Campus ministry changes the lives of students.
But don't take our word for it. Listen to what these former students say today, "looking back" on their experiences with campus ministry programs in
West Virginia.
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I stumbled into the Christian Center for a PROWL meeting the first or second week of my freshman year, and that turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me during my college years. I had found a group where my faith and values could evolve as I learned from and volunteered with others of varied backgrounds and belief systems.
My parents and the church I grew up in gave me a good foundation, but without my involvement in the campus ministry program I doubt I would be as active as I am in my church today. Participating in outreach and the planning of service projects taught me how to find my niche in a congregation, and built the confidence I needed to step up where I could help. Now, 10 years later, I feel drawn to the seminary, which probably never would have occurred to me if not for my experiences through the Campus Christian Center. Campus ministry was a wonderful blessing for me.
Nicole Pickens
Communications and Marketing
Columbus, Ohio
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Looking Back
PROWL was my home throughout my college years. They acted as my family and were there as support. PROWL made a huge impact on my spiritual growth.
Tawny Burdine
Teacher
Cabell County, West Virginia
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I was one of the original PROWL'ers, joining during Bob's first year of ministry ('82 - '83) at MU - at the invitation of my friend, Cary Smith... I probably was on the first student council (is that what we called it back then?); I don't think I was ever president of the council, but I was Bob's assistant campus minister for at least a year, while I was in grad school. ('87ish).
PROWL was literally my primary source of social, intellectual and spiritual "food" while going to Marshall. My experience in college would have been lacking much without PROWL. My faith grew during this time primarily because we were always encouraged to ask our own questions and come up with our own answers--guided, of course, by the wisdom of the Bible and great theologians and educators like Diedrich Bonhoeffer, Henry Nowen, Parker Palmer, and Beth and Bob Bondurant. Since graduating from Marshall and "moving on" to other faith communities, I have never truly found the equivalent of the open-mindedness, warm communal concern, and diversity that was PROWL. These Spiritual bonds carry way beyond our actual days in PROWL; I can name at least 5 people that I met while in seminary in Louisville (starting in the year 2000) who were in PROWL after I had graduated from Marshall. These people became instant and close friends, just because of the bond of having been PROWL'ers. I'm still meeting people w/whom I share that bond. Recently (just last week), I discovered that two of the folks I have known for several years as members of the WV environmental network, were PROWL'ers during their days as students at Marshall. Somehow, the fact they were PROWL'ers didn't surprise me at all when I learned it, but it did explain the close spiritual connection I've felt with these two individuals since I met them. PROWL is an amazing Spirit-filled and led community; I think it offers the rest of the world a glimpse of the true kin-dom of God.
Rev. Robin Blakeman
Presbytery of West Virginia
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Twenty-seven years later, letters come regularly from teachers, physicians, ministers, and faithful church members of various backgrounds thanking us for providing a ministry that equipped their lives for marriage, a solid career, and a life of service to the church and community. God's gracious love in Christ is what's most often spoken of, along with caring about us in our retirement years...what a joy!
Rev. Bob Bondurant
Retired, Campus Minister at Marshall University
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I went to college in my hometown, where I grew up involved in the university. It was imperative to me to experience all aspects of college life, just like my peers. I was a member of student government, joined academic clubs, a sorority, played intramural sports and had a part-time job. But of all the groups I chose to join I am most proud of my time in PROWL (campus ministry). They allowed me to be honest, to question my beliefs and ultimately to grow more than any class I was required to take. Through campus ministry I was able to share my faith with friends at school and in the community. It became a constant in my life and years after graduating I still find myself returning to help out from time to time. I would have graduated from college without PROWL, but I wouldn't have become the person I am today without it in my life."
Amy E. Browning
Non-Clinical Educator
Organizational Development & Learning
St. Mary's Medical Center
*Artwork courtesy of members of the Presbyterian Student Fellowship at West Virginia University.
