"Looking back, Kearney first left Eugene, Oregon to play soccer at Chico State University, the notorious school that was once dubbed the No. 1 party school in the nation. Kearney, who occasionally sold weed in high school, fit right into university's wild ways before eventually hitting rock bottom. "I guess I lived it up and did what everyone said you should do in college," he recalls. "I discovered the depth of depravity, the bleakness of that lifestyle. It just wasn't working. I finally started understanding there must be more to life." It was at this point where Kearney had a life-changing encounter with Christ. "God found me when I was at my lowest point. That was the first time in my life when I really felt like I understood who Jesus was-it was more than just knowing about Him, I felt like He met me in that time and place."
Don't get me wrong, I don't think we all have to go to these depths to see our need for something more, something (someone!) that will actually satisfy. But, I do think Matt's story is powerful and connects with so many of the students I meet. I'm so thankful Christ has come to make a way for us to know Him and experience abundant life, even while we're still living in a broken world, a broken body. He really is the sweetest thing. . .
2 comments:
Hi, Arijaan! So, I was wondering, because you (and I) were never part of the "college scene," do you ever feel awkward or ill-equipped talking to people who are a part of it? It's something I thought a lot about when I was teaching freshmen composition.
Ah - good question! Yes, it can be hard not to speak from personal experience, but at the same time I'm thankful not to have personal experience. :) I always try to listen, ask good questions, not judge, and be a safe person for them to come to. Jesus didn't get caught up in the party scene and yet had a powerful ministry to people from all walks of life - I pray that He works through me in similar ways. It's still hard though!
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