Our Stories.
Sydney here! I truly began following Jesus my sophomore year of college. An unexpected turn of events happened in my life and I realized I had no foundation of Jesus at all. I had tried everything to fulfill me during my freshman year college experience. Countless parties and relationships satisfied me only for a little while until I came to the end of my rope. Working a Christian summer camp, I read the Bible for the first time in my life and came across John 15. In verse 16 it said, “ You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit.” When I read those words, I felt so loved and known. It sparked my curiosity. Unfortunately, I left camp early because I dislocated my knee cap (random, right?) However, I met Garrett, who at the time worked at a physical therapy clinic. He told me how God had changed his life and invited me to Chi Alpha and found a girl’s discipleship group for me to be in. I grew hungrier and hungrier for God. With that, God asked me to give up the lifestyle I had been living and fully live for Him. It was the best decision I had ever made. Sometimes God asks us to give up things, it may seem like we are going to lose something when we do, but in reality we gain everything when we are obedient to Christ. Now I am a full time missionary with Chi Alpha just trying to continue to say yes to Jesus.
Our Stories.
Garrett here! I was born and raised in Texas until my family moved me to Arkansas in 2008. I was raised in church, I loved the Lord and even received a few signs and visions at a young age. When we moved, I just wanted to fit in. I moved to a new school in 8th grade. I remember as the high school years came through, I just wanted to be known by everyone. My goal was to have over 50 people message me on a Friday to ask about where all the parties were at. After high school, I realized that I really wanted to follow Jesus for real. My family is amazing and they raised us boys to be believers, but I wasn’t really all in. When I was 19, my dad got really sick. I dropped out of college to help with my family. During this time, I was so angry with God because my dad is the best man. How could God let him be sick over people who are terrible people? Because of this, I physically acted out instead of just hiding it. I tried to find fulfillment in parties, friendships, and women. I still went to church, but I was just so hurt. There was a guy named Pierce who was the pastor of the Chi Alpha at ATU, who actually cared about me more than any friends I ever had did. He always was kind and spoke truth to me even when I wouldn’t receive it. One day Pierce asked me what I was going to do with my life and I had just got the phone number from a man who had a really good job lined up for me. Pierce then said why he really wanted to meet me. He said “God wanted me to meet up with you to ask you if you should do Chi Alpha long term?” I was like ummm I don’t think so? Instantly, God reminded me of the dreams and signs He gave me from when I was a kid. I knew this meant I couldn’t hide or fake it. I was either going to be all in for Jesus or not. A few days later, I enrolled at ATU so I could get my degree to do the Chi Alpha internship. God used Pierce and Chi Alpha to change my life. God gave me purpose and has shown me what true friendship and community looks like.