The Best Times

There really is no time of year like the first weeks of school. Anticipation. Energy. Great weather. Uncertainty…and ofcourse, grass skirts. The InterVarsity chapter at VA Tech kicked off its New Student outreach events with a Luau on Henderson Lawn. The night was a blast, attracting curious students ranging from freshmen to grad students. One grad student from Korea dropped by to see what all the excitement was about. Grass skirts, limbos, raffles, and water balloon tosses/fights do have a way of drawing attention. This student was not a Christian (I met a lot of students there who were not believers), but was interested in going to church with us and getting to know our fellowship. He has been to church every week since.

Free Ice Cream drew out freshmen from their dorms. We went through about 40 gallons of ice cream between the two events. We interacted with a lot of new students, telling them about who we are and what we are about. One of my favorite conversations was with a guy named Miles. He is not a believer, but said he had a lot of fun hanging out and talking with us. I am hoping and praying that he will give us a chance to offer community.

New student outreach is my favorite time of year. There is so much hope and optimism. It is arguably the most crucial time in students’ lives. While there are many things I love about it, there are also factors that can make it difficult. Feeling rejected, tired, and overwhelmed are a few of them. The hardest thing is often knowing that what you can offer new students through new life in Jesus is what their hearts are longing for, but realizing that many aren’t interested or don’t want to give you a chance. It can be heartbreaking. But it is still worth it to reach out and take risks.



The week before classes started, we had a retreat for the leaders of the chapter. After some great times of planning and praying, we squeezed in a little putt putt and go-carts. This putt putt course was definitely the hardest one I've ever played.

Students got to catch up and share about their summers at the Returners' Party.

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick....the Luau featured some very flexible students.