It’s crazy to think about 2020. So many things that even just a year ago, we would have never imagined. Masks, social distancing, hand sanitizer, and forehead thermometer checks have become the norm. This has affected all of us, in all spheres of life.
Now college cafeterias are ghost towns with limited seating and plexiglass dividers on the tables. Big group social events are non-existent. Many dorms have half the number of students and strict guests policies. The excitement and buzz of a college campus has changed. Rather than ultimate frisbee, volleyball, grilling out, there are immaculate green lawns. The normal wear and tear of students walking and social activities are gone.
Ministry has changed as well. We have had to get very creative to meet new students. We have had to double down on our discipleship ministry. We are in faith, meeting with students in one on one settings, and small group bible studies, rather than our big events.
All of this at many points this semester has caused me to ask, “God what are you doing? Don’t you know this is making it harder for us to engage students with the Gospel?”. I am reminded of Mark 4 when Jesus calms the storm. The waves are breaking on the boat and the boat is filling with water. It feels and seems hopeless, and, seemingly, worst of all Jesus is sleeping.
In Mark 4 the disciples get resolution. Jesus calms the storm, and the disciples are amazed. But what does that mean for us? The storm is still here… God what are you doing? C.S Lewis famously said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” I think God is shouting, “come to me!” God is shouting, “you are not in control and never were!” God is shouting, “I got you, trust me!”
We are taking every day one step at a time, leaning into God. I can imagine God saying something like he does in Habakkuk 1:5, “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” I am praying and trusting God would use this season and do more than we could ask or imagine!
Reid Jilek
Campus Outreach Minneapolis Director