American author John Steinbeck wrote, “One does not take a trip. The trip takes you.”
Indeed! For over fourteen months Christ has taken me along on a campus journey. 33,000 car miles. Five states. Six foreign nations. Churches. Chapels. Retreats. Conferences. Writing. One-on-one. My memory is a rich tapestry of Jesus, His people, the campus, and the adventure of joining God in His work.
I remember a “salt-talk” at a Duke University fraternity meeting, living in a monastery in Germany for a month with 24 young divinity school students and talking ministry late into the cool European nights, chapel in Kentucky’s Appalachia colleges–the students rapt in attention and hungry, marriage conference for young couples with over 50 in attendance, mentoring a talented first year theology student named Jonathan, a crowd of over 1200 at a South Carolina school, over 500 conversions at a big summer camp.
But the journey has not always involved huge crowds, for there were several dinners with Stan, a Dartmouth professor, talking about his retirement. And Helen–angry, hurt and frightened over not receiving tenure in her professorship. And Paul, wanting to leave his teaching job to return to divinity school.
And the surprises!
- Writing opportunities in a newspaper, in several magazines, that go out to over 600,000 households a month.
- And a web site with 130 sermons on it–downloaded around the world!
Friends, it’s been quite a journey! Not the one I expected! Better! For Jesus “is able to do exceedingly far more abundantly than all we ask or think.”
And I say, “More, Lord! Let’s keep at it!”
The formula for the Carolina Study Center is very simple.
- God has acted in Jesus Christ for our salvation.
- He has called me to the church and campus at large.
- And he has teamed you up with the Carpenter’s Club to encourage, to pray, and to give to help me and others go.
Put it all together and thousands read, hear, and see the Gospel in their midst as we touch the campus in partnership.
What a journey! Thank you for your friendship with this ministry, for your trust, and for enabling me to go to students. I promise to work hard, to preach the Word, and to keep you informed.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
Stephen