber’s leadership, Vineyard was known tween my lived out Christianity and the for empowerment by the Holy Spirit, sigChristianity that I saw in the Word of God. nificant renewal in the gifts, conversion Not long after that, I was at church and growth, and a movement that grew to a a woman walked up to me with a bag in network of over 2,400+ churches worldher hand [and gave me] John Wimber wide. cassette tapes that dealt with matters of Fish, who also earned an MBA from healing and spiritual gifts. I just got so UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of animated, and I remember praying and Management, founded Kingdom Fire saying, “God, if this is real, I have to have Ministries ten years ago. this. I don’t care what it costs me.”

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feature section | spiritual gifts and supernatural ministry

On the Supernatural The Gift of Prophecy by matt bennett

Samson had incredible strength, but questionable character; King Saul had prophetic abilities at one time, yet disobeyed God, and had to give up the kingdom. In the New Testament, Christians in the city of Corinth have all kinds of prophetic gifts (see chapters 12-14), yet they are also called “infants in Christ” and “of the flesh” (1 Corinthians 3:1). It’s also noteworthy that in the listings of the qualifications for elders (1 Timothy 3:1-8; Titus 1:5-9), nothing is said about miraculous or prophetic giftings. A person can be very mature in Christ, yet have very limited revelatory abilities, and, of course, the opposite can also be

to be weighed and tested. A person may feel like they have a word from God, but quite possibly, it’s from their own desire or emotions. Additionally, they might receive a vision from God, but may not correctly interpret it, and, therefore, make mistakes when speaking to others. The Scriptures teach that Christians are to test (1 John 4:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21) and weigh (1 Corinthians 14:29) all prophecies. Some have been hurt and disappointed because they took a prophecy as completely true and never tested it. Every Christian who receives a prophetic word should take it to the Lord, wait on Him,

astonished and said that there would now be two reasons why I would be the talk of the lab. One, because of the enormous size of the appendix; and two, because of how I decided to get it checked out.

The prophetic word was just the encouragement I needed to take action to get my appendix examined. It was easy to test this word because there would certainly be no harm in going to the doctor to get my abdominal pain examined. There was almost no downside and significant

upside potential. I praise God for His grace to me!

If the gift of prophecy is new to you, I encourage you to begin learning about it with the two caveats mentioned earlier in mind. It will add an additional dimension to your walk with God and could be used in providing significant encouragement and strengthening to others. | cu matt bennett (Cornell ’88, MBA ’89) is the founder and CEO of Christian Union.

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Christian Union Founder and CEO Matt Bennett at a recent conference

and see if the word is confirmed in some way before it’s taken to heart.

In the fall of 2018, I had emergency appendectomy surgery. After an MRI scan, the radiologist told me that I had the largest swollen appendix he had seen in twenty-five years of medical practice. He called the emergency room at Mt. Sinai Hospital and sent me straight there from my MRI imaging session. I praise God for this because it had already ruptured, and if I had not had surgery quickly, it could have been life-threatening. My doctor told me that I was the talk of the imaging lab because of the enormous size of the burst appendix.

He asked me why I had come in since I had obviously been fine living with periodic abdominal pain for one to two years.

Honestly, it never even occurred to me to go to the doctor. I had thought that I was periodically not eating well, or just experiencing a bug. What I told him surprised him, and I knew it would; so, before I answered him, I asked if he had a Christian or religious background of any kind.

He said that he had grown up Catholic, but was not currently practicing. I asked him if he had ever heard about people getting prophetic words, and he said he had heard a little about it. Well, just a week prior, I had received a voicemail from a friend in Delaware with a strong prophetic gift.

In the voicemail, this friend said God told him that I was not “listening to my body” and that it was possibly putting in jeopardy His plans for me. When I listened to the voicemail it made me wonder if there was any connection to the periodic abdominal pain. I went to the doctor to check it out, which is how I ended up getting my appendix removed. The doctor was indeed

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true. An immature Christian or one with distorted theological views can have very powerful revelatory gifts.

Always Needs to Be Weighed and Tested. Another common problem for Christians new to the gift is the lack of understanding that prophecies are always

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of God’s amazing grace, He’s willing to give prophetic gifting to Christians of all different maturity levels and theological soundness. He loves to show how merciful He is, and that He can give gifts to whomever He chooses.

After all, it’s seen in the Old Testament:

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arriet, a movie about the life of the famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman, was recently released in theaters, giving many a chance to know this remarkable woman for the first time. The movie highlights not only her sacrificial heroism and her Christian faith, but her dependence on God for the supernatural, helping her to evade capture and lead slaves to freedom. Many times in her life, God gave her supernatural, or prophetic revelation, to guide her to her destination.

The gift of prophecy is available to Christians today, as it was in Harriet’s day and as evidenced in the first century. God supernaturally provides revelation to His servants, sometimes in sentence form, and sometimes through visual images to help them in their walks with Him and to edify others. The primary purpose of prophetic revelation is stated in 1 Corinthians 14:3, “On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.”

Prophecy is receiving divine revelation and sharing it with others, so as to strengthen them in the faith. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping many learn to operate in this gift and work through biblical questions so that they can operate in confidence. Two of the most common concerns for those learning about the gift are as follows: Not Correlated with Spiritual Maturity. It’s often assumed that anyone who has such revelatory experiences would be strong in the faith and have solid character and strong theological doctrine. After all, wouldn’t God give such a spectacular gift to the true saints among us? Yet, because

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from the university to the city and beyond

Transforming Culture this fall, christian union ministries on nine campuses engaged in a widely

chris tian

successful Freshman Welcoming Campaign to help first-year students connect to

union

our Bible courses, personal mentoring, coaching, the leadership lecture series and

universities

other events, and engaging outreach. These students will join upperclassmen in

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a leadership development ministry that is seeking, by God’s grace, to transform culture. This is the essence of Christian Union’s work at Brown, Columbia, Cornell,

chris tian

Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale.

union cities

christian union’s ministry to its alumni and their peers, christian union

page 3 2

Cities, develops networks of young professionals in key cultural centers, starting

union d ay & nigh t

at the heart of christian union’s work is a desire to see a spiritually vibrant nation. To this end, Christian Union Day & Night calls on believers to seek God wholeheartedly and to pray and fast for our nation.

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Circle in the early 1800s. Pray that God will bring similar change to the U.S.

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sweeping change to England through William Wilberforce and the Clapham

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in New York City and Washington, D.C. This model was used by the Lord to bring

15 Yale students Declan Kunkel ’19 and Duncan Moore ’20 photo credit: sara beth turner

christian union universities

Pressing Toward the Mark at Princeton Football Players Huddle Up for Christian Union Bible Course by tom campisi, managing editor

the magazine

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lenged spiritually every week,” he said. “It has become Noel, a mechanical engineering major from one of my favorite parts of my week.”

Yorktown, Virginia, has had to persevere through “Christian Union has prepared me to integrate illness and injuries in his first three years. He was my faith into everyday life by teaching me to priordiagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma just a few itize my faith above everything else. This is a lesson weeks after arriving on campus as a freshman. He that I am still learning, especially at a place like was healthy enough to play football in his sophomore year, but suffered a grade 2 MCL tear in the pre-season and was out for most of the campaign. This year, he tore his ACL and lateral meniscus in the first game of the season, and is again on the injured list—yet, his faith has helped him walk through these challenging times.

“I was able to overcome each of these obstacles by falling back on God’s Word and praying, (and with) encouragement from family members and friends, teammates and coaches, and the Princeton staff, and trusting in God’s plan for me,” Noel said.

Credit: Sebastian Traeger “From the moment I met Tavaris, The 2018 Princeton football kneeling in prayer at a home game. it has been clear that his faith is what drives his joy and purpose,” Heslep said.

Princeton, where the urgent things get in the way “To see how he has overcome physical setbacks (canof the important things.” cer and multiple injuries) with such joy and trust Much like they devote themselves to getting in Christ in his time at Princeton is a blessing to better as players by weight-lifting, training, and me.” daily practices, Ison and his teammates in the Bible Noel said the Bible course is a great opportunicourse are seeking to study to show themselves apty to strengthen his relationship with God, while proved and grow in the grace and knowledge of our being surrounded with students who have similar Lord Jesus Christ. interests.

Recently, one football player said, “I wonder what “I appreciate the relationships I’ve made with it would look like if we all lived boldly for our faith those who choose to follow Christ, as well as those and were unashamed to talk more freely about our who will keep me accountable when I deviate from faith? I think it would be transformational.”

God’s plan,” he said.

“My prayer for them,” Heslep said, “is that this Ison, an economics major from Huntsville, Alindeed becomes a reality, and Christ is honored on abama, said Christian Union has helped mold him the Princeton football team.” | cu into a better leader. Bible course offers a time to escape the chaos of school and sports.

“I love being able to connect with those in my Bible course and being assured that I will be chal-

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in commemoration of the historic Princeton vs.

Rutgers game in 1869. Part of the celebration included a Princeton-Dartmouth game at Yankee Stadium on November 9. The Big Green defeated the Tigers, 27-10.

Princeton football players who attend Christian Union Bible Courses want to use their platform as ambassadors for the Gospel, Heslep said.

“There has been a growing determination from the team to make their community within the team mean something,” Heslep said. “The young men have been challenged to make the body of Christ more visible in the locker room and in the classroom, and they have begun to show the desire to see it come to fruition.”

Among the team’s Christian leaders are defensive lineman Sam Wright ’21 and linebackers Tavaris Noel ’21 and Larkin Ison ’22. Heslep also pointed to the Christian commitment of backup quarterback Cole Smith ’21 and tight end Luke Gibson ’23. Additionally, starting quarterback Kevin Davidson ’20, a strong believer, is active with another campus ministry.

Wright, who hails from Lawrenceville, Georgia, was Credit: Boris Tsang second on the team in both Princeton defensive lineman Sam Wright (51) in action against Cornell on November 1 in tackles for loss and sacks in Ithaca, New York.

2018 when the Princeton defense was ranked fourth in the nation. In addition to being part of a Bible course, said, “We are learning to understand how Christ’s he has also exhibited leadership with TruThursday, supremacy over all creation can help us to ‘continue Christian Union’s ministry to African, African-Amerto live our lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him ican, and Caribbean cultures. and firm in our faith.’”

“Sam has a desire to live out his faith in front of The Princeton Tigers, who went 10-0 in 2018 his peers, and it is evident in the way he shows and captured the Ivy League Championship, won tenderness and love toward those in his circles of seven of their first eight games this year. This season influence,” Heslep said. is special as college football celebrates its 150th year It is tradition for a group of Princeton football players to kneel in prayer prior to each game. The Tigers emerge from the tunnel and head to the end zone, where they reverently bow their heads.

There is also a remnant of Princeton football players who are seeking to reinforce that public witness as they seek to make Jesus Christ Lord over their lives and known on campus. These young men are growing as leaders through a Christian Union Bible Course on Colossians and one-on-one mentoring.

Referring to Colossians 2:7, Christopher Heslep, Christian Union’s ministry director at Princeton,

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christian union universities

Serving the Student Body Drummond ’20 Is Executive Vice President at Stanford

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“I have never felt so spiritually filled and intellectually engaged with the Word as when I am engaging in debate and dialogue during our weekly Bible courses.”

—Isaiah Drummond, Stanford ’20 fourth year, I am able to see clearly the truth in Jesus’ words when He told His disciples that, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” (Matt 9:37 NIV) “Stanford is replete with believers, both those deeply involved in ministries across campus and those who are not. However, I now believe more than ever that we must not timidly sit aside while our peers are crying out for a panacea that can solve their problems.” | cu

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This fall, the Caritas team is reaching out to freshmen with a variety of initiatives and outreaches, such as “Waffles at Wilbur (Hall)” and weekly frosh dinners. The first Venture, the ministry’s Leadership Lecture Series, focused on Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and Christian community. Drummond is one of many key leaders who are helping first-year students and upperclassmen engage with opportunities to hear the Gospel and grow deeper in their faith.

“Christian Union has continually challenged me to actively and unashamedly seek to fulfill the tenets of the Great Commission,” he said. “Going into my

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he regularly meets with senior-level leadership on behalf of the student body, delegates responsibility to the executive cabinet, and interacts with students across all segments of campus.

“Christian Union has played a tremendous role in helping me successfully complete these tasks and has been instrumental in providing me with the skills necessary to thrive as a student body leader,” he said.

Drummond, who is also pursuing a minor in Spanish, is seeking to be a voice and role model to his peers.

“This position grants me access to senior-level leadership, and I believe it is my duty to speak up for the voiceless and advocate for those oft forgotten when I step into these spaces. While I want to be a champion for the student body in these meetings, I believe it is equally as important to serve as a role model in my public-facing role. I want to ensure that in everything I do, I am a positive example of Christian leadership on this campus.”

In addition to student government, Drummond has also been active in the Stanford Gospel Choir, Veritas Forum, and the Stanford Society of Black Scientists and Engineers. This year with Caritas he is the ministry’s Assistant Seeking God Director and Senior Men’s Assistant Bible Course Leader.

Drummond is thankful for being part of a fledgling ministry as a freshman and credits Caritas with helping him mature spiritually.

“Throughout our entire academic careers, we have invested thousands of hours into learning more about the world around us and pushing the limits of human understanding,” he said. “Yet, all too regularly, we fail to spend sufficient time growing spiritually.”

“I have never felt so spiritually filled and intellectually engaged with the Word as when I am engaging in debate and dialogue during our weekly Bible courses. Whether I was studying the Gospel of Mark, reading through Philippians, or diving into Romans, I have thoroughly enjoyed being challenged to align my life around God’s instructions.”

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mental health and well-being. I feel confident that For the last two years, Isaiah Drummond the president and I have compiled an extraordinary has served as the vice president of Caritas, executive cabinet with subject matter experts on Christian Union’s ministry to students at topics ranging from academic freedom and political Stanford University. Drummond, a mechanical enengagement to affordability.” gineering major, helped build the ministry, along Garrett Brown, Christian Union’s ministry diwith other students when it launched in the fall of rector at Stanford, said Drummond has a great 2016. combination of intelligence and graciousness and Now a senior, the Houston, Texas, native is still his character and enthusiasm make him a well-rea key member of Caritas, but also has a heart and spected leader. He also embodies the vision of Chrisvision to serve the entire student body. Last spring, tian Union, which, by God’s grace, seeks a he was elected as Executive Vice President of spiritually vibrant nation Associated Students of marked by Christian values Stanford University. permeating every corner of Drummond and Presisociety. dent Erica Scott ’20 over“Both in and out of see a team of cabinet Caritas, his peers follow members who are rehis lead because they sponsible for specific recognize authenticity,” initiatives, and provide Brown said. “From the leadership to the student beginning, Isaiah was a senate. Cabinet member gatherer, an encourager, Remy Gordon ’20, the and clearly a leader.”

Executive Chief of Staff, Likewise, Drummond is also one of Caritas’ core is thankful for the leaderstudents. ship development training Drummond said beand teaching he has reing exposed to a wide ceived through Caritas array of aspects of student Isaiah Drummond is the Executive Vice President of with various Bible courses, life—from his role with Associated Students of Stanford University. conferences, and one-onCaritas and civil service one mentoring. organizations to explor“The [Christian Union faculty] has helped me ing various majors to living in several dorms—gave mature as a Christian and improve my skills in apolhim an overview of the concerns at Stanford and a ogetics, outreach, prayer, and spiritual leadership,” burden to help solve them. More importantly, his he said. “Christian Union provides me with ample time as a residence advisor opened his eyes to issues opportunities to grow as a leader and a follower of surrounding mental health on campus.

Christ, and I am forever grateful that I have been “This campus is yearning for change; you can able to be a part of this organization throughout my hear the groans for improvement scattered across entire college career.” every part of the student population, both underMore specifically, Drummond credits Christian graduate and graduate,” Drummond said. “We have Union with giving him confidence to exercise his had to cope with tragic student loss in the past year, responsibilities in the student government, where and I know the main thing on all our minds is

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by tom campisi, managing editor

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christian union universities

A Heart for Justice Richmond ’18 Is a 1L at Harvard Law School by catherine elvy, staff writer

the magazine

As such, Richmond’s Christian Union mentors said they look forward to watching the longtime believer flourish in law as a vocation.

Ministry Director Don Weiss readily agreed.

Richmond’s “earnest pursuit of God has channeled her drive and enlarged her heart.”

“She carries the peace of the Lord everywhere she goes and is always encouraging and kind to those she meets,” said Ministry Fellow Renee Ghobrial. | cu

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“We all long for a world where things are as they ought to be,” said Richmond. Such longings for wholeness and rightness “point to God’s justice.”

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Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

With that, Richmond set out to encourage youthful believers to serve as Christ’s ambassadors for reconciliation.

As she looks ahead to life beyond Harvard, Richmond desires to make an everlasting difference and help usher the kingdom of God to earth. “Heaven is where everything is whole and just,” she said.

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tivated by issues surrounding justice, poverty, and violence. “My skill set is more suited toward law,” she said.

Richmond especially is excited about the opportunities associated with legal studies at Harvard.

“Harvard Law School is a place that produces people who go on to influence,” said Richmond.

Likewise, Richmond earnestly wants to incorporate her Christian worldview and deep-rooted faith into labors on behalf of the needy and oppressed. “It is really important to have people anchored in their faith as they lead,” she said.

As for the Micah Conference, Richmond entitled her presentation Ancient Ache: A Hunger for Justice & God’s Story of Restoration. The Massachusetts native’s talk masterfully incorporated concepts on issues of justice and suffering from theologian N.T. Wright’s writings, plus a selection of poignant Scriptures.

In Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense, Wright explained how God deeply cares about present conditions in the world, and the Creator frequently speaks to “our inner ear.”

Richmond was thrilled to return to Boston Trinity Academy, where she was part of the class of 2013.

The Micah Conference focuses on empowering youth to create social change in their communities. Social justice is “restorative, transformative, and based in Christian theology,” according to the organization.

The Micah Conference focuses on community service projects plus discussions of “what social justice really is and how we can create long-lasting transformation.”

Richmond and schoolmates launched the conference to help convey the meaningful lessons they were receiving at Boston Trinity Academy on leadership and social justice to high school students across the country, including those from Christian schools.

Much of Richmond’s talk at the Micah Conference focused upon restorative justice.

After all, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 explains that any person in Christ is a new creature. “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to

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cations, and maintain relationships with university administration and alumni. The history and literature major also planned a disaster relief trip to Puerto Rico in March 2018 and represented the in law. ministry on a collegewide spiritual, religious, and In August, Molly Richmond ’18 entered Harvard ethical council. In the spring of 2018, Richmond Law School with a sense of a calling to become a and Scott Ely, who served as student co-presidents public interest lawyer. for HCFA, courageously led the student organization But first, Richmond paused to share her heart through an intense year that for justice by serving as a keyincluded being placed on note speaker for the Christian probation by Harvard. The youth conference she college imposed the unheard co-founded in 2013. In June, of step in response to HCFA Richmond explained a bibliapplying a student leadership cal view of justice during The standard that reflected bibMicah Conference, an annulical values regarding sexualal student-led event affiliated ity. with her high school, Boston Ministry Fellow Anne Trinity Academy.

Kerhoulas said Richmond “We all long for a world led Christian Union’s miniswhere things are as they ought try to Harvard with extraorto be,” said Richmond. Such dinary grace and faithfulness. longings for wholeness and “Molly entered Harvard as rightness “point to God’s jusone of those already very tice.”

This summer, Molly Richmond ’18 served spiritually mature students, During the summer, Rich- as a keynote speaker for the Christian youth but it was amazing to watch mond also reflected on the conference she co-founded in 2013. her be stretched to grow by training she received while difficult circumstances and serving as co-president of challenges in leading HCFA,” said Kerhoulas. “I Harvard College Faith and Action (HCFA), a student have admired her boldness, her prayerfulness, and organization focused on Christian leadership develher steadfast focus on the Gospel.” opment which is resourced by Christian Union.

Richmond readied herself for legal studies during “I appreciated the rigors of their Bible studies as a post-graduation internship in Waltham, Massaan undergrad,” said Richmond, who also benefited chusetts. Her internship focused upon communifrom the organization’s mentoring and solid Chriscations for Antioch Community Church, where her tian community. father serves as lead pastor. She also served as a reIn turn, Christian Union intern Tyler Parker ’17 search assistant for the Davis Center for Russian described Richmond as a dynamic leader for the and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University on the ministry. “Her passion for Christ and for the spiriNegotiation Task Force and as a senior application tual gifts has been nothing short of inspiring,” he consultant for CollegeVine. said.

After contemplating options to serve as a health As an undergraduate, Richmond headed an expractitioner, Richmond realized she was more moecutive team to recruit freshmen, craft communiA Harvard College and Christian Union alumna plans to integrate her passions for faith and justice by pursuing a career

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A Ministry Milestone Christian Union Celebrates Five Years at Brown by tom campisi, managing editor

At the Christian Union Staff Conference this summer, the organization celebrated a major milestone—five years of ministry at Brown University.

A few weeks later, Ministry Director Matt Woodard and Ministry Fellows Laurel Copp and Ben Pascut began earnestly to prepare for year six and the annual Freshmen Welcoming Campaign.

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Appreciating the Gifts of the Spirit Christian Union Fall Conference Energizes Yale Students by catherine elvy, staff writer

Students involved with Christian Union’s ministry at Yale College displayed a penchant for prayer and a sensitivity to promptings of the Holy Spirit in the fall semester.

“There is a corporate sense of expectation for God to move in more profound ways,” said Clay Cromer, ministry director of Christian Union Lux. Among the highlights of the new academic year, twenty-seven students trekked to the Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, Connecticut in October for the ministry’s annual fall conference. Guest speaker David Taylor shared ways to strengthen leadership abilities through prophetic empowerment. Taylor, an itinerant minister from Kansas City, Missouri, encouraged students to learn to listen to the voice

of God, especially when it comes to evangelistic endeavors.

Taylor spoke about tapping into the gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly as they share their faith on campus.

In 1 Corinthians 12:1, the Apostle Paul instructed, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.” Such gifts include utterances of wisdom, knowledge and prophecy.

Students were counseled that they should pray for spiritual anointing and wisdom as they share the Gospel. “Everybody can do this because God does speak,” said Cromer.

In addition, Taylor, who has more than three decades of experience in prophetic ministry, met

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“Five years at Brown is a remarkable milestone,” said Doyle Dunn, vice president of Christian Union Universities. “We celebrate the many ways God has changed students’ lives through these years. We also celebrate the faculty and staff who have devoted their time and energy to make this ministry such a joyful success.”

As he looked back on the last five years, Woodard was “filled with gratitude for all the hard work done by ministry faculty and student leaders who have worked tirelessly and energetically to make this ministry what it is today.”

He expressed thanks for growing from a core group of eleven students in the ministry’s first year to graduating its first class of seniors to having 100 young men and women in Bible courses last year.

“However, what we as a staff will remember most,” Woodard said, “are the hours we were fortunate to spend with them, hearing life updates over

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Ben Pascut

who created the world and shows His love and compassion for humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Thanks to a labor of love for the last five years, Christian Union at Brown has a strong foundation on which to build.

“It’s a special privilege to have spent five years participating in His work here,” Woodard said. “Nationally, there’s a perception that Brown is an especially difficult place to minister. To an extent, that is true. Historically, we’ve found that a very small percentage of students enter campus with any kind of commitment to Christ. But, the students here are exceptionally bright, creative, and passionate.

They are a joy to work with and they deeply love one another.”

“There’s still so much work to be done here! I’m excited to see what’s in store for the ministry over the next five years and beyond.” | cu

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Laurel Copp

said. “By the end of the night, I saw so many girls making plans to meet up for brunch or dinner the next day.”

“It looks like we will have a solid class of guys and girls this year.”

Woodard is also expecting great things in 201920 as the Christian Union faculty, student leaders, and students seek God and look to impact their campus for Christ. Prayer and evangelism will be a focus. The leadership lecture series will focus on the book of John and the tenets of Christianity.

By God’s grace, these kinds of initiatives will help develop Christian leaders to transform culture, according to Doyle: “Brown University describes the impact of their academic work as ‘deploying knowledge to address critical and complex problems in the world.’ Christian Union at Brown helps students understand and address those ‘critical and complex problems’ through the lens of faith in God,

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Matt Woodard

coffee, studying Scripture together in Bible courses, and watching as they grew into young adults ready to live on mission as they enter the next phase of their lives.”

“The Lord is doing amazing things on campus and in the city of Providence!”

Copp said walking alongside students as they learn and grow in their relationship with God, their love for their fellow students, and in their studies has been “a joy and a great adventure.”

“We have sought to help students integrate their faith and learning, to love Brown the way that Jesus loves, and to develop the fruit of the Spirit as they look towards their future lives, vocations, and families,” she said.

At the beginning of the fall semester, Christian Union at Brown welcomed freshmen to campus, signed up students for Bible courses, and hosted “Anchor,” the ministry’s weekly leadership lecture series. During the Freshmen Welcoming Campaign, staff and student leaders delivered over 600 welcome bags to freshmen dorm rooms and hosted events such as Lawn Games and Chick-fil-A, Sunday Pancake Dinners at the Judson Center, and the fall conference at Lakeside Christian Camp in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

“The current Freshmen Welcoming Campaign has been a beautiful picture of our students in a busy and stressful time reaching out and caring about the freshmen,” Copp said. “We have had several fun events, several bonding events, and a lot of meetings with freshmen as they figure out what being a part of the Christian community at Brown will look like for them.”

One of the highlights was a Do-It-Yourself Dorm Décor Night, which was held as an alternative to the Friday party scene.

“It was a sweet mix of girls from all four years tie-dying and painting and chatting together,” Copp

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individually with students who requested prayer.

Through group and private sessions, plus illumination of key Scriptures, Taylor helped to demystify the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

A Columbia University junior is jumpstarting a career focused on delivering medical services to disadvantaged patients.

Anne-Marie Tehn-Addy ’21 spent the summer interning for New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where she worked with the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Unit. As part of her role, Tehn-Addy helped immigrant mothers manage and prevent the spread of the potentially life-threatening infection.

“It still affects a lot of people,” said Tehn-Addy.

“There is still a lot of work to be done.”

The Long Island native, who originally hails from Ghana, is majoring in neuroscience and behavior in preparation for a career as a physician, most likely specializing in gastroenterology. Tehn-Addy envisions herself aiding patients in underserved communities and occasionally trekking to medical missions, especially to her native Ghana.

As she transitions to being an upperclassman, she credits the mentorship she has received from Christian Union Lumine, as Christian Union is now known at Columbia, with encouraging her to take ownership of her faith and for helping to prepare her for a lifetime of service.

Tehn-Addy thanked Christian Union Ministry Fellow Yolanda Solomon for providing a steady diet of enriching spiritual and leadership materials during Bible courses, plus personal support during difficult seasons . “She has always been very available to me,” said Tehn-Addy. “She has always been there to answer my questions and to talk to me whenever I was going through a harder time at school.”

Tehn-Addy, who grew up in a Christian household, has been able firmly to own her faith since arriving on campus. “I’ve grown a lot in the past two years,” she said. “In Bible courses, I’ve asked hard questions about the Bible.”

In turn, Solomon noted how Tehn-Addy has advanced in her engagement with the Bible and pursuit of the Lord. The talented dance enthusiast also serves on Christian Union Lumine’s student

executive team, where she helps oversee activities focused on worship, seeking God, and discipleship.

She even stepped forward to write a six-page initiative to encourage fellow student leaders in their efforts to seek God, and has planned related inspirational efforts for the academic year.

“She is one of the most impressive students I’ve met in a long time,” said Solomon. “She is a leader, a visionary. She always has ideas, and there is action that follows.”

Anne-Marie Tehn-Addy ’21 spent the summer interning for New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in preparation for a medical career.

In September, Tehn-Addy played a key role in the ministry’s highly successful “Pancakes and Prayer” outreach to incoming freshmen. In 2018, she was one of the driving forces behind an inter-ministry Thanksgiving dinner on behalf of Columbia students.

Tehn-Addy is “always inspiring the other students,” said Solomon.

For her part, Tehn-Addy is grateful for the space Christian Union creates for undergraduates to probe their faith in a tight-knit community of believers.

“I’ve been able to have strong relationships,” she said. “I’ve been really blessed by them.”

As well, Tehn-Addy aims to reflect Christian love across campus, especially with her collegiate peers.

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Tehn-Addy ’21 Interns with NYC Department of Health

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As such, the students returned to campus recharged and inspired. The core lessons from the retreat “helped us to see the power of the gifts of the Spirit in evangelism,” said Cromer.

Cromer also expressed appreciation for growth in the ministry’s Bible courses in the fall semester.

About 80 students are signed up for 11 weekly courses focused on Colossians.

In addition, the ministry’s Leadership Lecture Series have offered students a variety of dynamic speakers. In early September, Christian Union Teaching Fellow Nick Nowalk presented an overview of Colossians, which provides a glorious reminder of Christ’s accomplishments upon the cross and His supremacy.

Also during September, Yale doctoral candidate Tom Schmidt’s three-week series focused on the historical reliability of the New Testament. The author and former secondary teacher holds three advanced degrees from Yale, where he is wrapping up a doctorate in religious studies and ancient Christianity.

Summer of Service

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Yale University

In October, Christian Union Ministry Fellow Ava Ligh, Columbia ’99, spoke on the importance of evangelism. In November, Yale alumna Stephanie Bean ’17 probed faith in the face of mental illness.

Bean, who is pursuing graduate studies in Yale’s Divinity School, talked about the challenges of dealing with anxiety and depression as a Christian.

In other activities, the students manned book tables throughout the semester, where they handed out free copies of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity and Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale’s Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn’t Make Sense. To kick off the year, the students distributed 700 copies of Luke’s gospel along with care packets of snacks, fruits and chocolates.

“There was a positive response,” said Michael Racine, ministry fellow.

As well, the students continue to devote most Wednesdays to periods of fasting and prayer and then meet together for an evening meal. Throughout the semester, they also enjoyed a slate of festive social activities, including a caramel apple study break, pumpkin-carving contest, and movie night.

Cromer paused to express appreciation for the ways the students reflect a strong desire to create community and reach out to classmates. “I’m thankful to God for the people He has brought to Campus and our opportunity to love them and walk with them in the fellowship of a Christian community,” he said.

“I’m really pleased with the leadership culture the students have taken upon themselves to cultivate and keep.”

As importantly, “our students are thirsty to commune with God through prayer,” said Cromer. “The students are really asking themselves some deeper, tougher questions and coming away with challenges to live faithful lives on campus.” | cu

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In pre-med classes, she is open about sharing her faith, offering to pray with classmates before major exams, and inviting them to ministry events.

During her freshman year, Tehn-Addy jumped into activities with Christian Union, in part, out of her desire to volunteer and establish meaningful relationships.

This desire is the crux of her plans to become a physician. “There is a lot of relationship building between doctors and patients,” she said. “I’ve always valued relationships.”

During her recent internship with the New York City’s Bureau of Immunization, Tehn-Addy found fulfillment while educating patients on the danger of Hepatitis B, an infection that attacks the liver.

The virus is commonly transmitted via mother to child during birth, as well as through contact with bodily fluids. She instructed pregnant and new mothers about treatments, preventions, and vaccinations.

Likewise, Tehn-Addy serves as a senior health educator on behalf of the Peer Health Exchange at a high school in the South Bronx. Since her inaugural semester at Columbia, she has taught high school freshmen about mental health, substance abuse, teen health, and general wellness.

As well, Tehn-Addy serves as vice president of Columbia’s Charles Drew Premedical Society, a position that involves arranging speakers for club meet-

ings and creating marketing materials. She is also a member of Orchesis, a campus dance group.

Earlier in the summer, Tehn-Addy returned to Vic D’Amore’s American Studio of Performing Arts, her home dance studio on Long Island, for her tenth recital. The versatile dancer performed in such pieces as Ghosts That We Knew, The Greatest Showman, and All That Jazz.

Tehn-Addy, who also is picking up a minor in Medieval European history, hopes to teach dance classes in the future. Her collegiate activities also included a spring semester as a writing fellow for the Augustine Collective, a student-led network of Christian journals on college campuses.

As she looks ahead to life beyond Columbia, Tehn-Addy hopes to model compassion and encouragement to her patients, especially those navigating life’s challenging currents.

“I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. I want to contribute to the well-being of other people,” Tehn-Addy said. “At the end of the day, I’m not just there to make money.”

Wherever her career leads, Tehn-Addy also plans to devote a portion of her professional energies to treating patients in low-income regions.

“I’ve been able to recognize some of my privileges and gifts,” she said. “I have an understanding of science and health. I want to share that with people who have not had the same opportunities.” | cu

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In August, Christian Union at Cornell hosted its annual pre-retreat, a strategic event for students and ministry fellows in preparation of its three-week Freshman Welcoming Campaign at the beginning of the academic year.

At the retreat, students were reminded of the importance of being centered on the Gospel as the motive for all that they do. Ministry Fellow Jordan Cooper spoke on Romans 1:16, emphasizing that Jesus ought to have the highest priority in our lives.

Ministry Fellow Liz Thomforde echoed the sentiment, and reiterated the importance of being mindful that Christ’s sacrifice is why we serve in our different roles within the ministry. Through prayer, worship, devotionals, large group discussions, and conversations around the campfire, the focus was on Jesus Christ, and how He is the ultimate reason for reaching out to freshmen and welcoming them to Cornell.

Ministry Fellow Lisa Cooper, the wife of Jordan Cooper, stated that her personal favorite part of the

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by grace choi, cornell

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Ministry Fellows, Student Leaders Host Welcoming Campaign

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Reaching Out to Freshmen

who loves helping people and has a hard time saying Freshman Welcoming Campaign was seeing how no to things, especially when I see someone in need. students “sought out opportunities to serve in ways But recently, God has been teaching me that, ultithey truly enjoy.” mately, it’s not me who’s doing the work—God is Carley Eschilman ’20 was one of several students the one doing the work and He will fill in for my who wanted to reach out to freshmen and let them shortcomings and weaknesses. He doesn’t need us, know they are loved and accepted, and have a Chrisbut He chooses us to be vessels and witnesses of His tian community at Cornell. The senior recalled how work, and that’s such an honor and privilege.” welcomed she was made to feel when she arrived on Many students said being part of the Freshman campus three years ago.

Welcoming Campaign was a blessing and learning “When I came to Cornell, all the way from Kanexperience. sas, I remember being incredibly overwhelmed with the feeling of being ‘used.’ People and organizations wanted something from me—be it my time, my involvement, my contact information... During the beginning of the school year, Christian Union students and staff wanted to give and allow new students to feel cared for, not taken advantage of. That feeling of genuine care is what drew me to Christian Union and is what has brought me back each year to help with Freshman Welcoming events.”

During the retreat and in the weeks that followed, students Mariana Gandolfo ’22, Ellie Wright ’22, Grace Younglund ’22, and Erika Tillotson ’21 (left and ministry fellows invited in- to right) helped welcome freshmen to Cornell this fall. coming freshmen to various events, including: a Midnight “Coming into Freshman Welcoming Campaign Picnic, Late-Night Pancake Party, Baking Night, and trying to be cognizant of what made me feel Sunday Brunch, Men’s Video Game Night, Womwelcome last year was sometimes overwhelming, en’s Lemonade Picnic, Cascadilla Gorge Hike, and but then when we met new faces and friends at Vita Fidei (the ministry’s weekly Leadership Lecture events, it really made it all worth it,” said Shelby Series).

Haley ’22.

Throughout the events, student leaders were “As a sophomore now, I remember what it was encouraged to see how many freshmen approached like to be a freshman on campus and struggle to Christian Union students and staff expressing a defind genuine Christian friends and fellowship,” said sire to get plugged into a Bible course and Christian Ben Hopkins ’22. “I was more than excited to help community on campus. this year’s freshmen find that for themselves. From Amidst all the logistics and planning, the Freshstopping a student wearing a YoungLife shirt while man Welcoming Campaign was also a learning trying to move in and inviting him to Christian experience in which students had to lean on the Union to helping lead the freshman guys’ Bible study, Lord for strength and know that ultimately, things I really appreciated the opportunity to minister to are in His control. the class of 2023.” | cu Agnes Tang ‘22 stated, “I’m the kind of person

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A Fabulous Freshman Campaign

The Glory of Uganda

Christian Union Prayerfully Welcomes New Students

Summer Trip Is a Blessing for Students

reached out to freshmen, and advertised via aesthetThrough hard work, perseverance, prayer, ically creative e-fliers posted on social media. and the grace of God, Christian Union’s One of the highlights of the fall was a Bible faculty members and student leaders at course preview and taco party at the Christian Union Dartmouth rejoiced after a successful Freshman offices in Hanover. Thanks to efforts like this, the Welcoming Campaign. four freshmen Bible courses are now full. Members Ministry Fellow Noah Crane was encouraged of the class of 2023 will study the book of Colossians by the number of first-year students who wanted to in the fall semester. be involved. “We’ve seen a Bible courses will be distrong response from the rected by Ministry Director freshman class and have alChad Moore and Ministry ready seen many people conFellows Crane, Dory Willenect with our ministry and man, and L’Tonya Johnson. with our returning students,” Moore and Johnson were new Crane said. additions to the Dartmouth Throughout the summer, team this summer. returning students reached Crane, a former collegiate out to incoming freshmen via baseball player and coach, is e-mail, welcoming them and leading athlete-focused Bible providing resources about courses, in addition to a course student life and ministry opfor sophomores. The Bible portunities with Christian course for the football team Union. Student leaders and has long been a staple of ChrisChristian Union faculty also tian Union’s work on the Dartprayed over the list of incommouth campus and Crane is ing students to whom they A cookout was one of many events hosted excited to continue that tradiwere reaching out. Once

by Christian Union at Dartmouth during its tion. Additionally, another freshmen arrived on campus, Freshman Welcoming Campaign.

Bible course is open to any they were greeted with minother athletes on campus. istry events that were deAs the semester began to ramp up, student leadsigned with passion, purpose, and creativity. Some ers and Christian Union faculty are thankful for the of the larger ones included: an ice cream social, myriad of new students and look forward to their pancake party, football tailgate, and a grill-out. fellowship, friendship, and spiritual growth in the “One of our most successful events was our cookcommunity. As the staff looked back on its Freshman out,” said Robert Moore ’20, co-student president Welcoming Campaign, they were quick to thank of Christian Union at Dartmouth. “We saw an unGod for answered prayer—students and staff began precedented turnout . . . and even had a couple praying last spring for a provision of new students students [with] nearly no religious background deto join the ministry. cide to join a Bible course this term.”

“It’s something we have been praying about and While the delicious and plentiful food may have we are seeing the fruit of those prayers,” Crane said. played a role in drawing freshmen to these events, “Freshmen are excited about being part of our Chrisso too did the efforts of the upperclassmen leaders. tian community.” | cu They worked to create quality events, personally

Winston Churchill once called the East kind of love and hospitality that she wants to share African nation of Uganda a fairytale, with the young women in her Bible course. saying, “You climb up a railway instead While in Uganda, Parr and her peers experienced of a beanstalk, and at the end there is a wonderful new world.” However, with the insurgence of the despotic regime of Idi Amin in the 1970s, the fairytale turned into a nightmare, and decades later, the region is still recovering from the aftermath of war and the devastation of HIV/AIDS. This summer, students from Christian Union ministries at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard traveled to Uganda, where, despite encountering great brokenness, they also witnessed the wonder Churchill referred to and found the Spirit of God to be breathtaking.

Kelly Schaaf, a Christian Union minis- Students from Christian Union at the University of Pennsylvania and other try fellow at Penn, oversaw the summer schools were transformed by the hospitality they witnessed in Uganda. trip.

Uganda is rich with the beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Victoria, and Murchison village life as they visited local schools and watched Falls National Park, known for its waterfall and patient visits in the clinic they helped to paint. The abundant wildlife. It’s also where the students venteam also participated in field projects, partnership tured to work with the Rural Orphans & Widows development with local urban volunteers, creation AIDS Network (ROWAN), which is nurturing the and execution of a biblical theology training curricsouls of the poor with the dignity and grace of God’s ulum, and home visits. love.

Catherine Parr, Penn ’21, served on the Uganda The team participated in field projects, trip to the village of Mwanga. She has been a mempartnership development with local urban ber of Christian Union since her freshman year and volunteers, creation and execution of a is an assistant Bible course leader. On the trip, Parr was joined by Penn students Isabelle Pabon ’21, biblical theology training curriculum, and Kaiyla Banks ’21, Lisbette Hernandez ’20, and home visits. other students.

“I thought we were going there to give,” Parr said. However, she said she ended up learning more The Christian Union team helped ROWAN about receiving love and how love looks different fulfill its goal of promoting self-reliance, encouragacross cultures. “We did nothing to earn or deserve ing dignity, and ensuring healthy well-being among the loving welcome, but they gave to us so comthe Ugandan people. According to Schaaf, the trip pletely and freely.” As a result, she witnessed the was about community engagement and building

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relationships, not about fixing or saving the ROWAN family in Mwanga.

Parr had limited travel experience, but was encouraged to participate in the trip by Schaaf.

“Kelly encouraged me to come on the trip to see the ways God was moving in a part of the world that was so different from mine,” she said.

The Uganda trip has turned into an annual event for students affiliated with Christian Union, challenging students and faculty in their understanding of leadership in community development, and what

it means to be joyful in serving and ministering to others.

The relationship developed between the people of Mwanga and the students was one of mutual love and respect.

“Every year, I have been amazed with the joy that overflows from the hearts of our friends in Mwanga,” Schaaf said. “The excitement and love we are met with from our arrival to our departure is beyond anything I can explain.” | cu

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Marriage and Ministry Harvard Alumni Lead Bible Course at Law School by catherine elvy, staff writer

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Union for female law students. Kianna hopes to pass on the mentoring she received during her participation with Christian Union’s ministry to Harvard undergrads.

Not surprisingly, Julian noted his wife has a “great, healing heart.” She is a “great listener, liaison, and mentor.”

Some of Kianna’s interest in ministry and medicine derives from her battle with sickle cell trait as a child. Both Nunallys were part of Harvard’s track teams, and Kianna experienced occasional complications tied to sickle cell trait.

Today, the Nunallys are committed to using their talents to help graduate students navigate the pressures of advanced studies at a top-tier law school.

Julian and Kianna Nunally are committed to strengthening budding marriages and sharing their deep affection for the Lord.

“I grew the most in my faith because of community,” said Julian. “So many people come into law school needing to hear the love of Jesus Christ.”

Yim said the Nunallys are the perfect couple to reflect Christ’s heart for aspiring lawyers and their spouses. “Julian and Kianna are a force to be reckoned with for the kingdom of God,” he said. | cu

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fellow in pediatric orthopedics at Boston Children’s Hospital.

“I’m really excited for this (Bible course),” said Kianna. “I love discussion and studying Scripture.”

The pair met during their undergraduate years when both were involved with Christian Union’s ministry to undergraduates at Harvard College. They became engaged during the ministry’s pre-retreat in August 2017 at Vermont’s picturesque Ottauquechee Farm, and married in June 2018 in Kianna’s hometown of Cokato, Minnesota.

“Christian Union means so much to us,” said Julian. The native of Tennessee was surprised upon his arrival as a freshman at Harvard to discover a vibrant Christian community. Both Nunallys developed deep relationships through Christian Union’s ministry, and some of their closest collegiate companions served as bridesmaids and Julian and Kianna Nunally lead a Christian Union Bible Course at Harvard Law School. groomsmen for their wedding.

Julian found a warm embrace in Harvard’s “strong and amazing” community of student. Kianna Goldsberry Nunally, Harvard ’18, believers. His bride’s faith strengthened during colis an aspiring orthopedic surgeon who is spending lege, and she was re-baptized during her junior year the current academic year serving as a clinical research In September, Julian and Kianna Nunally began leading a Christian Union Bible Course for married Harvard Law School students and their spouses. The newlyweds wanted to minister together and connect with other couples.

Julian Nunally, Harvard ’17, is a third-year law

at nearby Aletheia Church.

Likewise, participants in Christian Union’s ministry provided tangible support for Kianna during her undergraduate studies in human evolutionary biology and through her applications to medical school.

“It was finding family in Christ,” said Kianna.

“Some of those friendships are going to last forever.”

After Julian completes law school in May 2020, the Nunallys plan to move to Minnesota’s Twin Cities, where Kianna intends to resume studies at the University of Minnesota Medical School in the fall.

At their Bible course, which will focus on Colossians, the Nunallys hope to help law students better balance the stresses and competitive nature of legal studies with their commitments to faith and marriage. As the editor-in-chief of Harvard’s BlackLetter Law Review, Julian is well familiar with the ever-present grind and strain of intense academic pressures.

Justin Yim, Christian Union’s ministry director at Harvard Law School, expressed profound appreciation for Julian and Kianna Nunally and especially for their spiritual giftings and hospitality.

Julian demonstrates a “sensitive heart to those in need, and is willing to be the ‘good neighbor’ that Jesus has commanded His followers to be,” said Yim. “Julian has a pastoral heart, and a genuine desire to see people connected in Christian community.”

As for Kianna Nunally, Yim said the multi-talented Minnesotan is passionate about ministry service and “possesses a keen mind for God’s Word and all things theological.”

Hosting a Bible course also dovetails with Julian's plan to venture into ministry. He has felt called to vocational ministry since high school, and was a comparative religion major as an undergraduate.

Nonetheless, he felt compelled to pursue legal training and experience before transitioning into full-time ministry. After his wife completes medical residency, Julian hopes to enroll in divinity school.

“Even as a lawyer, I have a duty to be a witness,” said Julian. “God has given me the gift of public speaking. I would love to be a pastor.”

At Harvard Law School, Kianna also is leading a separate discipleship group on behalf of Christian

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Hearing the Lord’s Voice Lecture Focuses on Spiritual Intimacy by catherine elvy, staff writer

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Christian Union’s Social Media Links: Twitter.com/ChristianUnion

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For information on events and opportunities with Christian Union New York, visit christianunion.org/ ministries/cities/new-york-city.

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jor moves without sensing the presence of God. “A listening leader will not go without the presence of God,” said Walborn, “There is something about listening to God. You can trust Him.” Prayer is a critical, timeless component of leadership and ministry.

“It’s worth every minute of it. He has called us for such a time as this. He wants to bring His kingdom in and through you,” Walborn said. “You are going to need that supernatural aspect of His voice and His presence to get you to the next level.”

Ultimately, prayer is at the heart of celestial warfare, and a leader expects to contend for the promises of God, she said.

“That’s where the work is done. That is the place of breakthrough,” said Walborn. “That is the place where the strategy of God is revealed.” | cu

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Photo credit: Will Jellicorse

Christian Union New York hosted a cruise around Manhattan for young professionals this fall.

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hristian Union’s ministry in a key urban setwith future ministry endeavors. However, a flourting is highlighting the connection between ishing prayer life involves patience, a practice that prayer and the supernatural as it offers mentoring does not come easily to present-day believers. and training to young professionals.

Christians “must become comfortable listening.

“We are seeking to draw people into Waiting is a natural part of listening,” she all aspects of the faith,” said Scott Crosby, said. The Lord was “teaching me about ministry director of Christian Union New personal intimacy with Him.” York. “We want to make the supernatural At the Christian Union Cities Conferaspects of Christianity a little more natuence, Walborn highlighted the powerful ral to engage. The supernatural is very words of Isaiah 50:4: “The Lord God has common in other parts of the world.” given me the tongue of those who are Christian Union offers taught, that I may know how ministry to young professionto sustain with a word him als in New York City. From who is weary. Morning by his base in Manhattan, Crosmorning He awakens; He by oversees Bible courses, awakens my ear to hear as mentoring sessions, industry those who are taught.” network gatherings, forums, Walborn, Nyack’s Director and other events. of Spiritual Formation, also Given the role of the supershowcased the Old Testament natural to equip believers, hero Moses as an example of Crosby tapped Nyack College someone who tuned his ear to Professor Wanda Walborn to the voice of the Lord. Turning deliver a talk entitled Listening to Exodus 19:5, Walborn exto God as a Leader during this plained that the Lord wants summer’s Christian Union His people to seek Him with Cities Conference in Manhat“intentionality and purposetan. At its core, experiencing Nyack College Professor Wanda Walborn fulness” and be faithful to the presence of God involves recently highlighted the importance of obey His instructions. developing spiritual intimacy, extended prayer times during a conference Such ancient lessons also Walborn explained. hosted by Christian Union New York. apply to twenty-first-century More than two decades Christians. ago, Walborn was ministering “We are carriers of the alongside her husband at their Northern California presence of God. When the presence of God comes church, when the mother of four felt the Lord near, you take notice,” Walborn said. “Our first job prompting her to shelve ecclesial duties and instead as a listening leader is to invite people to come near.” focus upon personal prayer.

Christians need to step out in faith, especially as Walborn altered her schedule to master the basics they learn to reflect the supernatural in ministry. of a heart of prayer. Much of her journey was spent “He will have our back,” said Walborn. “Don’t be engaging with a Bible and journal during extended one who stays at a distance. God is going to keep periods of solitude. The pastor’s wife wanted to learn stretching you.” to recognize clearly the voice of the Lord to assist Conversely, mature Christians do not make ma-

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YouTube Playlists and Spiritual Growth

A Family that Gives Together …

by whit hazelton

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Union Day and Night (www.dayandnight.org).

Have you been blessed by Christian content on YouTube?

If yes, we would love to hear what resources were particularly beneficial for your spiritual strengthening and Christian walk. E-mail: whit.hazelton@ christianunion.org.

would be worried if they ever stopped doing so. One of the things I know to watch out for is selfish giving . . . in our stewardship, the main beneficiary should always be the one to whom we give. A yearning for personal satisfaction should not become the driving force behind how we practice gift giving.”

Hundley and his parents are excited for the future of Christian Union. Hundley shared, “The essence of Christian Union’s formula for impactful service is not complex. It requires great people having the

The Poulson family

resources to build faith through community and community through faith... I hope to do my best to make sure that students for decades will have similar experiences.”

Christian Union is profoundly grateful to the Poulson family; their impact through leadership and giving will be felt long into the future, praise be to God. Demonstrating a spirit of generosity to our families invites the Lord’s blessings to our nation, and world, for generations to come. | cu To learn more about the many ways to support Christian Union, please visit www.christianunion.org/ get-involved/donors/ways-to-give.

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whit hazelton is the marketing director for Christian

F

or every parent, sending a child to college brings pride and excitement, as well as worry for all the unknowns of this new phase. Richard and Anne Poulson were not only able to send their son Hundley (Princeton ’19) to one of the top schools in the nation, but were elated to know that Hundley found rich Christian community on campus through the ministry of Christian Union. “Christian Union provided our son with a warm and nurturing environment as he began his college career. Christian Union serves a very useful purpose in helping students transition to college life.”

Hundley recently shared about his time with the ministry. “I became involved with Christian Union during the fall semester of my freshman year. The ministry did an incredible job of reaching out to new students, which was especially meaningful because it took me a while to feel comfortable on campus, away from my family. I quickly signed up for a Bible course and began meeting weekly with the ministry director and fellow freshmen. I made this decision within a few weeks of studying at Princeton; it was one of the best choices I made during my time there.”

Hundley continued, “If I had to pinpoint one part of my experience that stood out as the most enjoyable, I would identify the unique combination of mentorship from ministry fellows and camaraderie with students.”

Richard, Anne, and Hundley are faithful friends and supporters of Christian Union. Richard has instilled a spirit of generosity in his family. He launched a private foundation nearly fifty years ago to facilitate his commitment to philanthropy. “Over the years, we have supported deserving organizations, schools, and colleges to provide financial support to students who would not otherwise be able to attend. To date, the foundation has distributed grants in excess of $20,000,000,” Richard explained.

The Poulson family believes they have a duty to help those less fortunate than themselves, and this principle has impacted Hundley (now a member of the foundation board) greatly. “My views on giving and stewardship are definitely still evolving, and I

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Christian teachers like John Piper, immersive worship experiences featuring bands such as Jesus Culture and Hillsong United, and much more.

At Christian Union Day and Night, we’re experimenting with a “devotional playlist” concept on YouTube. Thirty-minute playlists curated by our staff will provide ten minutes of worship music from top Christian artists, ten minutes of audio Bible reading, and ten minutes of guided prayer time. The guided prayer segment subtly moves the viewer through “A TRIP” with God — two minutes dediCredit: Shutterstock.com cated to each of the following prayer topics: adoration, thanksgiving, repentance, intimacy, and petition. With quiet background music, the video gives audio and on-screen prompts to switch to the next topic. Longer devotional playlists are also being developed to facilitate devotions of one hour or more. These “devotional playlists” were recently tested as a component of The Great Experiment in November 2019. Participants were e-mailed a link to a fresh playlist each morning during the ten-day period of The Great Experiment. We recognize that while there may be no substitute for quiet time with a paper Bible, or other traditional ways of seeking God, it can be beneficial to worship God in different and fresh ways, maybe as a supplement to one’s normal devotional practice. Perhaps with some improvements and feedback from participants, we will create YouTube devotional playlists for other upcoming ministry initiatives. | cu

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emember the tape desk at church? I bet your church had one. As a child, I watched the adults drop a dollar or two in the donation box for a recording of last week’s sermon on audio cassette. Maybe they had missed the service, or perhaps they had enjoyed the sermon so much that they wanted to buy a tape for their friend. I remember that the tapes were pretty popular.

More than a few copies were made each week for consumption by a small congregation.

Today, many—if not most—churches are either live streaming their services, or making audio and video recordings of the sermon available for on-demand viewing on the church Web site. You’ve probably taken advantage of this convenience yourself. Also, you’ve probably found and shared great Christian content from across the Web, not just from your local church. Have you taken full advantage of YouTube for your development as a Christian?

Every day, an astounding 720,000 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube, providing 1.9 billion users worldwide with an unlimited supply of easyto-watch, easy-to-find content. Just about everything under the sun is available to watch—whether you want to see a dinner recipe prepared, learn how to change a tire, catch up on your favorite comedy show, watch the news, or enjoy a music video. But it’s also useful for Christian growth.

Have you ever heard The Man in Black read the Bible? You can listen to the unmistakable deep, calm voice of Johnny Cash read the entire New Testament, chapter by chapter, on YouTube. The words are also displayed on screen, so you can read along. Want to learn the lyrics and guitar chords of that new worship song? YouTube. Missed a recent Christian conference, but want to hear the speakers? YouTube. You’ll also find resources like The Bible Project, offering illustrated videos that walk through the narrative of the Bible, channels offering messages from renowned

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the spiritual climate on campus

reports from some of america’s most influential universities

The Spiritual Climate on Campus brown 37 columbia 41 cornell 43

The following articles were written to keep readers informed about the spiritual atmosphere at some of America’s leading universities. Some stories will encourage you by highlighting ways God is working through other (non-Christian Union) ministries and alumni. Other articles— on news, trends, and events—are included to help motivate you to pray for these institutions, their students, faculty, and staff, and for all of the Christian ministries that work at these schools. ......................................................................................

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Olivia Phillips, Harvard ’20 photo: sara beth turner

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ence in Antebellum Rhode Island, Schantz detailed the fervor that engulfed the city.

“Sparked by Second Baptist Church, the blaze of religious enthusiasm soon spread and the glorious work of the Lord was extended throughout the town at large” with nightly meetings of preaching, praying, and singing.

Providence was no stranger to revivals, but this one was “un-

matched,” wrote Schantz. “Neither Charles Finney’s visit in 1831 or the ripple of genteel enthusiasm of 185758 (Fulton Street Revival) surpassed it for sheer scale and transformative power.”

In his book, Schantz detailed how the 1820 revival led to the establishment of five churches in the city, and also led to social change by igniting “a crucible where laborers, artisans, and small shopkeepers forged a plebi-

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his academic year will mark the 200th anniversary of a revival that forever changed the religious landscape of Providence, Rhode Island, and left a profound impact on the students at Brown University.

“The Hand of God was visible everywhere,” wrote author Mark S. Schantz, describing the city’s 1820 revival.

In his book, Piety in Providence: Class Dimensions of Religious Experi-

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1820 REVIVAL TRANSFORMED PROVIDENCE, BROWN UNIVERSITY

By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor

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the spiritual climate on campus

“In April 1820, there was a powerful religious revival in Providence, which spread to the students and brought about a prayer meeting attended by the whole student body, and the conversion of many.”

For nearly two decades, The Praying Society kept the embers ignited until the fire of 1820 arrived.

In his book, Campus Aflame: A History of Evangelical Awakenings in Collegiate Communities, historian J.

corporate life of the colleges,” according to Orr. “The colleges appointed as presidents and professors the most dynamic Christian men available; campus prayer days were held regularly in term; and the college sermon

Teens Engaging in “Homosexuality” at Greater Risk for Self-Injury

B R O W N U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D Y P R E S E N T S R A D I C A L D I S PA R I T Y

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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eens who engage in same-sex activity may be more than twice as likely as their peers to turn to selfharm, according to research from Brown University.

In June, the study appeared in JAMA Pediatrics, prompting a wave of attention from media outlets, including medical press. Such findings add further weight to existing scholarship that has documented physical and emotional risks associated with alternative sexual behavior, especially during adolescent years.

In the study, psychiatrist Richard Liu, Cornell ’02, found that rates of non-suicidal self-injury were elevated among engaging in same-sex or “bisexual” behaviors, when compared to other adolescents. Liu is an assistant professor in psychiatry and human behavior at Brown’s Alpert Medical School.

Strikingly, 38 percent to 53 percent of surveyed “homosexual” and “bisexual” teens acknowledged engaging in personally dangerous behaviors, compared to 10 percent to 20 percent of adolescent youth who said they had cut, hit, or bruised themselves.

Between 2005 and 2017, rates of self-harm decreased among teens, but not among their gay, lesbian, and bisexual counterparts, the study showed.

The study probed the self-injury risk among 21,200 high school students who participated in the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System between 2005

The speaker and evangelist served for four years as the first executive director of the Theology of the Body Institute and as chairman of the 2016 International Theology of the Body Congress. He also is the founder and executive director of the Joytob, a teaching ministry “dedicated to proclaiming the joy of being made in the image and likeness of God, male and female.”

According to Owens, Christians should be greatly alarmed by self-harm and suicide among teens and young adults, and recognize the even higher risk in teens who are sexually active and pursuing samesex relations, as well those with confusion about their biological sex (so-called transgender).

In response to a Brown University study, alumnus For his part, Brown Damon Owens (’88) expressed sadness about the researcher Liu suggested “epidemic of poor mental health” among sexually that stigma and discrimactive adolescents. ination may put “homosexual” and “bisexual” University alumnus who teaches bib- teens at greater risk for poor mental lical views on sexuality expressed health outcomes.

However, given declining social sadness about the “epidemic of poor mental health” among sexually active stigmas, it is time for physicians, scholars, and such to “consider other adolescents.

“Sex, a comprehensive reality, has avenues of causation” for self-harm, a comprehensive impact on our iden- said Mark Regnerus, a senior fellow tity, relationships, and mission,” said with Texas-based Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture.

Damon Owens, Brown ’88. and 2017. While the analysis focused upon Massachusetts students, the results apply nationally as they “fit within the general pattern of the literature,” Liu told The Boston Globe.

In response to the study, a Brown

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teenth century. But he also noted the presence of awakenings at schools like Brown at the beginning of the 1800s.

“The college awakenings of that era had a significant effect upon the

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In his book, Campus Aflame: A History of Evangelical Awakenings in Collegiate Communities, historian J. Edwin Orr notes the presence of awakenings at Brown and other universities at the beginning of the 1800s.

became a regular feature of worship and religious education. By 1815, for example, the day of prayer had become a regular feature at Yale and Williams, Brown, and Middlebury.”

In 1820, prior to the revival, the membership of the Praying Society at Brown had grown to about thirty, according to Encyclopedia Brunoniana; in its minutes, The Religious Society credited its praying forerunners, noting that the 1820 revival was “in answer to the prayers of its pious founders, and succeeding members.”

The revival in Providence certainly left its mark on Brown and other universities.

“Following the revival of 1820 and similar revivals in other institutions, the custom of the ‘Concert of Prayer’ or ‘College Fast’ in the colleges began in 1823, and became an annual event celebrated in January or February,” according to Encyclopedia Brunoniana.

“There were eight subsequent religious revivals at Brown between 1834 and 1858.”

In Campus Aflame, Orr said the collegiate awakenings of the early nineteenth century continued effective for half a century and perpetuated themselves in a long period of vigorous activity of profound social and religious significance.

“They were a major force in the founding of colleges, in the work of philanthropy, and in the extension of the church, home and abroad,” he wrote. “College awakenings moved the best and produced the best.” | cu

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Edwin Orr notes that America was in a spiritual drought in the late eighteenth century and into the nine-

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an religious culture of their own.”

He noted how Willard Preston, a Congregationalist pastor, firmly declared to Brown University students that “never did the inhabitants of this town experience such a season of refreshing from the presence of God.” On campus, the revival led to a prayer movement and saved souls.

Encyclopedia Brunoniana, a reference work published by the Brown University Library, notes, “In April 1820, there was a powerful religious revival in Providence, which spread to the students and brought about a prayer meeting attended by the whole student body, and the conversion of many.”

In 1821, students formed The Religious Society of Brown University. This organization replaced the Praying Society, which had started about 20 years earlier, according to Encyclopedia Brunoniana.

“The Praying Society was formed by a few pious students in 1802 for the purpose of ‘their own sanctification and for the conversion of their fellow students.’ [The Praying Society] held prayer meetings and corresponded with similar societies in other colleges.”

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In related news from Brown, developments continue to emerge from the controversy that started in September 2018 after a professor’s research suggested that some children’s confusion about their biological sex is instigated by social pressure or influence.

Brown initially promoted physician Lisa Littman’s PLOS One paper on rapid onset gender dysphoria and its survey of 256 parents of children.

However, after transgender activists raised criticisms, the institution pulled the press release about the study from distribution.

Among the flurry of responses, Jeffrey S. Flier, former dean of Harvard University’s Medical School, issued a scathing review of Brown’s lack of support for Littman and the threat to academic freedom.

After months of review, the journal PLOS One recently published a

revised version of the paper by the Brown researcher on whether social media and the influence of friends lead some teenagers to identify as transgender. The new version, released in the spring, added context and softened language that drew complaints from transgender advocates, but the primary findings in the paper remain unchanged. | cu

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Spirituality and African-American Music Brown University recently hosted a symposium on the role of spirituality across a spectrum of African-American music. On October 10 and 11, scholars in music, Africana studies, religion, and other fields probed the historical, esthetical, and religious expressions in jazz, funk, gospel,

hip-hop, and other musical genres. In a separate discussion, panelists also commented on the rise of mainstream hip-hop artists recording Christian-infused projects.

A Focus on Friendship Students from Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales University, and other Providencearea schools attended Reformed

University Fellowship’s (RUF) Fall Conference on September 27-29 at Camp Berea in Hebron, New Hampshire. Rev. John Standridge, associate minister at Christ Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico, spoke from Scripture on spiritual friendship. Topics included: “The Gift of Friendship,” “The Grace of Friendship,” and “The God of Friendship Together.” “In an age of epidemic loneliness, friendship seems more elusive than ever,” stated the RUF Web site.

COLU M B I A | On Campus

C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert O N E - M A N S H OW C O M E S T O C O L U M B I A U N I V E R S I T Y

By Nathan Barlow, Columbia ’20

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or students involved in campus evangelism, the life of C.S. Lewis offers an interesting case study as his path from apostasy to faith took place in the halls of the academy. On October 1, the Fellowship for Performing Arts brought its one-man play, C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert, to the Roone Arledge Auditorium

fly on the wall in his study.

Lewis’ monologue covered events from his early childhood, all the way to his eventual conversion at age thirty-two. The rear wall of the study featured portraits of all the characters in his life’s tale, while music and sound effects played sparingly to enhance the drama.

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Credit: Sara Beth Turner

The first few segments of The Most Reluctant Convert concerned his mother’s untimely death, his father’s harsh and blustery parenting style, and his gradual disillusionment with church and his increasing philosophical materialism. At boarding school, he became a thoroughgoing atheist, and his interest in mythology and the occult increased. Lewis went on to study at Oxford, which World War I interrupted. As a decided atheist, he

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at Columbia University. The event was sponsored by several ministries, including Columbia Reformed University Fellowship, Christian Union at Columbia, and the Veritas Forum.

C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert, an 80-minute play, included a series of monologues taken from Lewis’ autobiographical works. Max McLean’s portrayal of Lewis and the detailed set design allowed the viewer to suspend disbelief and feel like a

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Max McLean as C.S. Lewis

refused to pray even in the face of great danger during his time on the front.

When he returned from the war and resumed his studies, Lewis’ opinion of Christianity and theism more generally began to change. In the most hair-raising portion of the play, he imitates a classmate who writhed around screaming about demons pursuing and harming him. The classmate had been a committed atheist, and, like Lewis, had flirted with occultism.

This experience marked the first in a chain that made Lewis doubt his haughty scientific materialism. He began to wonder about supernatural phenomena.

After one of his literary friends became a theist, and after befriending Christians like J. R. R. Tolkien, Lewis had a harder and harder time fending off their philosophical attacks on his materialism. At first he admitted to believing in some kind of God, then he could not resist accepting the most well-attested and consistent theism, Christianity. Long walks with his Christian friends pushed him into the arms of Jesus.

The show ended as the screen behind the stage became the interior of his parish church, while Lewis described receiving his first communion as a renewed Christian. This ending captured how intellectual development

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and loving personal relationships often weave together to bring about conversion.

In the Columbia Spectator, McLean said he was drawn to Lewis’ ability to perceive not only from a theological perspective, but from a multifaceted one.

to the stage in street clothes to answer audience questions. He first described the process of writing the script: meticulous research, reading everything Lewis wrote and everything written about Lewis. One student asked about the role of this huge undertaking in McLean’s own spiritual development.

The show ended as the screen behind the stage became the interior of his parish church, while Lewis described receiving his first communion as a renewed Christian. This ending captured how intellectual development and loving personal relationships often weave together to bring about conversion. “[Lewis] sees both sides,” McLean said. “Most of our educational system really is viewed on the material side— we have minds, nobody knows where they came from, but we can make iPhones, so who cares, right? Whereas, a religious view says, ‘no, I kinda care.’”

After the show, McLean returned

McLean indicated that immersing himself in the thought of the century’s greatest apologist did wonders for his own faith in the truth of the Gospel.

The actor also discussed how he had initially chosen to dramatize this particular story because he, much like Lewis, was an adult convert. Both Lewis and McLean struggled with

philosophical materialism on their journeys back to Christ. Although McLean did not write many words in the script, he noted that his personal conversion experience informed his portrayal.

One student asked whether the play, which has stopped at Berkeley, Brown, and Columbia, had faced any backlash. McLean replied that the near-universal admiration for C.S. Lewis seems to drown out any resistance to his life’s work and story.

Additionally, McLean told the Columbia Spectator that Lewis’ semi-autobiographical novels with clear narratives, such as The Great Divorce, display a unique combination of intellectual thought and raw emotion that lend themselves to theatrical presentations.

On a fall evening at Columbia University, McLean’s theatrical presentation of C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert was successful in presenting a compelling Gospel testimony to converts and skeptics alike. | cu

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Columbia University recently hosted an exhibition that explored the role of African Americans in shaping U.S. identity. The display

eye. What Ma did not ask for, but got anyway, were stories from women who had experienced sexual abuse.

“I was alarmed, but did not know what to do,” she admitted. She had already been working on her manuscript. How would this fit in?

And would it even make a dent on the status quo?

Then her chance came. The #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements erupted in America in 2017, making waves globally.

She studied the movements. She got to know the underpinnings of sexual abuse and its universal impact amongst victims.

“I wrestled with myself and finally decided to include the abuse stories,” she said. “Before being a scholar, I am first and foremost a Christian and witness for the truth. Then I am a woman who feels strongly about these issues. So I could not look away.”

Her book does not just document Early Rain Church’s growth and development. It is an exposé against the corruption of Christian values and the use of power and masculinity to mask abuse and intimidation.

One of her book’s chapters focuses on how Western media enabled Early Rain to continue undisturbed. “Western media wanted a story about oriental heroes who are marginalized and persecuted by a repressive regime,” Ma stated. “That is a very simplistic picture about Chinese churches and about human nature. Western journalists only interviewed the leaders. Some of

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Exhibit Examines Impact of African Americans on U.S. Identity

included a copy of The Life, History, and Unparalleled Sufferings of John Jea, the African Preacher. The book is part of Columbia’s Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

Published in 1811, the autobiography captured the experiences of Jea, who was born in Nigeria and sold into slavery in New York. After learning to read the Bible, Jea was freed and preached in North America, South America, and Europe. Jea put hope in God’s salvation over mankind’s wickedness.

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r. Mary Li Ma never expected to University in Grand Rapids, Michibe a whistleblower against abuse gan, Ma (Cornell PhD ’10) has gone in China’s churches. She hadn’t even on to write several books, columns, encountered a Christian nor seen a and blog posts, both in Chinese and English, about the Chinese experience Bible until fifteen years ago.

Life as Ma knew it began to un- and journey toward faith. Mostly, she ravel as she was studying at Cornell for her doctorate in sociology. Relationship after failed relationship rekindled memories of her own abusive father. Soon, her clear-cut academic trajectory, which had led her from China to Oxford and then all the way to Ithaca, started to take a downward spiral. Then depression flooded in, leading to months and months of utter hopelessness.

The message of Christianity Dr. Mary Li Ma, Cornell PhD ’10, has helped first reached Ma’s ears at the First shed light on sexual abuse among a church Ithaca Chinese Christian group in China.

Church, but it did not resonate then. It took several people, from an itinerant evangelist to a Cornell has worn the hats of research scholar, colleague to a few church friends, missions consultant, and social scienbefore she even considered testing out tist. But increasingly, she has added another one: whistleblower. the Gospel herself.

It all began in 2008 when Ma was Ma’s Gospel-testing days are now far behind her. Her “dramatic, but working on her book, Religious Endetermined” conversion at Cornell trepreneurism in China’s Urban House led to a complete reorientation of her Churches. She wanted to document life and priorities. She began to spend the institution-building processes of her summer breaks visiting emergent Early Rain Reformed Presbyterian Christian communities in China. Church, one of China’s largest and After all, she knew so little about most prominent house churches. Earthem. That inquiry set the course for ly Rain had managed, against incredible odds, to grow into a church of her work today.

As a senior research fellow at the over 500 people and accommodate a Henry Institute for the Study of seminary and elementary school, all Christianity and Politics at Calvin while hiding from the government’s

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Robert Alter (Columbia ’57), Emeritus Professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature at the University of California Berkeley, produced a 3,500-page translation of the Hebrew Bible in late 2018. The project, a threevolume set, took twenty-four years to complete, according to Columbia Magazine. Alter’s latest book is entitled, The Art of Bible

Translation. On September 23, he discussed both works at Princeton University at a talk co-hosted by the Religion and Judaic Studies departments.

RE SE ARCH FE LLOW E XP OSE S AB USE IN CHINE SE CHURCHE S

By Francine Barchett, Cornell ’20

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Alter ’57 Completes Hebrew Bible Translation

She Could Not Look Away

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them became emboldened to abuse single women and single mothers in their midst. This church then became so famous for being a resistant force that voices of these women were ruthlessly silenced for fear that they will undermine their reputation.”

Ma believed that one book about church abuse in China was not enough to make a difference. That is why she and three colleagues are launching a new endeavor: the Safe Chinese Church Web site.

“We observed power abuse and lack of knowledge about abuse dynamics within the growing Chinese

churches, given its highly authoritarian and paternalistic culture,” she revealed. “But there has not been a Chinese language resource Web site.

Our hope is to educate more Christians about the dynamics of abuse in ecclesiastical settings, so that prevention can be achieved.”

The team is now translating articles and other resources about the cycle of abuse, from English into Chinese, to include on their site. With a generous grant from the Safe Church Ministry of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, they hope to launch in a few months.

It has been a wild, unexpected ride for Ma since she earned her PhD. And it will continue to be that way. She hopes to be of use to those who might suffer at the hands of the church. As she sees it, the church is intended to provide solace for the burdened and weary, not hegemony and oppression.

“Just as in the #MeToo movement, where celebrity pastors tend to become abusers, the same trend is happening in China’s churches,” she shared. “The difference lies in that China does not have a free media to expose these problems, so abusive leadership has more room to hide.” | cu

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COR N E LL | On Campus

Designing Your Life D AV E E VA N S L E C T U R E S AT D Y S O N S C H O O L

By Zachary Lee, Cornell ’20

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Chesterton House Names New Executive Director On November 1, Vivek Mathew stepped into a new role as executive director of Chesterton House (chestertonhouse.org), a Christian study center serving Cornell University.

Mathew, who has served as assistant director since March, took over the helm from Founding Director Karl Johnson. At Cornell, Mathew is completing a doctorate in philosophy focused upon the intersection of metaphysics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of language, cognitive science, and

the history of philosophy.

Earlier, Mathew, Princeton ’99, studied computer science before working on Wall Street. Among other endeavors, he earned a master of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a master of philosophy from Oxford University.

Johnson served as executive director through Chesterton’s twentieth anniversary weekend on October 3 to 5 before transitioning to a part-time role. Johnson, Cornell ’89, Ph.D. ’11, remains involved in strategy and alumni relations.

COAH Hosts Freshman Barbeque Despite the fear of rain and numerous date delays, Campus on a Hill’s annual Freshman Barbecue was held on September 11, feeding over 500 Cornell freshmen. For the past eight years, the barbecue has been a symbol of the unity of the Christian community at Cornell and has been a space for first-year students to learn more about the diversity of campus ministries and local churches. The barbecue happens at a strategic location right in the middle of Balch Lawn, where freshmen pass through in order to get to and from their dorms.

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Stanford lecturer Dave Evans spoke to Cornell students about how to apply ‘design’ thinking to one’s own life to make it meaningful and fulfilling.

Electronics Arts, a global leader in the gaming industry. He also worked at Apple, where he “led product marketing for the mouse team and introduced laser printing to the masses,” according to his Stanford bio.

In an exclusive interview with Christian Union: The Magazine, Evans talked about how faith meshes with Designing Your Life, and how the subject is universal.

Even though he has many opportunities to “prototype” his talk at conclaves from Praxis to TEDx, Evans does not see a need to modify or change much content depending on the audience.

“In any given context, I am dealing with people who decide their lives matter to them,” he said. “The answer to ‘what do I do with it’ is not self-evident or trivial, and they are willing

I like, what’s the world doing and saying, and what’s God directing?’ It is easy to get stuck on a binary and dual form of thinking. We often think of God as the Designer and [ourselves] as the receiver. But what if it’s a co-design? Discerning this [involves] active listening coupled with obedience. We have the freedom to prototype our different life experiences, fail, and then learn. Discernment comes from being in the lived reality of God’s creation. . . The strategy isn’t ‘I discern in spiritual land’ and then ‘I join Earth to do it.’ ” Evans stresses the importance of being “a 3D Christian.”

“Be theologically competent so you have something to say, professionally competent in order to have credibility, and you need to be spiritually mature in order to have substance,” he said. “Your brain, heart, and feet must all be world class. This life we live is a stewardship job and it is a high bar.” | cu

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signing Your Life that dives deeper into the themes of the book and examines their place within the Christian worldview.

Evans, who holds a BS (’75) and MS (’76) in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford, is the co-founder of

Evans encourages students to “curate their curiosity”—identify what they find interesting and experiment and see if that is what they truly want to do. This can be a challenge that can be stressful instead of life-giving at a university with so many options.

Additionally, Evans acknowledged that within Christianity, there often is a tension from having our own plans, but knowing that the Lord is the one who ultimately guides our steps. However, he said that people can be humble about designing their lives and excited about their possibilities as well; the two do not have to be mutually exclusive.

“There are three players in the call-discernment-path negotiation,” Evans said. “There’s me, there’s the world, and there’s God, i.e., ‘What do

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n September, the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University hosted Stanford Professor and author Dave Evans, who spoke about how the application of design thinking can bring fulfillment and meaning.

Evans, co-author of the New York Times’ bestseller, Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life, appeared as part of the Dyson Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

Featuring his signature rapid-fire wit and humor, Evans lit up a full Statler Auditorium with anecdotes and constructive advice, speaking right to Cornell students’ penchant for problem solving and strategy. Even though he did not share specifically about his faith, an astute ear could catch allusions to Christianity. Evans previously wrote a companion to De-

at least to engage in a conversation for help outside of themselves to address the answers to those questions.

Change is inevitable, but growth is optional, and those who are actively seeking the answer to that question are those seeking growth. Hopefully, I am just one guide on that journey.”

Evans’ co-author is Bill Burnett, executive director of Stanford’s Designing Your Life program. At the request of the university, Evans and Burnett developed two courses, Designing Your Stanford (for underclassmen) and Designing Your Life (for upperclassmen). The goal was to have students “equipped as they arrive to the campus” and “prepared as they leave,” said Evans, a lecturer in Stanford’s Mechanical Engineering Department.

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D A R T M OU T H | On Campus

Sharing Agape Love CAMPUS MINISTRY IS TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY

By Luke Brown, Dartmouth ’18

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gape Christian Fellowship is providing a loving and welcoming place in which Dartmouth students can seek the Lord.

Agape, living out the meaning of its Greek name, seeks to shower the campus in God’s sacrificial love. The

to use on this campus.”

Agape consists of about forty students, mostly of the Asian-American demographic, but open to all. Members form tight bonds with one another in order then to share God’s love and care with others. Many of

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D A R T M OU T H | On Campus

A Place of Peace and Power PRAYER ROOM IS OPEN FOR STUDENTS, MINISTRIES, AND CHURCHES

By Luke Brown, Dartmouth ’18

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mpowered by the Prayer Room, Dartmouth students are interceding for each other, their campus, and the world.

Nestled among second floor apartments on Main Street in Hanover,

students and others a sacred space dedicated to enabling them to encounter Christ, equipping them in the work of intercession, and empowering them to be His ambassadors in this world.”

Bibles, and guitars are provided, encouraging students in whatever way they move toward the Lord. Sticky notes with named and anonymous prayer requests adorn another wall enabling students to partake in prayer

The Dartmouth Prayer room is a space of solitude and silence to seek the Lord.

New Hampshire, the Prayer Room stands humbly and boldly as a space to seek the Lord in silence and solitude or in praise. Started in 2009 by two community members, its mission is “to promote the expansion of God’s kingdom in Hanover by providing

The front door to the Prayer Room opens into an outer area where students remove their shoes and prepare their minds and hearts to enter the inner room with a focus on faith.

There, a couch sits against one wall and blankets adorn the floors. Chairs,

for their fellow classmates. A guestbook containing more than ten years of names sits on a coffee table allowing one to look through the room’s history and see how God has worked in the lives of students who have spent time there.

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peers. In this way, Agape is seeking to bring positive change to Dartmouth. Indeed, through God’s grace, Choi sees “Agape being a beacon of light on [the] campus through sharing God’s love with students.” | cu

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the students participate in weekly Bible studies, share meals, as well as attend large group fellowship meetings on Fridays. The Agape campus ministry is led by a leadership team of about thirteen students and advised by a faculty member, Sangwook “Sunny” Nam. Student leaders are also active in promoting inter-ministry initiatives on campus. They are a driving force behind Thursday Night Worship, in

Today, as one of those older students and president of the ministry, she wants to set a similar example and provide the same sort of space and community, not only for younger students, but also for non-believing

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ministry’s vision proclaims that “even the slightest contact with agape love transforms... Knowing God’s love brings us gently toward a joyful surrender and commitment to sacrificial love for others. God’s love creates family, and that’s what we strive to be.”

Liz Choi, Dartmouth ’20, the student president of Agape, said, “When people enter our space, I want them to feel loved and I hope that, as Christians, we can be vessels for God

and comfortable enough to be vulnerable about my hurt and brokenness,” she said. “God used the people in Agape to help me heal and [help] me to grow my personal relationship with Him.”

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Agape Christian Fellowship celebrated the seniors during their Senior Sendoff event in the spring.

which students from different college ministries gather in Rollins Chapel to pray and worship the Lord in song.

Across campus, Agape may be most known for its Teahouse outreach event that happens each term during a “big weekend.” Whether it’s Homecoming, Winter Carnival, or Green Key in the spring, Teahouse is a main event and refuge for many students.

Choi shared the spirit behind this idea. “Teahouse is our main evangelistic event each term and we want to share the Gospel and God’s love through conversations, free boba, and more,” she said.

In addition to Teahouse, Agape’s community-oriented events include corn-mazing, apple picking, a Thanksgiving banquet, a winter retreat, and spring barbeque. Additionally, Senior Sendoff, where graduating students share their stories, experiences, and advice, impacts many students.

This fall, Agape’s service team worked to create a specific vision: “to foster a safe space where people can seek God, while being spiritually supported.”

“We pray that people feel welcomed and not judged, no matter what background they come from,” said Choi.

It was this type of community that led Choi to Christ as a freshman at Dartmouth. She saw the sacrificial love of the older students in Agape and experienced Christ-centered service, which led to an openness in her own heart.

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The words Pray for the World are emblazoned on a wall above a global map. Students have placed stars and tacks on locations for which they want to pray and have written notes, hopes, and prayers with dry-erase markers among the continents, countries, and seas.

and hang out,” she says. “It’s a quiet, meditative place that is always available. I like to use it as a place to be alone and reflect.”

The Prayer Room is funded entirely by donations and is run by a board consisting of students and community members. A student president

Students are known to meet late at night or early in the morning, in between classes, or during mealtimes. Alumni return to this space while visiting their alma mater.

Individual students, campus ministry teams, local churches, and even groups of friends use the Prayer Room on a regular basis. For Yumi Naruke ’20, the current property manager, the room is a refuge. “I like to go there sometimes just to play worship music

communicates with the board, helping with vision-casting and fundraising. A student secretary promotes the room through a biannual newsletter.

A student property manager acts as caretaker of the room. And many more people care for this space.

Part of the beauty of the room is its versatility and accessibility. Arthur Mensah ’19, the room’s student president, appreciates the options students have for seeking the Lord; whether it is the variety of seating and lighting options or the guitars or speakers to which students can connect their phones, there is no one-size-fits-all way to seek the Lord in the Prayer Room.

Students are known to meet late at night or early in the morning, in between classes, or during mealtimes.

Alumni return to this space while visiting their alma mater. It matters not which ministry a student is part of, or even if they are involved in faith life on campus, all people who desire a space to seek the Lord are welcome.

The call to prayer has been heard at Dartmouth. And the Prayer Room is providing a unique space where it can happen. | cu

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n an article published in October of last year, The Harvard Crimson explored the ramifications of a new study from Harvard Medical School Professor Cindy Hsin-Ju Liu. A national survey conducted by Liu and her colleagues found that 20 percent of college students reported suicidal thoughts, 25 percent reported diagnosis or treatment for a mental health disorder in the previous year, 20 percent reported self-harm, and 10 percent reported having attempted suicide.

These are sobering data, and it is obvious that mental health must be addressed with greater commitment and zeal on college campuses. The wellbeing of students across the country is at stake, and we, the staff of the Harvard Ichthus, believe that our own campus is no exception. Here at Harvard, we live and work in a high-pressure environment. We know from experience that it can be brutally difficult to take care of ourselves when anxieties and responsibilities of all kinds—social, academic, financial, spiritual, and more—accost us from all sides.

In light of this plight in the world of mental health, we want to offer a three-point reflection from a Christian

perspective. To be clear, this is not by any means a “solve” for mental health issues. It is, rather, a reflection on who we are as children of God, and how that Gospel message might impact our experience of emotional anguish, mental suffering, and crises of self-image.

Our prayer is that, through the grace and power of God’s most Holy Spirit, this reflection may be of use or comfort to our readers here at school or abroad. This, our first reflection on the topic, is called “Whose Are We?” You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you. Hear the Lord speaking to the people of Israel in the 43rd chapter of Isaiah, and remember that by the Incarnation of Christ Jesus, we, too, are grafted into that sacred community. We are made and held by a God who loves us, who has not given up on us, and who will never let us go. We are God’s beloved, and God is our beloved, and it is God alone who will bring us evermore into the fullness of life through the life and death of Christ. Jesus seeks relentlessly to gather us in under his wings of love. Jesus abides in us, and calls us to abide in him. This is the Divine Story. This is to whom we belong.

Imagine how our lives as students would change if we always remembered this Truth. Imagine the liberation we would experience if we more fully internalized that it is the Triune God of Love alone who can quench every thirst and disperse every darkness. It would probably put our other responsibilities—many of which,

at Harvard, are serious sources of anxiety—in perspective. We do not belong to our discussion posts or our p-sets. We do not belong to our final exam grades or to the essays over which we slave. We do not belong to our transcripts. We do not belong to our shortcomings and our failures.

We do not belong to any of the raucous din that pervades our world and shouts, “You are not enough!” We belong to God, and nothing, “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,” will stop God from loving us.

If only we could remember this, and allow our work to be transformed, so that God’s light shines resplendently through us—even in our mistakes and our mess!—not for our glory, but for the Glory of the Almighty One. If only we could remember this, and know, as the great mystic St. Julian of Norwich knew, that despite the rampant darkness of our world and of our hearts, “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”

If you take nothing else away from this piece, we pray that you take this: you are already enough and already beloved of God. The validation of the world, whether the world of Harvard or the world at large, has nothing to do with that. Hear God speaking to you: you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you. No matter what. | cu

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On the evening of September 16, the first night of fall classes, over fifty first-year students gathered in the basement of Moore Hall for an activity fair to learn about Christian organizations on campus. “First Night” is a tradition at Dartmouth when campus ministries and community organizations connect with students regarding opportunities for involvement as their college careers begin.

Editor’s note: The following staff editorial is reprinted with permission from The Harvard Ichthus, a journal of Christian thought and expression produced by undergraduates at Harvard University. This editorial is part one in the journal’s three-part series (to read parts two and three, visit http://harvardichthus.org).

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First Night Activity Fair

T H I N K I N G A B O U T M E N TA L H E A LT H I N L I G H T O F T H E G O S P E L

By Aidan Stoddart, Harvard ’21

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Dartmouth College alumnus John Murray has written a book aimed at preparing teens to understand their individual identities as image-bearers of God. In August, Murray, Dartmouth MALS ’95, released an enhanced e-textbook, In Whose Image? Imagebearers of God vs. The Image-makers of Our Time. The book provides a wealth of resources for Christian educators, youth leaders, and parents to help teens affirm their faith in Christ and equip them to love others as image-bearers of God.

After mining research on Generation Z, the parent and longtime educator delved into contemporary topics, including body image, race, media discernment, and history.

Murray is founder and president of Imago Dei Leadership Forum, which is based in St. Louis. He possesses more than two decades of experience in independent schools, including seventeen years as head of school.

While at Dartmouth, Murray’s thesis, aptly entitled The Cross in the Ivy, explored the Christian history of the Eastern and Ivy league colleges.

“Whose Are We?”

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Helping Teens Be Image-Bearers of God

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H A RVA RD | On Campus

New York Times Honors Nathaniel Nash ’73 L ATE J O U R N ALI S T R E ME MB E R E D F O R HI S “ G R AC I O U S S P IR IT ”

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer drinking, and gambling.

Among other tributes, The King’s College in Manhattan operates the McCandlish Phillips Journalism Institute to provide training and development for journalists at the high school, undergraduate, and professional levels.

As for Nash, the gentle soul touched the lives of his Times’ colleagues, including columnist Thomas L. Friedman.

“Nathaniel could always remind his fellow journalists how lucky they were to have the front-row seat to history that comes with being a foreign correspondent,” Friedman wrote in a tribute. “He always conveyed a sense that being a foreign correspondent was a privilege to be cherished.” | cu

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Hit Hard: One Family’s Journey Harvard Chaplains Pat and Tammy McLeod are sharing the account of their son’s traumatic brain injury and resulting disability in a new book entitled, Hit Hard: One Family’s Journey of Letting Go of What Was – and Learning to Live Well with What Is. During the summer, the couple released a widely-publicized book documenting their then-

sixteen-year-old son’s severe injury during a football game and his subsequent, improbable recovery.

In the book, the McLeods describe Zach’s inspirational progress during the last decade, as well as his ongoing battles with care, communications, and mobility. The couple is involved with Cru, and Tammy McLeod is director of college ministry at Park Street Church.

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sionary service.

As for the legendary Phillips, he gave up journalism in 1973 at the pinnacle of his career to focus on preaching. He went on to publish several books, including What Every Christian Should Know about the Supernatural.

In 2013, Phillips died at age 85.

The journalism community remembered him for penning one of the most famous articles in the Times’ celebrated history. Namely, he exposed the Orthodox Jewish background of a senior Ku Klux Klan official.

The devout Christian kept a Bible on his desk and led prayer meetings for a cluster of colleagues in a conference room. Notably, he refrained from the rampant vices of the newsroom, including cursing, smoking,

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ed in New Testament Missionary Fellowship, where he also played guitar. Each spring and fall, Nash joined congregants in sharing the Gospel on Columbia’s campus in Morningside Heights.

In 1973, Nash joined the Times as a newly minted Harvard graduate who majored in languages and sensed a calling to journalism. After starting in clerical jobs, Nash worked as a copy editor, Washington, D.C. reporter, and correspondent in Latin America and Europe. As bureau chief in Frankfurt, Nash specialized in business news in Europe.

In 1985, Nash wed Elizabeth Rogow at St. Paul’s Chapel on Columbia’s campus with an officiant from New Testament Missionary Fellowship. Both shared an interest in mis-

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ne of the nation’s leading news- ingly traveled to Manhattan to attend itual core, including his devotion to papers recently shared the re- a Bible study led by John McCandlish missionary work. markable story of the Harvard-ed- Phillips, Jr., a spiritual and professionDuring the funeral in Massachuucated journalist behind one of its al mentor. Both men stood out for setts, Phillips delivered a powerful their commitment to Christianity and eulogy before mourners that includprestigious awards.

The New York Times highlighted zeal for print journalism. ed Times publisher Arthur O. SulzIn April 1996, Nash was part of berger, Jr. The former newspaperman’s the memory of Nathaniel Nash and the paper’s efforts to create an award the Times’ Frankfurt bureau when he artfully crafted words later became in his honor for a business journalist sought an assignment to cover Brown’s part of the tribute inside the paper’s who exemplifies proheadquarters. fessional excellence Nash’s family and exceptional charwanted his colleagues acter. The publication to know how faithful also designated a Nathe business correthaniel C. Nash room spondent was to to pay tribute to the Phillips’ Pentecostal reporter who died in congregation, which 1996 while traveling he joined as a Harwith U.S. Secretary of vard freshman. PhilCommerce Ronald lips founded the New Brown and his deleTestament MissionPhoto credit: Ricky Rodgers gation of business The New York Times recently highlighted the memory of late journalist ary Fellowship in leaders and govern- Nathaniel Nash (Harvard ’73), pictured here during one of his foreign 1962 with an emphaassignments. ment officials. sis on foreign misIn July, Times Insions, evangelism, sider explained how the newspaper trade mission to a war-torn region of and campus ministry to neighboring bestows the Nash award “for coverage Croatia.

Columbia University.

Tragically, the New England naof business and economic news disNotably, Nash was the fourth gentinguished by its intelligence, curios- tive was among 35 passengers and eration in his family to attend Harity, and clarity.” Above the plaque of crew on U.S. Air Force CT-43 when vard, where he curtailed some of his 20-plus recipients is one commemo- it crashed into a mountainside in the athletic endeavors after his freshman rating Nash as “a journalist of spacious former Yugoslavia. Nash became the year. That came, in part, because of heart and gracious spirit who epito- first Times journalist since World War his growing involvement with the II to die while covering a story. mized the correspondent’s craft.”

New Testament Missionary FellowIn consultation with Nash’s fam- ship, according to news reports.

Interestingly, the influence of a legendary reporter at the Times com- ily, the Times established an award to Later, Phillips, a celebrated reportpelled Nash to join the newspaper in honor the 44-year-old father of three. er, helped recruit Nash to the Times the early 1970s as a fresh Harvard Fittingly, a series of media accounts as a copy boy. During the 1970s and grad. While in college, Nash increas- captured a sense of Nash’s deep spir- early 1980s, Nash actively participat-

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the spiritual climate on campus

P E N N | On Campus

P E N N | On Campus

All-Campus Worship

Penn Campus Stunned by Administrator’s Suicide

PENN FOR JESUS HOSTS EDIFYING EVENT

By Avery Johnston, Penn ’23

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olossians 3:16 proclaims the fullness of joy and wisdom that can be gleaned from worshiping with other followers of the Lord: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (ESV) The Scriptures make it clear how worship and fellowship will be used for building up one another. The All-Campus Worship Night at the University of Pennsylvania on September 28, 2019, certainly worked to rejuvenate the local community of Christians. The event, held at beautiful Christ Community Church, was

the name of the Lord from both the stage and the pews, where students squeezed between friends with their hands up in praise. Bethel Music’s “Raise A Hallelujah” echoed in the chapel: “I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm, Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar.

Up from the ashes, hope will arise, Death is defeated, the King is alive!”

A “Yes, God!” could be heard from among the congregation, and the vocalist closed her eyes in reflection.

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The praises of the students declared the living hope of Jesus.

Immediately following worship, Chris Jackson, Penn ’20, delivered a message on the importance of sharing the Gospel, particularly in Philadelphia. On witnessing to others, he said, “When we get to share Christ … we get to share hope.”

Jackson discussed the presence of hate groups on campus, and other spiritual evils facing the local community. He said, “In Philly I have

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hosted by Penn for Jesus, an organization with a mission of connecting and unifying all Christians on campus, irrespective of denomination, participation in any specific on-campus ministry, and church background.

The worship night opened with prayer and the New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir, which serenaded listeners with brilliant classics. This was followed by introductory games and friendly competition to break the ice.

Worship ensued. Voices raised up

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Depression, like other forms of n the wake of the suicide of Gregory been rocked by a series of suicides, Eells, the University of Pennsylva- including some high-profile ones. At brokenness, is a “result of sin enternia’s Executive Director of Counsel- least fourteen students have commit- ing the world,” said Huff, who also ing and Psychological Services, local ted suicide since 2013, according to is a counselor. “So, we should keep that in mind as we walk with people campus ministry leaders pledged to news reports.

Given issues with anxiety and per- through an incredibly difficult time actively support students battling formance stresses at the university, if they are experiencing depression. depression.

Christians with ties to Penn also campus ministers encouraged student At the end of the day, we need hope expressed a desire to help foster a bet- believers to readily offer tangible sup- and Christ offers us fullness of hope.” ter sense of community and to Likewise, longtime campus emulate the hope of Christ to minister David DeHuff said their collegiate peers.

Christians should offer emo“Community is a big help. tional havens to troubled peers, Welcoming people in and being and also use wisdom. especially attentive to those who “Learn to be a safe person are struggling is important,” that others can confide in, but said Patrick Travers, a director know when to refer them to with the Penn Catholic Newmore capable, experienced inman Community (newman. dividuals,” said DeHuff, who upenn.edu). In light of eternal oversees the Faculty Commons matters, “the good news of the ministries at Penn and other Gospel and the new life that institutions (facultycommons.

Christ invites us to is quite difcom). ferent from the ‘successful life’ After the suicide of the University of Pennsylvania’s Depression is a complex, that Penn preaches.”

Executive Director of Counseling and Psychological many-faceted phenomenon.

Eells, 52, the head of the “Avoid one-dimensional soluPenn department that provides Services, campus believers pledged to support students battling depression. tions,” he said. “If possible, get counseling to students with some relevant training.” Likemental health concerns, died on September 9, 2019, after jumping port to their peers, but also to know wise, the condition can involve physical, emotional, relational, and from the 17th floor of a Center City their limits. building on South Broad Street where “It is hard to walk through depres- spiritual dimensions.

In March, Eells stepped into his he lived. Eells in January had accept- sion with people, but in many ways, ed a position with Penn after a lengthy it is what we’re called to in bearing role as the executive director of Penn’s career with Cornell University and each other’s burdens,” said Theron Counseling and Psychological Services was known as an expert on resilience Huff, Penn campus director and a after fifteen years at Cornell, where in mental health. regional trainer for Young Life (phil- he held a similar post. He also spent five years as director of the UniversiIn recent years, Penn’s campus has adelphia.younglife.org).

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Worship ensued. Voices raised up the name of the Lord from both the stage and the pews, where students squeezed between friends with their hands up in praise...

seen a vast ignorance of who God is.”

Those ignorant of the truth of the Gospel are those who most need to hear of the richness of life with Christ.

It is the calling of a Christian to make disciples of the nations, whether that is in Philadelphia or beyond. All-Campus Worship reminded students of the pressing nature of this call.

In addition to providing an exhortation for evangelism, the All-Campus Worship Night also showed that exaltation of God does not come solely in the form of singing.

His praises can be sung out loud or from the depths of hearts. All-Campus Worship provided a space for Penn students to do both—to declare their faith in the form of lyrics and psalms, and proclaim His love through fellowship with others in the community. Laughter and conversation rang through the room as the night came to a close. Students who had not known each other prior to the event made dinner plans and discussed what churches they attended. The night had strengthened the community of Christians at Penn; worship had strengthened the body of Christ. | cu

MINIS TRY LE ADERS SEEK TO FOS TER HOPE , COMMUNIT Y

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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ty of Southern Mississippi’s counseling center.

In addition, Eells was a former chair of the Mental Health Section of the American College Health Association and the former president of the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors.

In a guest column for The Cornell Daily Sun in 2018, Eells noted how each suicide is a tragedy.

Sadly, he took his life during National Suicide Prevention Week.

Eells’ mother told The Philadelphia Inquirer her son found the Penn job harder than anticipated and he missed immediate family members in Ithaca, New York.

In the hours following Eells’ death, officials from Penn’s chaplaincy community spent the day with the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services team. “News hadn’t spread to the rest of campus yet, so we grieved with, held, prayed with, and listened to our friends who worked with Greg,” said University Chaplain Chaz Howard. “We lost a colleague and a friend.”

Likewise, some of Penn’s faith communities “pulled together circles in the hours and days following,” said Howard, Penn ’96, PhD ’00. “I’m so blessed by how our community can come together to journey with each other.”

Leaders of campus faith communities receive training and take an active role in “doing many things to care for the mental wellness and health of our community,” Howard said.

A Penn student, Jackson Foltz ’20, said Eells’ passing shook the campus, but students have been encouraged by the warm embrace of their community. The student group CogWell@Penn even organized an activity for students to cover the iconic Love Statue with encouraging messages via sticky notes.

“The idea was that people walking by the statue on campus would notice that the unmistakable red of the statue had been tainted by a rainbow of Postit Notes. As passersby saw fit, they could ‘give love’ or ‘take love,’ adopting a pay-it-forward model,” said Foltz.

In addition to students, alumni also reeled at the news of Eells’ death against the backdrop of widespread

performance pressures and previous campus tragedies.

Taylor Becker ’17 described Penn as intellectually vibrant, but rigorous.

“Excellence is a core value, and students are expected to achieve it in all aspects of their lives, not only by faculty, but also by peers,” he said.

Such an environment drives students and staff to pursue perfection.

Still, “faith was important to me as a student there as a way to ground myself and balance my ambition and desire to succeed with the knowledge that my faith cannot be earned and my hope is secure,” he said.

In the wilderness of campus tragedies, bewildered students can benefit from hearing Christ’s life-giving message of redemption.

“Believers on campus have the opportunity and the duty to share their faith with others who are struggling with these issues,” said Becker.

“For we have a faith that provides peace in the midst of the turmoil of this world, and a Savior who promises that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.” | cu

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Former New Giants’ defensive lineman Justin Tuck was the keynote speaker at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ “Taste of Victory” fundraising event in Parsippany, New Jersey, this fall.

he Aquinas Institute for Catholic Life is a new initiative that will focus on the faith formation of Princeton students. Directed by married couple Alexi Sargeant and Leah Libresco Sargeant, and coordinated by Dr. R.J. Snell, the initiative comes out of the Aquinas Institute, the Catholic campus ministry at Princeton. Focusing on members of the undergraduate community, the Institute for Catholic Life offers a variety of seminars and guest speakers and hopes to create new conversations on campus related to faith and religious scholarship.

“As we develop, the vision is to provide a full range of formation,” explained Dr. Snell. “This includes liturgy and sacraments, small groups, Bible study, mentoring and spiritual direction, prayer, and also solid intellectual offerings in theology, philosophy, arts, and literature dealing with perennial Christian themes, as well as responding to contemporary questions and topics.”

The holistic approach is evident in the myriad of seminars taught by Dr. Snell or the Sargeants. “Fasting and Feasting with the Church” approaches how Catholics can embrace the tradition of fasting celebrated throughout church history, and how this spiritual practice fosters a greater appreciation for God’s creation. Earlier in the fall semester, the offerings included: “Disproving Zeus: How the New Atheists Get God Wrong” and “The Garden of Saint Thérèse: The Little Flower & Her Influences.” A fourth seminar, focusing on Saint

quit her job to evangelize, living out of her car and relying on God’s providence. Her talk focused on developing a radical trust in God. Additionally, in mid-October, Father Michael Ward, a priest and expert on C.S. Lewis, discussed the Christian imagination of Lewis and his fellow Inklings.

As the Institute for Catholic Life develops, there is a hope that the greater campus community will take a closer look at the Christian intellectual sphere.

“We’re reading David Bentley Hart, who is very good at challenging the ‘Enlightenment Myths’ which treat Christianity as an interlude between the advances of the ancients and the recovery and advances of modernity,” stated Dr. Snell. “Turns out, of course, that the Christian community was hardly as benighted and anti-intellecThe Aquinas Institute for Catholic Life is offering tual as the ‘Myth’ pretends.” four seminars in the fall semester.

All in all, the program hopes to offer students a through what themes and what spir- Christian formation that stays with itual authors we are familiar with and them for life. “Formation isn’t a one should include in our course packets,” and done sort of thing,” stated Dr. stated Alexi. “It has been a trip back Snell. “We convert daily, maybe multhrough some of our formative spir- tiple times a day, as we respond to grace and come back, again and again, itual reading.”

The Institute for Catholic Life has to the way of the Lord Jesus. Certainalso boasted an impressive selection of ly we’re hoping to provide resources guest speakers. In September, the pro- and models of a life of ongoing congram brought to campus Meg Hunt- version. That doesn’t end at graduaer-Kilmer, the “hobo missionary” who tion, not even close.” | cu Athanasius’ “On the Incarnation,” will be offered late in the fall semester.

Once members of the Catholic community at Yale, Alexi and Leah Sargeant have had a strong faith formation that they love to share with others. “Putting together the seminars has been an exercise in thinking back

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Justin Tuck, W ’18, Speaks at FCA Event

Tuck, who earned an MBA at Wharton in 2018, is a vice president at Goldman Sachs. He was an integral member of two Super Bowl championship teams for the Giants (2008 and 2012), registering double-digit sacks in four of his eleven seasons.

Tuck and his wife, Lauran, established the R.U.S.H. for Literacy Foundation, which seeks to provide greater educational and career opportunities to youth in the New York City Metro Area.

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The Penn Catholic Newman Community hosted its NOVUS (Latin for “new beginnings”) Retreat for incoming freshmen at the end of August. The retreat, held at the nearby Newman Center, was held prior to Penn’s New Student Orientation. At the three-day event, freshmen participated in Mass, confession, peer-led small groups, and had a

chance to meet upperclassmen. On October 25-27, the Penn Catholic Newman Community held its Awakening VI fall retreat.

I N S T I T U T E F O R C AT H O L I C L I F E F O S T E R S R E L I G I O U S D I S C O U R S E

By Jon Garaffa, Princeton ’20

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New Beginnings for Catholic Freshmen

Faith Formation

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PR I N C E T O N | On Campus

‘Go and Make Disciples’

PRINCETON S TUDENTS INSPIRED BY SPRING SEMES TER ‘BOOT C AMP’

By Shelby Brainard, Princeton ’22

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his trip, he learned the value of being intentional about his actions, including his use of money, and yielding to the Spirit in everything.

His biggest takeaway: “Despite

In one particular house church, Smith encountered a demon-possessed daughter of a church member.

Although he did not speak the native language, Smith said that turned into a blessing, as the isolation it caused allowed him to spend long periods of time alone with God. Because of the independent nature of

anything that’s miraculous, it’s the power of the Gospel that saves. This simple message of truth far surpasses the most powerful signs and wonders.” | cu

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Manna Welcomes New Students

to Terhune Orchards for its annual apple-picking activity.

Manna Christian Fellowship kicked off the start of the 201920 academic year with a series of activities to welcome freshmen and engage returning undergraduates.

Among the highlights, the ministry (manna.princeton.edu) held a frosh ice cream social on September 10 in the courtyard near Murray-Dodge Hall.

Later that day, the Manna team greeted returning students inside McCormick Hall with an evening of prayer, praise, and instruction.

Also in September, Manna took a group of freshmen and sophomores

Prison Chaplain Speaks at InterFellowship Friday In October, several campus ministries at Princeton University co-hosted an appearance by theologian, prison chaplain, and author Brian Wright.

Wright, who serves as a chaplain for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, appeared in McCosh Hall. In addition to the message from Wright, students engaged in worship and prayer during the Inter-Fellowship Friday event.

In August, Leafwood Publishers released Wright’s newest book, The Rhythms of the Christian Life: Recapturing Joy in Life Together

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who had previous experience casting out demons, worked with members of the house church to cast multiple spirits out of the girl, who immediately showed effects of recovery.

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another and to Christ,” Monaco said.

“I learned how fun it is to be obedient, and that it is such a privilege to do God’s work and be involved with the work of Jesus.”

Smith (whose name is changed here for security reasons), a junior from California, embarked on an independent missions trip throughout East Asia, where he visited many of his contacts from a previous missions trip. His time was primarily spent building relationships with locals that would lead to opportunities to share the Gospel. In one particular house church, Smith encountered a demon-possessed daughter of a church member. Smith,

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feeling called by God to pass along his knowledge and experience in advancing God’s kingdom to younger disciples. Although the commitment of nearly fifteen hours a week to prayer and instruction was difficult at a university like Princeton, the five young men immediately began to testify to incredible fruit and growth in their lives as a result of their commitment to the Lord and to each other during those six weeks.

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on campus and in their communities.

Monaco, a sophomore from Los Altos, California, spent most of the summer at home, where he felt called

by God to start a weekly worship night in his backyard for neighbors and high school friends. Monaco, with the help of other local Christians, hosted twelve worship nights throughout the summer. The gatherings were bolstered by prayer and many invitations to neighbors.

God responded powerfully to this commitment, surrender, and trust in Him, Monaco said.

“Our meetings ranged from fifteen to fifty people; sometimes it was just worship, other times, group intercession or [prayer for healing] broke out.”

Most importantly, said Monaco, hearts and lives were transformed: “We had so many testimonies of random people coming to the event and reconnecting with God after a long time away from Him.” Members of the spiritual discipleship group (clockwise from bottom left): Derek Li, Shelby Monaco says that his favorBrainard, Daniel Rim, Austin Colorite, Mikal Walcott, and Jack Monaco. ite moment came at the end of the summer right before one of spring semester, Walcott led a group Austin Colorite ’21, current pres- the last worship sessions. The leaderof five underclassmen (including Mo- ident of Worship House, said being ship team spent three minutes in naco and Smith) in an intensive, sev- part of the boot camp has helped him intercession for the worship night, en-week spiritual “boot camp” that yield to the leading of the Holy Spir- which was followed by four hours of included an hour of morning prayer it. In particular, the focus on prayer, battling in spiritual warfare on behalf and two hours of afternoon instruc- genuine worship, exercise of spiritual of each other.

“The power of the events came tion, Monday through Friday. gifts, and bold evangelism has inspired Walcott created this cohort after the members to seek God in new ways from our unified commitments to one ost Princeton students spend their summers engaged in activities such as internships, summer jobs, or backpacking trips, but undergraduates Jack Monaco and John Smith dedicated their long break to sharing the Gospel.

The students’ spiritual fervor on summer break was the direct result of an effort at advanced discipleship by then-Princeton senior Mikal Walcott. During the latter half of the 2019

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the spiritual climate on campus

S TA N FORD | On Campus

Testifying in Song C H R I S T I A N A C A P P E L L A G R O U P W E L C O M E S S TA N F O R D S T U D E N T S

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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tanford Testimony Christian A Cappella kicked off the new academic year by welcoming members of the class of 2023 during a spirited performance on the opening evening of classes.

On September 23, Testimony joined with nine other student a cap-

returned for the back-to-school event.

The O-Show is “one of the best ways we reach out to the campus broadly,” said Nate Marshall, president of Testimony. “We bring together the larger community. It’s a big a cappella scene.”

Likewise, Stanford’s only Christian

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“Six Centuries of Psalms” On August 9, the Stanford Summer Chorus hosted its “Six Centuries of Psalms” concert at Bing Hall. The non-auditioned community chorus is sponsored by the Stanford Department of Music. Membership is open to everyone; singers typically come from the Bay Area region, and from all age groups and ability levels. This summer’s concert featured psalm settings by Mendelssohn, Telemann, and others.

Abortion Debated on Campus, In Newspaper In June, the debate over developments involving abortion, especially early abortion bans, spilled into the editorial pages of The Stanford Daily plus social media.

The opinion pieces appeared on the heels of a debate between the Stanford College Republicans and the Stanford Debate Society in late May on campus.

Among the commentators, Kevin Fuhs ’19 noted the debate

focused upon the morality of abortion, rather than policy details.

“Given that abortion entails the ending of a life, it is plain that this is a morally weighty subject worthy of debate and serious consideration, not dismissal,” he wrote for the campus newspaper.

As well, Fuhs said universities should embrace free expression.

“Good and true ideas are not threatened by vigorous, open debate,” he wrote. “Stanford needs more discussion on campus of controversial, moral issues like abortion, not less.”

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school is very STEM-oriented,” said Marks, Stanford ’22, a bass.

More importantly, the Minnesota native relishes opportunities to “worship God with my voice and spread His love on campus.” Testimony songsters take time to pray for one another during practices.

At their core, Testimony’s singers are simply trying to stay in tune with God’s plans for this pivotal chapter of their lives. Marshall said he relishes his front-row seat to watch his collegiate peers grow in their spiritual brotherhood.

“I’m so excited because I have the honor of working with this group,” he said. “It’s worthwhile to see the growth in the relationships.” | cu

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a cappella group is looking forward to a banner year, especially with the return of five student leaders. “We’re looking forward to a year of growth, both musically and spiritually,” said Marshall, Stanford ’20.

Among the highlights for the new school year, Testimony plans to stage one of its annual shows in November and its regular tour in December.

During its annual holiday tour, Testimony lines up a combination of churches, nursing homes, hospitals, soup kitchens, shopping malls, and municipal facilities for daily perfor-

Testimony plan to record songs for the group’s next full-length album.

“That’s something we are really excited about,” said Marshall, a tenor.

Not surprisingly, Testimony singers echoed Marshall’s enthusiasm for the group and its upcoming year.

Nathan Marks called his spur-ofthe moment decision as a frosh to audition for Testimony as one of his best decisions. “I’ve met some great people and made some great friends,” said Marks, who did not have an extensive musical background before arriving at Stanford.

At a personal level, the computer science major also noted that participation in a vocal group brings a welcome change from the intensity of his core academic curriculum. “This

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pella groups to stage the annual O-Show, Stanford University’s biggest a cappella event of the year. Each of the groups performed two songs during the 9 p.m. show at Memorial Auditorium. Stanford’s largest indoor performance facility was nearly filled to its 1,705-seat capacity for the annual gathering.

The a cappella organizations banded together to greet students, especially frosh, and to invite undergraduates to audition for the coveted slots in the celebrated choirs. Per tradition, alumni of the musical groups

“Alumni are involved in so many ways,” said Marshall. “Alumni of the group stay involved, often for life. This is a community that is really important to people. People are invested.

People have gotten so much, they want to give back.”

In December 2016, Testimony celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary, and current members are thinking ahead for options to mark the thirtieth anniversary.

In March 2018, Testimony released an EP entitled The Mess I’ve Made. In recent years, the size of the group has varied from eleven to seventeen members. “We want to get a group that can blend well,” said Marshall of Idaho.

This academic year, members of

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Stanford Testimony Christian A Cappella helped welcome students to campus this fall.

mances of Christmas music. This year, Testimony is eyeing options to take its show on the road in the South.

Closer to campus, Testimony often performs in area churches. In addition, it joins with Stanford’s other a cappella groups for an annual concert to coincide with Advent, and hosts its spring concert in May on campus.

“We want Testimony always to be a place where non-Christians feel welcome. We want any member of campus to feel welcome and feel interested in coming to our shows,” said Marshall.

“We invite people very broadly.”

Participants in Testimony try to offer a sense of hope via uplifting music of a variety of Christian genres.

“Every song we sing is sharing the Gospel message,” said Marshall, an environmental systems engineering major.

In addition to harmonizing well, many members also cement lifelong friendships. During typical weeks, Testimony singers rehearse about six hours, and some participate together in social and ministry-based activities.

“We’re also investing in each other’s lives,” he said.

Alumni remain heavily involved with most of Stanford’s a cappella groups and some help arrange new musical selections. For Testimony, graduates even participate in the socalled alumni crash at the end of the fall retreat, and frequent the group’s lively performances. Current and alumni vocalists enjoy making melodies together and then downing bubble tea.

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the spiritual climate on campus

YA L E | On Campus

Giving Up Darwin YA L E P R O F E S S O R : T H E O R Y O F E V O L U T I O N I S “ R E L I G I O N ” TO MOST SCHOLARS

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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famed natural scientist will continue to exert “enormous cultural force.”

Nonetheless, the nineteenth-century figure is not in the same scientific orbit with Sir Isaac Newton, one of the world’s most influential physicists, he noted.

“Newton’s physics survived Einstein and will always survive, because it explains the cases that dominate all of space-time, except for the extreme ends of the spectrum, at the very smallest and largest scales,” he wrote.

To be sure, Darwin’s signature publication was intellectually daring and even inspiring. “The man will always be admired,” Gelernter wrote.

However, when it comes to assessing the origin of biological life, Gelernter questioned how cleanly and

In July, Gelernter joined Meyer and Berlinski in a robust conversation on behalf of Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. During an episode of the online series Uncommon Knowledge, the men discussed the inability of Darwinian evolution to explain the complexity of cells, including the sophistication of DNA coding.

West, is nothing approaching free speech on this topic,” Gelernter said.

“It’s a bitter rejection… It effectively shuts down meaningful scientific intellectual discussion.”

Still, in his essay entitled Giving Up Darwin, Gelernter noted that the

quickly scientists can “get over” Darwin’s overly large footprint and move on to new ideas.

“That is one of the most important questions facing science in the twenty-first century,” he said. | cu

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also took time to showcase the mindset of staunch Darwinian academics.

The theory of evolution virtually functions as “religion” to scholars, especially within scientific fields.

“As far as they are concerned, take your life in your hands to challenge it intellectually,” Gelernter said during the segment.

“They will destroy you if you challenge it.”

Such extreme allegiance to evolutionary biology fosters a deficit of free speech within academic communities.

“What I’ve seen, in their behavior intellectually and at colleges across the

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by means of natural selection, or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life.

Gelernter wrote Giving Up Darwin, in part, to highlight the insights Cambridge-educated scientist Stephen Meyer articulated in Darwin’s Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design. Gelernter also reflected upon material from The Deniable Darwin and Other Essays by mathematician David Berlinski, Princeton PhD ’68, and Debating Darwin’s Doubt: A Scientific Controversy that Can No Longer Be Denied, an anthology edited by essayist David Klinghoffer, Brown ’87.

The trio of titles “form a fateful battle group that most people would rather ignore,” Gelernter wrote.

In July, Gelernter joined Meyer and Berlinski in a robust conversation on behalf of Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. During an episode of the online series Uncommon Knowledge, the men discussed the inability of Darwinian evolution to explain the complexity of cells, including the sophistication of DNA coding. Hoover Institution Fellow Peter Robinson (Dartmouth ’79, Stanford MBA ’90) hosted the episode entitled: Mathematical Challenges to Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

During the program, Gelernter

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beautiful scientific theory,” the computer scientist expounded on some of the top reasons why he now believes that evolutionary theory cannot ultimately resolve the origin of mankind and the animal kingdom.

Darwin’s theory assumes that life forms descended from a common ancestor and were influenced by “random, heritable variation and natural selection.” Darwin also conceived such processes as operating blindly over hundreds of millions of years, a prospect that Gelernter finds to be virtually unlikely in terms of mathematics and advances in molecular biology.

“Could nature really have pulled out of its hat the invention of life, of increasingly sophisticated life-forms and, ultimately, the unique-in-the-cosmos (so far as we know) human mind — given no strategy but trial and error?” Gelernter wrote.

While Darwin’s theory can account for small adjustments to local circumstances, it does not appear to explain effectively the emergence of new species; Likewise, the fossils of the Cambrian explosion raise questions about the dearth of predecessor creatures, Gelernter noted.

Evolution proponents describe the origin of species as a bottom-up process that branches into increasingly complex life forms. In 1859, Darwin published his galvanizing literature, fully titled as: On the Origin of species

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renowned Yale University pro- Darwinism serves essentially to cerfessor is openly questioning tify scholars for devout orthodoxy of academia’s unwavering allegiance to prevailing scientific views. Embracing Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. the theory is an “essential first step David Gelernter recently sparked towards being taken seriously in any controversy when the Yale alumnus part of modern intellectual life,” he of 1976 published a candid, favorable wrote.

Recent years of reading and disreview of several books dismantling core aspects of Darwin’s theory. The cussion have shifted Gelernter’s perprofessor of computer science highlighted gaps in the theory of evolution by natural selection, despite its status within academic circles as the bedrock of science’s modern worldview.

In a piece entitled Giving Up Darwin, Gelernter queried whether the famed English naturalist’s theory might be wrong. Given the importance of the subject of biological origins, Gelernter noted that thoughtful indiRenowned Yale University Professor David viduals need to weigh avail- Gelernter, Yale ’76, openly questioned the able evidence freely. unwavering allegiance to evolution throughout Gelernter is known for his academia. seminal contributions to parallel computation. He was also in the news in 1993 when he was spectives on Darwinism as the severely injured after receiving an cemented explanation for the origin explosive package from the so-called of the species. “It is no victory of any Unabomber. The prolific writer and sort for religion. It is a defeat for huartist is a former national fellow at man ingenuity,” he wrote. “It means the American Enterprise Institute and one less beautiful idea in our world, a former senior fellow in Jewish and one more hugely difficult and important problem back on manthought at the Shalem Center.

In the spring 2019 issue of the kind’s to-do list.”

While Gelernter continues to reClaremont Review of Books, Gelernter laments how hallowed acceptance of gard Darwin’s work as a “brilliant and

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the spiritual climate on campus

YA L E | On Campus

Vita et Veritas CHOOSE LIFE AT YALE HOSTS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

By Luke Brown, Dartmouth ’18

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ale students are seeking to change the moral, cultural, and political landscape surrounding abortion on their campus and beyond.

Through Vita et Veritas, a pro-life conference in its seventh year, the student organizers from Choose Life

This year’s conference, held on September 27-28 in New Haven, Connecticut, was titled, “Alternatives to Abortion.” Organizers desired to confront the prevailing stereotypes that align abortion rights as inseparable from proper healthcare, family

Perrin’s impactful message was inspired by her own experience with an unplanned teen pregnancy. A crisis pregnancy center provided her with support to seek an alternative to abortion. The need for providing life-giving resources for women with

Attendees at the seventh annual Vita et Veritas conference.

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responses to the issues surrounding foster care, adoption, and poverty.

Vita et Veritas opened with a banquet and keynote address from Kailee Perrin titled, “Why I Choose Life.”

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“Bless the Lord at All Times”

Commencement Hymn Replaced with Secular Song

On October 4, Living Water and Yale Gospel Choir held the Joint Family Weekend Concert at the Afro-American Cultural Center in New Haven. The theme of the concert was “Bless the Lord at All Times.” Performing since 1979, Living Water is the only Christian a cappella group at Yale. The Yale Gospel Choir “has been spreading the Good News through its music ministry since 1973.”

In a column for the Yale Daily News, a senior lamented the replacement of the traditional closing hymn in the 2018 commencement program.

In May, Leland Stange ’19 voiced concern over the swap of O God Beneath Thy Guiding Hand, also known as The New Haven Hymn, with Let Light and Truth Suffuse the Mind.

Yale Divinity School theologian Leonard Bacon wrote O God Beneath Thy Guiding Hand in 1838 upon the 200th anniversary of New Haven’s settlement. As for the new, secularized song, it emphasizes science, scholarship, and art; God’s guiding hand becomes “more light” to let “knowledge, truth, and wisdom grow.”

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members “believe the right to life is fundamental, and we design our conference to help and inspire others to advocate for the lives of the unborn,” according to its Web site.

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Organizers desired to confront the prevailing stereotypes that align abortion rights as inseparable from proper healthcare, family planning, and the protection of women’s rights.

unplanned pregnancies was a focus throughout the weekend.

The two-day conference featured several speakers—all women of tremendous experience, articulation, and intellect. Speakers included: Abigail Young (Students for Life of America), Charity Farrar (Life Choices Medical Clinic), and Jannique Stewart (Love Protects).

Another unique talk featured a conversation between two women on different sides of the abortion issue: Julia Hejduk, a professor of Classics at Baylor University, who is pro-life; and Michelle Oberman, a professor of law at Santa Clara University, who is pro-abortion. The professors ad-

munity and student organizations throughout the Northeast.

During the weekend, students and other attendees not only had a chance

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planning, and the protection of women’s rights. Taking note of the recent trends in media surrounding abortion, the conference focused on the social indicators of abortion and pro-life

Abigail Young, from Students For Life of America, speaks at Vita et Veritas.

to learn from excellent speakers, they also connected with each other. Indeed, the student organizers of Vita et Veritas wanted to bolster strong connections within the pro-life community.

Vienna Scott, one of the organizers, said her organization was hopeful “that the speakers and student community [would] leave with connections to each other, concrete ideas for their student groups moving forward, a broader view of what the pro-life position offers to current dialogue, and the ability to articulate more robust defenses of their pro-life beliefs.”

With its seventh annual Vita et Veritas conference, the students certainly accomplished their goal of “contributing to a culture of life on campus and beyond.” | cu

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at Yale (CLAY) aimed to provide a venue for thoughtful, productive, and nonpartisan discussion of the abortion issue and its broader implications for scholars, activists, and students. CLAY

dressed the unnecessary malice held between many people on different sides of issues, including abortion, in our modern culture.

The students from CLAY said hosting this event at Yale was especially important and apropos. Yale University labs are known to use fetal stem cell tissue and the local New Haven Hospital performs abortions.

Additionally, the students’ tuition covers a health care plan that includes abortion options. In such a culture deluged with pro-abortion advocacy and assumptions, Vita et Veritas provided a much needed platform for the pro-life movement.

While the Yale community has the highest representation at the conference, Vita et Veritas has also grown to include members from other com-

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h. My own father , and untimely deat ce en ol vi , rty ve po e her, accepted rienc e church by my mot ere many people expe th in wh high d a, ise ny ra Ke s in wa I up “ I grew to the U.S. to attend Thankfully, . ed ol ov ho m sc I n gh he hi W in s n. wa in my educatio ed at Stanford and passed away while I d was able to press on ctual aspects of the Bible. Then I arriv an , or vi Sa y m as ist Word to justify telle Jesus Chr -depth study of the my faith and the in in d , ne ed tio id es gu qu a r ly fo us y rio school, I se rses. I was read of wisdom. ian Union Bible Cou ’s unending wealth od learned about Christ G of ng di an rst my unde ar, I am my faith and solidify ng members. This ye di un fo its of e on e e daily m e at Stanford, I beca . Jesus strengthens m e ap es sh iti tiv ok ac to s its ita of ar C all d ength and grac executive team an As Christian Union ing. You need that str oversee the student tir I t t. ou en th id wi es rs pr he nt ot de e in an intellectually serv the stu love in my heart to Times get very hard . ts rd pu fo e an H of my St d e an lik s le, ro pu for this at a cam eat assurance. One lly gr cia of pe ce es ur r, so de a is lea lp istian e ever-present he strongest weapon when you are a Chr wing that God is th oject this year. The pr no y K ar t. en im pr nm y ro m vi be en ll our own wit at wi demanding ce. We cannot rely on t, will touch sting initiatives—th fa an d id an gu r er fo ay pr im r H ste g roles is to fo God and seekin h the Holy Spiri osal is calling out to ing that God, throug ay pr am I . m lis we have at our disp ge an kingdom.” y God’s mission of ev bring them into His to rd and strength to carr fo an St at s nd ts of thousa the minds and hear

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