I feel like I’ve known Jesus my whole life. I was called to saving faith at a young age, and I spent my childhood and teenage years learning more and more about the Bible and what God called His people to do in the world (that is, spread the Gospel).

I grew up going to church with my family. My parents were leaders at the church we went to: first they taught the young kids and then they moved up to teaching the high school and college students. I tagged along wherever they went, so I learned a lot about God and faith pretty early on.

I gave my life to God when I was young and have rededicated it to Him many times since. One of the most memorable times was when I was 11-years-old. I went to an SEC conference, and the speaker there challenged us to stand up and say ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Through a pounding heart and lots of tears, I did, and I was baptized by my dad a few weeks later. I started serving in the children’s ministry and in other ways, and one of my favorite things to do was to listen to teachings about Jesus—I was on fire to know Him more.

When I was in 7th grade, my dad became the pastor of a small church in Clarksville, TN, and I was uprooted from the community I had developed. I loved the new church and didn’t start missing the old church until much later, but I felt the difference immediately. Over time, this developed into a sort of discontent and bitterness toward the church in general; I would grumble about serving and all the things I was expected to do. But I loved the Lord, and I did all I should have—most of the time.

When I went to college, I was challenged with making my faith my own. I was able to decide what mattered to me and how I wanted to spend my time. I wasn’t forced to go to church on Sundays or to spend any week nights with a small group. I was allowed to choose my church and who I surrounded myself with. I knew that I wanted to continue walking in the faith, but I needed some accountability. I found CSF almost immediately, and it was incredible. Hearing people my age standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a huge basement singing as loud as they could set my soul on fire. I rediscovered the community I had so dearly missed, attending weekly worship services, joining a community group, and meeting lots of likeminded people.

CSF is a nondenominational campus ministry at WKU whose mission is to lead students to be the hands and feet of Jesus on campus and beyond. The hope and prayer is that involvement at CSF would lead to a stronger walk with the Lord so that when students leave WKU, they are ready to be disciple-makers in a local church wherever God leads them next. I got involved quickly at CSF, and I integrated myself deep—I became a leader, got a mentor, and found a local church to get connected to.

From the time I was a freshman in 2016 to being a senior in 2020 and being a full-time staff member for the past four years, I have seen incredible, unexplainable growth in the amount of students who are impacted by this ministry. Our weekly worship service attendance has increased, and students are becoming leaders in community groups, clubs, and campus and community service. They are getting more involved, willingly and excitedly, in the things we do, like women’s and men’s events, camping and backpacking trips, discipleship and evangelism classes, and so much more!

I’m so grateful that God placed me here so early in my college career because I don’t know where I would be without CSF. CSF has given me a place to learn, ask questions, grow, and serve, and without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I wouldn’t be as strong in my faith, and I wouldn’t have been a part of such a wonderful community of believers.

After being a community group leader for the three years, along with serving in other ways, I wanted to take the next step in my faith journey by devoting my life full-time to the mission at CSF, which I believe aligns with God’s Mission. The college years are some of the most formative years of a person’s life, and it is an underserved age group in the church that deserves more attention and effort. Campus ministries like CSF are the bridge between high school and adult life, giving young adults the space to learn and grow their faith for themselves.

I’ve learned a ton through the years about God, His love for me and all His creation, and my purpose for being put where I am. I was created to glorify Him—to worship Him, to trust Him, and to be loved by Him. I am wholly His, and He is mine. And I want everyone to soak in His love like I have.

It’s now my fifth year on full-time staff, and I have been blessed beyond measure. And I have the privilege of inviting you into this ministry as well! In order to serve at CSF, I need to raise funding to support myself and the ministry. We can’t do what we do without people like you—donors and prayer warriors alike!