Visiting a couple of Campus Bible Groups today I was amazed at the diversity of backgrounds of students who gather on their campus to honor Christ. For example, one student comes from a church that is very concerned about outward appearance, while another student has often felt judged by others for his less than traditional appearance. Yet, these two students respected and accepted each other as a Christ follower. At still another Campus Bible Group I listened to student prayers ranging from free flowing prayers to sincere more traditional sounding language. All I saw was unity in their diversity. This gives me much hope for a Body of Christ that is more about God’s Kingdom Come than the separation that embodies much of the Body of Christ today. Students - do not forget the unity you are now experiencing. To those a bit older than these young students, we could learn much from our younger brothers and sisters in Christ.

                                                                                                                                Keith Malcom

Dustin is a sophomore at Maize High School who came alongside the existing leaders to bring new energy to an early morning gathering of Christian students on his campus. Here is what he wants to see happen on his campus.

"It's important to have fellowship with other Christians. It's important to sharpen ourselves and each other with the Word of God."

"Our vision is to become more involved with those without faith on our campus, to interact with them and to be more outspoken about our faith."

                                                                                                   Dustin - Maize High

"We have had prayer groups at East High for at least five years. Last year's ministry at my school wasn't looking very good. I was the only one at prayer during the first semsester, but I knew the Lord wanted me to be faithful in interceding for the disparity of my peer's hears. During the second semester I started seeing fruit at my school. First, a friend became and continues to be committed to praying with me very week. Then two friends from school came to me this summer asking how to give their lives to Christ. Finally, during this new school year students have been opening up to me about things on their heart - even a friend that has been on my prayer list for seven years. I really think God is doing something incredible at my school."

                                                                                                   Taylor - East High

  I took to the trail again this year and backpacked over 280 miles on the Appalachian Trail in Southern Virginia. I visited friends in Asheville, NC just before my hike. To prepare my Kansas legs for the mountains of Virginia I took a practice hike up Lookout Mountain in Montreat, NC (near where Billy Graham lives). As I was determining how to best tackle this mountain I met a young high school student. We began to converse as we hiked up the mountain. I learned that he enjoyed hiking, reading Science Fiction that is based on science, and writing.  As we hiked to the top of the mountain I felt impressed to see what he thought about spiritual things by asking: “Is there a God?” and “If there is a God, can He be known?” He paused for a while before answering the first question. He didn’t really believe there was a God, but was willing to talk about the possibility of a God one can know.

Walking down the mountain and stopping at times to check out the view I was able to share how I came to know God and the grace extended to me through Jesus. Soon he was asking me questions and we talked about how God created not only the earth, but also humans in His own image. As we approached the bottom of the trail and the end of our hike he asked me if I would mind if he wrote a story about our encounter and conversation. I said that I would be honored and only asked that he send me a copy. Before my Appalachian hike was complete I received the story that he had composed. Although he had changed the names and other details to fit his plot and creative style I could still hear the clear gospel message I was able to communicate to him with God’s help. He had heard the truth and I pray daily that God will put other believers in his path to complete his spiritual journey.

                                                                                                                                                                            Keith Malcom

Middle School leaders give advice to others thinking of starting a Bible club at their campus:

Emilie: "Don't be afraid. God is with you. I know that some of you might not want to be labeled as a Christian, or 'different' but go ahead and start that Bible study. I know I probably couldn't have done it without my friends. So maybe you could get a couple of friends to join you."

Jessica: "I would say to be patient and don't get discouraged. The first week we had about 15 students and the next week we only had 10. So, I was really discouraged. As long as the message gets across to at least one person it is totally worth it. The reason I say be patient is God works slowly but steadily at times and you may feel like you are doing nothing in people's lives, but you really are. You are at least planting a seed in people's hearts."

Emma: "I was most afraid of doing this because of what people would think of me and that I would lose friends in the process. People were really great about it. I was really surprised that not a whole lot of people were rude about it or judged me. Inviting others to the Bible club was easy, they were actually polite about it. I was also really afraid that no one would come. I was really surprised at who came. We have people coming every week, which is a great accomplishment."