Light of the World

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

It’s busy...I sit at my desk. Windows cover the wall to my right, giving me a front seat view into the world out there. Couples stop to embrace before they go to separate classes; it looks more like they’re saying goodbye before the war steals one of them away. Students talk on their cell phones, pacing back and forth, promising their mom that everything is fine, everyone failed the test, the professor just doesn’t understand. Groups of students walk together, making their weekend plans and laughing at memories of yesterday.  People making best friends, falling in love, preparing for careers, and making decisions that will change their lives forever – right before my eyes.

Here at Campbell we have students from all over the United States. Small towns. Middle of nowhere communities. Big Cities. More than that, we have students from all over the world. Kenya. England. Switzerland. China. Malaysia. Spain. Just to name a few. Each of these students is a story; they have friends, heartbreaks, memories, parents, interests, quirks, passions, beliefs and struggles. Some have a passionate faith in God that is evident in everything they do. Some have a struggling faith, a knowledge of God from years of church, but an indifference to living for Him now. And some are being introduced to the truth of our Lord and Savior for the first time here in Buies Creek.

A college is the only place I can think of where God so obviously brings a million mission fields to one place. Thousands of students, who each go home and reach dozens of people all over the world. What a rare and blessed opportunity!

I meet these students as they are first introduced to life at Campbell. I get to tell them about our programs, our  professors, and make them feel the orange energy that exudes from the hearts of everyone here. I correspond with them as time goes by, find their talents and interests, and hopefully witnessing their first steps to becoming a camel. In so many ways, their life is just beginning. For many of them, they will meet their future spouses and future best friends right here on this campus. They will bond with professors who will help them find their way and become successful. They will grow and learn and experience things that shape who they are.

I don’t just get to interact with prospective students, though. I work with our faculty and staff – most of them have strong faith and an evident relationship with God, but some struggle. I get to work with current students as my ambassadors, and I am impressed with their involvement on campus, in their community, and in various Christian services. They are a group that will change the world. But I’m sure each of them face difficulties every day.

What a chance this is for me to make a difference! To encourage someone. To show someone a little bit of God’s love and joy. The peace and hope that comes with a relationship with Someone who can hold you close at any moment, who always listens, and who already sees what life will be like tomorrow.

I don’t have to go to Africa or Europe or India or New York or Maryland or California to make a difference there. God has brought all of those places to me. If you are a professor, student, or staff member who knows the Lord – what a great opportunity to serve Him. Right here.