“What did she have that I didn’t?”
Changed by Jesus #58
By Rachelle Richardson, Bellevue campus
Jesus 101
I was the typical 19-year-old at Washington State University thinking about my next class, my latest crush, and getting into the coolest sorority. I felt empty and unsettled. I had no concept that I had a Father in heaven who was plotting a rescue for my life.
Providentially, God put me in a room in my sorority house right across from a girl named Jenny. Jenny was totally different. She always hung out and had a great time, but she never got wasted or hooked up. I kept seeing her love and help others with a quiet joy. What did she have that I didn’t?
One day Jenny told me about the God who created her and the relationship she had with Jesus Christ that changed her heart. By God’s grace, I knew that same God had created me, and I desperately wanted to know Him and get this new heart. So I knelt of the floor of my sorority and surrendered my life to Christ.
Physical training is of some value…
My senior year of college, I was training for a half marathon and needed some good sermons to run to. I had heard about this pastor that went to WSU and talked for a long time, so I began to download his content.
I loved Pastor Mark’s teaching instantly, and it was just what I needed at that time in my life. After I moved back to Seattle, I knew I wanted to be a part of Mars Hill Church, so I began to attend regularly and started the membership process almost immediately.
I began to attend the women’s ministry events and joined a women’s Bible study. I will never forget how they loved me. They showed me such a redeemed image of motherhood and what being a woman of the Lord looked like.
Back to School
I praise God for allowing me to become a member at Mars Hill and be under biblical teaching that tells the truth in love. I want to imitate a similar approach in my ministry where I am approachable but uncompromising for the Lord. To that end, I plan to be on WSU’s campus full time by this fall, if the Lord provides my funding.
It breaks my heart to think of how many students are spending their college years getting drunk and hooking up, when they could be introduced to our patient and matchless Savior.
Learn more about Rachelle’s work with Campus Crusade for Christ.
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