Happenings at Haverford College

For the last three (going on four) years, Elliott has been actively involved on Haverford College's campus.

The fact that he is there at all was no easy feat.  Haverford is a very different school than most schools.  Students are drawn there not only for its academic rigor (think Ivy-League quality), but also for the autonomy of the student body.  No one can be on campus without the welcome of the students.

So it's been a slow road, but year by year, we have begun to grow deeper relationships with the school -- both in the student body and the administration.

One thing that has helped is partnership.  The CCO is committed to partnerships -- with churches, campuses, and organizations.  We have partnered with Haverford Christian Fellowship (HCF), which is a chapter of InterVarsity.  There was no male leadership in the group, and so Elliott has been attending for a couple years, mentoring different students through his time there and bringing them to our church.  This year, Elliott has had the fantastic opportunity to teach during the HCF Bible meetings.  The response has been so great, that Elliott has been asked to teach more often.  He also had a couple of non-Christian students approach him about talking more about the Bible.  (I want to say more about this opportunity to minister to non-Christian students, but I will get to that at the end.)

The other thing that has aided in the CCO's presence at Haverford is a newly formed organization for faith-based groups.  Elliott was asked by someone in the administration to be on this group in order to represent HCF.  This is huge, as we reflect on Elliott's first year, going door to door in the administration, met with suspicious stares that implied the question, "Why are you here?"  Now, they see him representing a strong voice on campus on behalf of part of the student body.  This is also exciting because if we are ever to leave and work elsewhere, the CCO will have an official spot at the school.

I wanted to share this with you for two reasons:
1) To praise the Lord for open doors, especially when we persevere with patience.
2) To let you know the work that we are doing on secular campuses.

Speaking of the secular, please also pray for the new opportunities Elliott has had to minister to non-Christian students.  I believe Elliott has been gifted with a few things:  great wisdom of the Bible, great articulation of words, and great charisma.  People are drawn to him, as he is non-threatening, welcoming, and has good answers and insights.  Elliott has had the opportunity to answer many of these students' questions about Christianity, in addition to sharing his testimony and the Gospel.  Please pray for more opportunities to come up like this -- that in our work to disciple Christian students, we would also be able to reach non-Christian students with the love of Christ.