Lives Transform
When Reenard came to the University of North Florida, he was experiencing something so many students go through. He was grappling with his faith. He had just left the church he grew up in because he disagreed with the values they taught.
“I left that church, and I wrestled with that because those were the people who raised me in my faith,” Reenard said. Like so many students entering college, Reenard felt disconnected from the congregation that had raised him, but also conflicted about how to move forward. He did not want to leave Christianity, but he needed to experience it differently.
“I wanted change in the church. I wanted to see the church grow. I love to share my ideas, but it’s hard to share your ideas when people don’t see things the same way you do. Sometimes you have to say, ‘Maybe this isn’t the place for me.’”
Reenard found Jacksonville Campus Ministry like many students do: at Market Days. He met Sarah on a Wednesday morning, and she invited him to join the ministry at Food for Thought the next Tuesday. He has been attending ever since.
In JCM, Reenard found something he was searching for even before he left his previous congregation. “I just really enjoy the community aspect. People are very welcoming and I think that’s what I love about campus ministry: a sense of community and fellowship.”
More than that, though, Reenard has found the campus ministry is helping transform his own relationship with God, himself, and others. “I have a better understanding of who I am, my values, and what I stand for because of my involvement.”
After several years of being a vital part of our ministry, Reenard is always quick to invite others to our gatherings. “I have found a great community. I love this campus ministry because I get to see new people come in and see their lives transform. I love the impact that it made on my life, and I want the same impact for somebody else.”
Your generosity allows Jacksonville Campus Ministry to continue to transform lives and invite new people into our community like Reenard. Thank you so much for your generosity.