One Student's Perspective

Hi.  My name is Stacie Banjavcic.  I am a first year student at McKendree University and have taken part in many activities.  I really wanted to find a campus ministries group to join because I was pretty strong in my faith. However, some aspects of my faith were still being formed especially since some people are non-believers.  During this school year, I have attended Chapel services once a week, Bible Study once a week, and I was able to go on the mission trip to Costa Rica.  Throughout the year, I realized that I needed to strengthen my faith. Through these activities I have grown so much.   

In Bible Study, we learn about Bible passages and discuss different questions that go with the passage.  I discovered that there are no wrong answers. It is very interesting to hear the different points of view.  I have learned so many different ways to look at God’s Word, and this has also strengthened some of my own opinions. 

In Chapel, we have a different topic to study each week. These ideas can be used in everyday life to serve God.  For example, a few weeks ago current student Emily Yakey shared with us a message which she signed in sign language.  As I watched and listened, I realized that I don’t always need my voice to speak God’s Word. 

This became very clear to me when I went to Costa Rica over spring break.  Since most of the group did not know Spanish (the native language of Costa Rica), we were forced to communicate without words. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the good news of God without words. Also, during the mission trip, I realized that God helps everyone in many different ways. The people of Costa Rica were welcoming and appreciative of the work that we did to help them. That week, I grew so much in my faith.

Campus Ministries has given me new ways to understand the Bible and to live out my faith. I also have found that it doesn’t mater what faith tradition you are, everyone is welcomed and accepted.