Christian Union: The Magazine
Flip through the online magazine above or scroll down to read a selection of the feature articles in the magazine.
by Scott Ely ’18 and Molly Richmond ’18
As the former co-presidents of Harvard College Faith and Action, the ministry resourced by Christian Union on Harvard’s campus, we write first to thank you for all of your prayers over the years and especially in this most recent season of tension on Harvard’s campus. Throughout the past year, we have been amazed by God’s faithfulness, touched by the extraordinary students who take part in our ministry, and challenged to seek out what faithful, Gospel-centered ministry looks like at a pluralistic university.
As the former co-presidents of Harvard College Faith and Action, the ministry resourced by Christian Union on Harvard’s campus, we write first to thank you for all of your prayers over the years and especially in this most recent season of tension on Harvard’s campus. Throughout the past year, we have been amazed by God’s faithfulness, touched by the extraordinary students who take part in our ministry, and challenged to seek out what faithful, Gospel-centered ministry looks like at a pluralistic university.
Christian Union is completely dependent on God to provide needed resources through its financial partners. While annual gifts are the lifeblood of this growing ministry, many partners also have a desire to include Christian Union in their family legacy. These “legacy gifts” can provide important tax-saving benefits and income for life to the giver and their loved ones and help to ensure that generations of men and women will continue to be trained and discipled with the Gospel, with the ultimate goal of equipping leaders who have submitted their lives and vocations to Christ.
Care Net CEO Honored at Nexus Conference
By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer
At the Nexus Student Conference this winter, plenary speaker Roland Warren talked about servant leadership and Christianity’s counterintuitive pathway to true success.
“You are meant for greatness – true greatness,” said Warren (Princeton ’83, Penn MBA ’96), chief executive officer of Care Net. “I’m hoping to inspire you to live truly great, in the upside-down way we find in the Bible.”
Christian Union New York Hosts Os Guinness
by catherine elvy, staff writer
Throughout 2017, in conjunction with the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, many churches, universities, and institutions explored its far-reaching significance, especially the way it reshaped Christendom and the stream of Western history.
In February, Os Guinness contributed to this ongoing conversation when the prolific author and social critic appeared on behalf of Christian Union New York, a ministry to emerging leaders and professionals. More than 115 people attended the Forum, held in February at The Union League Club.
Conference Is Refreshing for Dartmouth Students
by catherine elvy, staff writer
A winter conference for Christian Union at Dartmouth featured a teaching that helped students better absorb the Word of God.
In January at Singing Hills Christian Camp in Plainfield, New Hampshire, Ministry Fellow Julia Carlisle introduced the multi-step, contemplative prayer activity known as Lectio Divina, or divine reading.
“It’s an ancient practice of slowing down while reading Scripture and meditating on it several times, paying attention to what the Holy Spirit calls your heart to and then praying into that,” she said.
Carlisle’s exercise focused on Romans 5 and its themes of justification by faith and peace with God.
Hein ’20 Is Persistent in Pursuing God
by tom campisi, managing editor
Adrienne Hein is a leader with the Seeking God Team for Christian Union at Cornell.
During the 40 days of Lent, Hein ’20 led by example. The Hotel Administration and French major joined Christians from various campus ministries at 10 p.m. for 45 minutes of prayer each evening. Hein made the uphill trek from her dorm to the Cornell House of Prayer to intercede on behalf of the campus community with approximately 20-30 other students. The Cornell House of Prayer is a place near campus where Christians gather “to glorify God and establish His Presence at Cornell University through intercession and worship.”
Climbing the “Cornell Slope” every night was quite a mountaintop experience that changed Hein’s outlook on prayer.
“She kept going. And the Lord met her there every time,” said Carrie Jussely, a Christian Union ministry fellow at Cornell.
Beck and Curtis Are Interns in Washington, D.C.
by catherine elvy, staff writer
A pair of Harvard Law School students are widening their professional horizons and skill sets while exploring careers within the public sector.
Kaitlyn Beck ’19 and Kelsey Curtis ’18 are spending the spring semester in Washington, D.C., where they are completing internships with the U.S. Department of Justice. The pair view such experiences as foundational to careers that will involve government service.
Beck and Curtis, who are participants in Christian Union’s ministry to Harvard law students, aspire to use their intellectual talents to reflect their faith in professional spheres.
Retreat Has Special Meaning for Christian Union at Brown
by tom campisi, managing editor
Christian Union at Brown hosted a historic and joyous senior retreat this spring.
Ministry fellows gathered on Cape Cod with the 12 students who comprise the first graduating class since the organization was launched four years ago.
“It was a really great time to celebrate all they have done here at Brown in the last four years,” said Matt Woodard, Christian Union’s ministry director at Brown. “These 12 students were instrumental in getting this ministry started. It was great to see how God is working in their lives, to hear their stories, and reflect together.”
Kao ’18 Reflects on Stellar Swimming Season, Spiritual Growth
By catherine elvy, staff writer
As a student athlete, Derek Kao readily has embraced the importance of teamwork and brotherhood, priorities the Yale College senior hopes to take into the medical field.
As a member of the men’s swimming team, the California native was proud to make a splash for the Bulldogs at meets across the region, including the 2018 Ivy League Championships. Likewise, Kao also sports a growing passion for reflecting his faith, both in and out of the pool.
“Yale swimming has taught me what it means to be part of a greater cause and purpose,” said Kao.
Notably, the pre-med student has flourished spiritually since arriving at Yale, especially via the mentorship he has received from Christian Union’s ministry.
Students Cheer on Classmates at Nexus
By Kayla Bartsch, Yale '20
A low hum of energy thrummed through the room in anticipation of the Spoken Word competition at the Nexus Conference in New Brunswick, New Jersey. In a darkened ballroom-turned concert hall at the Hyatt Regency, nearly 300 attendees from Penn, Princeton, Cornell, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford gathered to listen to and cheer on fellow students.
