When I started as a freshman at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in the Fall of 2022, I was nervous about finding people to connect with. A goal of mine was to check out the WELS Campus Ministry called The Point of Grace (TPOG). At the time, I didn’t anticipate the impact this decision would have on me. Through The Point of Grace, I have gained friends that feel like family.

I have realized that college is a huge test of faith and a turning point in the lives of young adults. Campus Ministry is something that is close to my heart because it has kept me on God’s path, not the world’s. Being around other Christians who are experiencing this same season of life is encouraging. My time at church or study time with other Christ-focused individuals matures my faith and motivates me to look to God in my daily struggles.

The Point of Grace has become a lifeline for me. I look forward to Wednesday, when the weight of my week is lifted off my shoulders. I always understood that God was important, but I never gave God the time he deserved. Through The Point of Grace, I have gained a community of God-fearing fellow students who show their care for my soul and their own. My experience with campus ministry continues to be a great blessing!

Starting college at Coastal Carolina University in 2021 was a challenging time for Katelyn and me. We both grew up in WELS congregations, and we struggled to adjust to an environment that pushed values and beliefs that we did not share. There were many moments when we felt alone on campus.

The family and support we found at church was what encouraged us during difficult times and reminded us of the comfort we could find in God and our church family. Our freshman year was the first year that there was a steady group of college students who attended Amazing Grace in Myrtle Beach, S.C. We began having dinners at Katelyn’s house as a small escape from the pressures of Coastal, with friends who we knew shared the same faith. After a few dinners, our vicar at the time approached us with the idea of starting a Campus Ministry program as an outlet to strengthen our faith and enjoy fellowship. We were all very excited to start!

We began meeting for Bible studies twice a month and have continued for the past three years. There are still only five or six of us who attend, but as Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” We find comfort in this promise and are grateful for the time we get to spend in God’s Word and for the support of our Campus Ministry family on campus.

From Katelyn Baker and Hali Tainatongo, campus ministry students at Coastal Carolina University

Many may think Christianity can no longer impact the highest levels of academia or the arts. I’m convinced the opposite is true.

Welcome Weekend at Redeemer in Ann Arbor, Mich., is our annual September outreach event for our Campus Ministry program. That weekend in 2021, I met someone new. Angie was born in China, but her family moved to America when she was young. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s in piano performance at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Now she’s earning a doctorate at the University of Michigan. One of her classmates, Allison, who was in the same program had already been attending Redeemer. After church, Angie decided to stay for lunch and then came to Starbucks to help us plan our Campus Ministry activities for the semester. She then started attending our Campus Ministry Bible studies. When she asked about being baptized, we found a spot in central campus, and I listened to Angie share more of her story. That conversation led to starting Bible 101 classes—often meeting on Zoom until 10 p.m.—after she finished classes and I put my kids to bed. In April 2022, Angie was baptized and confirmed, and many other campus ministry students shared that special day with us. Now as a member of Redeemer, Angie shares her talent by playing for church. We’re so thankful to hear her beautiful music in worship, but we’re even more thankful for what God has done in her life.

From Jacob Haag, campus pastor at the University of Michigan

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Peter Hollins was raised in a religious household and regularly attended an Episcopal Church with his mother. However, he fell away during high school and later found himself to be unhappy. He started attending church again and sought to find one with true doctrine and where he fit best. Peter chose to attend Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson, Arizona, and became a regular attender at Tucson Campus Ministry Bible studies. He is grateful that the Holy Spirit was able to bring him back into the faith and once again finds joy in attending church. Many gifts and blessings can be found in Christianity; Peter found this to be true as he is comforted in knowing that God is with him no matter what comes his way.

From Hailey Brandt, student assistant at WELS Tucson Campus Ministry

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From a young age, Alfredo knew God. Raised in a religious family, he was regularly exposed to the idea of Christianity, but it was ultimately his grandmother that really showed him what it meant to be someone of faith. Alfredo’s grandmother took him to church, taught him how to pray, and she truly showed him what it meant to have a relationship with God. This strong relationship with God has been there through the years, despite his ups and downs. Alfredo has always been grateful for his strong faith. His favorite Bible passage comes from Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though an attacker can overpower one person, two people together can stand up against him.” Alfredo really believes in the importance of relying on others. Throughout his life, he has been blessed with a strong Christian community, a gift that he attributes to faith in his Lord. Alfredo has been involved in our WELS Tucson Campus Ministry, growing his faith while he attends the University of Arizona. He studied Agriculture Technology Management and graduated in May 2022!

From Maren Steffen, student assistant at WELS Tucson Campus Ministry.

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At such a large university like the University of Michigan, it can be hard to meet other students who want to grow their faith and participate in Bible studies and weekly church services. Consistent weekly gatherings offered through Campus Ministry have really strengthened my faith and my relationship with God as I experience this new stage of life. It has provided me with a support system when faced with lifestyles and ideas that are different from my own and what I grew up with. The Bible study topics are engaging and especially relevant to me and help prepare me to answer difficult questions and ideas that I have been faced with. Campus Ministry has helped me stay connected to church and other Christians while at college.

From Mackenzie Zabel, University of Michigan, Class of 2022

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