For the past several years I’ve stopped by a particular teachers’ room each week I visit campus. I go to her room because she really has a heart for kids, her room is always bursting with needy kids and she loves the ministry we do. She, however, does not know Jesus.
We’ve had some great conversations about faith and I’ve often thought, if Jesus ever got a hold of her heart…she could really make a difference on this campus!
Over time she has shared some of her past and been candid about her questions and concerns about the faith. She’s met my wife, came to an event or two, and always seemed open to spiritual conversations. I often joke with her, “Shhh…can you hear that?”
She responds, “What?”
“It’s Jesus footsteps. He’s pursuing you!” I always tell her with a smile.
The visits and the bantering have gone back and forth for several years each and every week. Recently she has met some dynamic young Christian students, and has had a few good church experiences. On Monday I spoke with her on the phone; she blurted, “He caught me!” She went on to share how she had placed her trust in Christ when her life had recently begun to unravel. She still has many questions, but he caught her!
We talked about connecting her with a mentor and what it looks like to get involved with a local church. I know this kindhearted and compassionate woman will do great things for the sake of the Kingdom!
I didn’t pursue going on Campus to reach adults, but I do take great comfort knowing that by simply being obedient, another person can call Him Savior!
I hope God begins to break your heart for the campus down the street!
Rob Maxey
is a 20-year youth ministry veteran who has worked full time for Campus Life for the last 14 years. He serves on two campuses weekly and runs several campus ministries both on and off campus in partnerships with local churches. Rob has been interviewed several times in Jonathan's podcasts on TheSource4YM.com and Jonathan drew from his expertise throughout his book, Connect: Real Relationships in a World of Isolation. Rob serves on the national Campus Life team at Youth for Christ USA.