Faces of Faith – Drake

What comes to mind when people think of NCAA Division 1 athletics? Dedication, drive, determination, devotion, competition, and so much more. One thing noticeably absent is any reference to faith or a relationship with Christ. I suppose that is not surprising given the culture of universities. But Drake Andrews, a freshman at Ohio State University (OSU) and a D1 men’s gymnastics competitor is seeking to change that. While Drake was working hard academically and physically during his first semester at OSU, he felt like something was missing. After being encouraged by close friends to seek out a church, Drake found his way to St. Paul’s, and the Holy Spirit ignited a flame of faith that has only gotten brighter. In Drake’s own words, “I knew from the first service I attended that I had found my new home. I am extremely excited to be confirmed. This is one of the most important aspects of my life, and I am thankful for the gifts that God has provided me with: a loving and supportive family, friends, the ability to train and compete in the sport I love, and most of all, the ability to serve him while here on earth.” Drake was confirmed and welcomed into membership on March 10, 2024, and I am excited to see his faith and passion for Christ grow in the years to come.

From Ross Gottschalk, campus ministry pastor at St. Paul’s in Columbus, Ohio