Steven Ren

Hi! I’m Steven and I study mathematics at the College! I remember that one of my greatest fears before starting college was that I would fall away from my faith in the face of the stress and new ideas that would confront me at a school like UChicago. Instead, I’ve grown in my faith during my time here at UChicago to an extent far exceeding my wildest expectations and much of that has been through Christians on Campus.

I have benefited tremendously on an intellectual level from the weekly Bible studies organized by the club. The Bible studies take place in a casual atmosphere and encourage open discussion and enjoyment of the Bible. I’ve always felt positive about asking any questions I have and pursuing the answers together with the other participants, even if the questions were heavy and controversial. Christians on Campus also arranges weekly home meetings, where a Christian family in the Hyde Park community hosts a time of fellowship through eating, singing, and studying the Bible together. I was familiar with the principle of Christian community before coming to college. But it was the support I received from Christians on Campus, the encouragement and comfort that got me through difficult beginnings, harsh exams, and grueling all-nighters, that brought the notion of having family in Christ out of the realm of abstractions and into my experienced reality.

Royce Yang

“If you believe and your heart is willing to believe, then there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Those were my friend’s exact words, back in tenth grade, when he opened my heart for the Lord. I still remember that moment as if it were yesterday. I remember the fervent vigor of my first meeting at the Church. I remember encountering problems and turning to Him for comfort. I remember, and forever will keep close to my heart, the priceless gift of the gospel that I was given and could never repay — a gift that I took to college and led me to join Christians on Campus at UChicago.

Here, with this group of people whom I call my brothers and sisters, I feel as if I’m with my own family — maybe because I am. I cannot testify that I’m always engaged during every bible study session with Brother John, nor that all my problems just melt away because I’m at peace with the Lord. But this is a testimony. And I testify for myself this: that my life in college, a life of faith and the pursuit of joy with my fellow brothers and sisters, is what I’ve always longed for.

That is what Christians on Campus has brought for me, but to each individual it brings something different. To some, maybe a simple knowledge of historical events. To others, a group of friends that they could always depend on. To still others, maybe a new life of abundant “faith, hope, and love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

If you’ve read this far, then there’s something you should know: This is where my testimony ends, but could be where yours begins…