For me, act:2015 could be summarized with the words worship, community and action. Group worship is one of my favorite things. Being surrounded by others that share the same faith is extremely encouraging. We worshipped multiple times in our plenary sessions. We also used manuscript studying techniques. Worshipping in the form of manuscript study was a new concept for me. I loved it! Really digging deep into the Word is the only way to let it sink in enough to make a difference. Psalm 119:11 is a great example of what our attitude should be towards scripture. When you really understand the context, it is much easier to hide it in your heart and mind to call upon in times of trouble.
As for the community aspect, most people go to find new friends from different chapters, but I got closer to the people in my own chapter the most. That was exactly what I needed. I went through a very difficult time a couple weeks after the conference and I was able to call on my new InterVarsity friends to pray and help me through.
Every single session was geared towards action, hence the name act. One of the most impactful moments for me was being challenged to set up a meeting with a friend to witness to them. So intimidating that I didn’t do it when we were told. I froze up and didn’t know who to call. At that moment I was very disappointed in myself. I’ve been a Christian my whole life, I shouldn’t have had a problem with that! After wallowing in pity for a little bit I decided to text my suitemate Grace. This girl is feisty and I live with her. I was so scared that she might be offended and I’d just end up creating tension. However, God knew what He was doing. (He always does of course, I’m just stubborn.) Grace and I were close friends at the time so we were eating lunch together the week after the conference and doesn’t she blurt out “So, you wanted to talk to me about God?” I’m sitting there totally unprepared in what I wanted to say, so I just started speaking. Ya never know how that’s gonna go. This time it went pretty well. I told her what the Gospel is and why I love Him the way I do. She didn’t have too much of a response. Throughout the next week or so, I talked with her and her roommate Celina about the typical controversial topics of Christianity. Still no decision from Grace. Her boyfriend in the Navy then messaged me on facebook and told me that Grace “is giving it a shot.” I was ecstatic! I gave her a Bible and invited her to InterVarsity, but I didn’t see much of a change or serious interest in learning about God, so I backed off. Yesterday, on November 22nd, she texted me saying exactly this. “You win, I’m on your side, no doubts anymore” Praise be to God, as He knows exactly what He’s doing! *Side note, I procrastinated on writing this and even in that God showed me He had a plan. If I didn’t, you wouldn’t know that Grace took the first step in her new walk.
To conclude, I’d like to challenge you to TRUST HIM. We studied Daniel and one thing that stuck out to me was Dan. 3:17-18. Daniel trusted that God knew what He was doing, even if He didn’t deliver him from the furnace. That is the kind of faith and trust we should all have.
Holly Lang
Freshman Biology major
SUNY at Fredonia
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