Devotional from January 2025 Christian Union National Fast
By michael racine, Writer and Ministry Fellow, Christian Union Lux at Yale
We are living in a time of great changes, ripe with opportunity and fraught with danger. As trust in once-venerated institutions and authorities erodes, people are searching—for meaning, for purpose, and for anchors amid the swirling storm of competing truth claims. Many are turning, or returning, to the church, and for that we thank God. Meanwhile, many others are turning (or returning) to what a generation ago would have been near-universally laughed off as superstition—to psychics, tarot, and witchcraft—or cobbling together a faith of their own invention, mixing perhaps a bit of Buddhism, some yogic meditation, a dollop of post-modern relativism, and various Christian ideas divorced from the broader biblical vision.
The apostle Paul anticipated such rising superstition when he wrote to Timothy that “there shall be a time when they will not tolerate sound instruction, but according to their own desires they will accumulate teachers for themselves, their ears itching, and from the truth they will turn away their hearing, but to myths they will turn” (2 Tim 4:3–4). Foreseeing this, he urged Timothy to “proclaim the word, be ready in season and out of season, elucidate, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and instruction” (2 Tim 4:2). Paul gave this charge to Timothy, his protégé, because he himself had already finished his assignment and would soon depart this world to be with Jesus:
I have fought the good fight, I have completed the course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth is stored up for me the crown of justice, which the Lord, the just Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Tim 4:7)
What a wonderful thing to be able to say at the end of one’s life. Isn’t that what we all desire most, when all is said and done—to look back and say, “I fought hard for the right things, I did what God put me on this earth to do, and now I gladly await a heavenly reward”?
Devotional from January 2025 Christian Union National Fast
By jeff walsh, vice president of christian Union America
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."-Isaiah 40:31 ESV
As we embark on this national fast, we are reminded of the extraordinary promise found in Isaiah 40:31—a passage of hope and perseverance. For those who wait on the Lord, there is strength beyond human capacity. During this time of fasting and prayer, when physical weakness may set in, God invites us to draw on His boundless power.
The Call to Wait
The word "wait" in this verse can also mean to hope or trust. This is not a passive waiting but an active dependence on God. Fasting, by its very nature, embodies this active waiting. As we abstain from food, we posture ourselves to rely on God for sustenance. We acknowledge that in our frailty, He is our source of strength.
Consider the eagle, a bird known for its majestic ability to soar high above the earth. It doesn’t achieve this by frantic flapping but by waiting for the right air currents to lift it. In the same way, waiting on the Lord allows us to soar—not through our striving but by resting in His divine power.
by Christian Union America
For many years a populist mindset has dominated Christian thinking about how to influence a society, meaning that Christians have believed that when a majority of people value virtue, culture will follow. But according to James Davision Hunter, the LaBrosse-Levinson Distinguished Professor of Religion, Culture and Social Theory·at the University of Virginia, "culture changes from the top down; rarely, if ever, from the bottom up."
True Faith Produces the Fruit of Love
Revised By erin conner, writer & communications associate
It may seem contradictory to say that in order to love the people in our sphere of influence the best-our neighbor, our spouse, or our children-we must love God the most. However, this is God's command and, therefore, the way to fulfill Jesus’ two greatest commandments.
An Amazing Opportunity for American Christians to Seek the Lord Together
By erin conner, writer and communications associate
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -Galatians 6:9
Christian Union America hosts regular national fasts with the intention of deepening our own relationship with the Lord and interceding for our nation to return to Him, and wants to invite you to join this January for 14 days.
Two powerful testimonies from previous CU America National Fasts illustrate the significance, in part, of joining this movement:
"This was the longest fast I have ever done. The fast showed me the danger of having so much comfort and material prosperity. It can cause us to forget God and live our lives apart from seeking Him."
"I’m so thankful for CU and have been so blessed by all the CU ministry events I’ve participated in. For the first part of the fast I did a dry fast, which really broke me in a good way spiritually and physically. The fast took me to a deep place of crying out for God and brought me to a depth of need for God that I’ve never experienced before. I thank God for this opportunity to join in this fast."
Fasting is an essential part of Christian life. It is modeled for us throughout the Scriptures and has a unique capacity to draw us closer to the Lord through humble dependence upon Him above all things.
Christian Union America will be hosting this 14-day fast from January 2 through the 15th with the special emphasis on a new year, new awakening, and pressing in for breakthroughs. In regard to this fast, founder and president of Christian Union, Matt Bennett, shared, "Jesus is everything to us, and we need His supernatural strength to remain faithful to Him through thick and thin. We want revival across America, and to see that happen, Christians need to faithfully seek His face no matter the obstacles or cost."
Alumni Spotlight: Esther Xiang, Harvard '23
by erin conner, writer and communications associate
"I thought Harvard would give me everything I ever needed," said Esther Xiang, as she reflected on her undergraduate career, "but only Jesus can do that." Xiang graduated from Harvard in 2023 as a psychology major. She walked out of Cambridge, rejecting the voice of the world, and followed the voice of God into full-time missionary work to be Jesus's hands and feet to the nations. The Lord opened up a door for her to take a year off and do global mission work in the Himalayas, France, and New Zealand.
A Mission to Live Like Jesus Did
by Tim pillsbury, ministry director of christian union vox
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
–1 John 2:3-6 NIV
After a student joins Christian Union Vox, the real work begins. We are not here just to put names on a list, but instead to disciple Christians to live like Jesus lived and do what Jesus did. John is clear: if we want to call ourselves Christians, we need to both know how Jesus lived and then live that way ourselves. There is no shortcut past obedience.
2018 Christian Union National Fast Devotional
By christian union
“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. … He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.” -1 Kings 4:29-30, 33-34
Public education in the United States has become a mostly godless enterprise. Unfortunately, the more “elite” an academic institution is, the more pride it takes in a secular approach to learning. Modern educators falsely presume that the best path to knowledge is one that is without bias of religion. However, in their pursuit for untainted learning, they keep themselves from the beginning of wisdom – the fear of the Lord.
One Student Ministry's Unstoppable Heart to See God Transform Lives
by Erin conner, writer & communications associate
It's not easy or convenient to plan a weekend away. It is much easier to choose not to disrupt the pattern of life and to stay within the confines of routine. Disruption is not easy for anyone, but it is especially difficult for Ivy League students. Their rigorous academic schedules are full of the demands and pressures of achievement at the highest level, so stepping away from it all during the school year is nothing short of revolutionary.
Stepping away to retreat with the Lord and with each other is a beautiful gateway into the freedom Christ came to give--freedom, in part, from the weight of the standards, values, and identity placed upon us by the world. The students of Christian Union are learning to live in this kind of freedom, and, as a result, they are sharing it with others.
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” -1 John 2:3-6 (NIV)
After a student joins Christian Union Vox, the real work begins. We are not here just to put names on a list, but instead to disciple Christians to live like Jesus lived and do what Jesus did. John is clear: if we want to call ourselves Christians, we need to both know how Jesus lived and then live that way ourselves. There is no shortcut past obedience.
God is on the move! After a very eventful and successful Freshmen Welcoming Campaign, our students have settled into their Bible courses, studying the Gospel of Mark. Our ministry fellows are seeing our students engage with the Scripture, spurring one another on to seek the Lord. Even throughout October, newcomers have inquired about how to get involved in our Bible courses. One sophomore student, an atheist, has been coming regularly to our weekly Leadership Lecture Series, since most of his friends are a part of CU Nova. This year, he has finally requested to join in with one of our Sophomore Bible courses! He spoke to a ministry fellow recently, saying, “I think I’ve investigated faith from every angle I need to. All that’s left for me is to experience it….I’m open to change.” Please pray for his salvation!
Christian Union at Harvard is in the final month of the fall semester, and we have finally hit a rhythm. Even in my short time here, I can attest to the extra difficulty of finding a pace of life in the first semester of the academic year. Fall brings with it much energy, but much chaos. We, on faculty, as well as our students, are grateful to have slowed down–even if we only have a few weeks remaining.
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Greetings from Ithaca! God continues to move and do mighty things here on the campus of Cornell. Even as students face growing challenges and struggles, the Lord shows His mighty hand in ways both large and small, demonstrating His care and provision towards these precious students.
2018 Christian Union National Fast Devotional
By Fady Ghobrial, Ministry Fellow for Christian Union Gloria at Harvard
"And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her. And she said to the king, "The report was true that I heard. ... Blessed be the Lord your God." -2 Chronicles 9:3-5, 8 (ESV)
The queen of Sheba had heard of the fame and wisdom of Solomon and she thought, “I have to see it for myself.” The Bible records her visit in this wonderful passage, giving us insight into the nature of excellence and wisdom.
How to Join a Movement to Transform Culture for Christ in America
By erin conner, writer and communications associate
Christian Union Universities (CUU) is developing leaders with spiritual depth at strategic places for cultural engagement to change the world. CUU serves students at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Harvard Law, Penn, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale. You can join this movement to equip our nation's students at these highly influential and secular schools with the power and love of Jesus in the following ways:
1. Pray
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." -Matthew 7:8, 9When believers pray, God hears and responds.
2. Give
When you give to Christian Union, you help evangelize an unreached people group - the relatively small number of men and women whose leadership choices affect the daily lives of millions and who help to shape culture, from the economy, to entertainment, to the legal system. Help develop men and women of wholehearted devotion to God, and help them to build relational and professional networks that will increase Christian cultural influence by giving an end of year gift of any amount today.
Donate >
3. Advocate
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- Talk to Christian parents - Many Christian parents of students applying to college have well-founded concerns about their children attending these leading universities, known for their sometimes intense secularism. Talk to parents about the role Christian Union is playing to develop students into mature believers and effective culture changers.
- Inform high schools - Share with administrators, teachers, and guidance counselors of Christian schools about the Christian leadership development ministries at these universities, if you are able, so they in turn can communicate with parents and students.
- Discuss with friends and colleagues - Many believers are passionate about changing our culture and may be eager to learn more about a few ways how.
4. Share Socially
5. Refer Others to Subscribe to Our Newsletter
For culture to be transformed by the gospel, thousands of believers must learn about and come alongside to support Christian Union’s and other ministries' strategic approach. Christian Union's primary way of communicating is through bi-weekly email newsletters. Subscribe by clicking on the link. Please feel free to share link with:
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- Friends
- Alumni
- Staff & Faculty
- Parents
- Churches
- Foundations
6. Connect Students to Ministry
Let Christian Union know about incoming and current students at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Harvard Law, Princeton, Penn, Stanford, or Yale that would benefit from Christian leadership development. Christian Union faculty and student leaders are warmly welcoming of interested and curious students, inviting them to participate in the ministry in a variety of meaningful ways. Send students names to Vickie.Coonan@ChristianUnion.org.
7. Engage with Your Alma Mater
If you are an alumni of Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Harvard Law, Princeton, Penn, Stanford, or Yale, you can have extraordinary influence with your alma mater. By being involved with your universities, you can be a powerful witness for Jesus Christ.Some suggested ways to engage:
- Participate in alumni boards and activities
- Attend reunions
- Write respectfully to the administration or alumni magazine when Christian values need to be defended
8. Share Story Ideas
Christian Union seeks to inform readers about the spiritual activity on the campuses where they serve. Let the ministry know of opportunities and challenges for the gospel at these universities. Share encouraging stories of alumni who are Christian leaders in their respective fields.Send stories ideas to Erin.Conner@ChristianUnion.org.
9. Share Your Story
If you would like to share about your experience as a student, parent, donor or friend of Christian Union, please feel free to send in your thoughts to Erin.Conner@ChristianUnion.org. We'd love to be encouraged by them.God bless you as you consider how to help students have an impact on the lives of others for eternity.
A Film Recently Released about Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer
By erin conner, writer and communications associate
After 12 years in the making, Bonhoeffer opened in 2,000 theaters across the country starting on November 22. Faith-based films like this one raise thought-provoking questions that lead viewers to explore their own faith and actions in their spheres of influence, as well as the implications of their actions in shaping the contours of culture and history.
Preview the trailer of this film here: https://youtu.be/eK2sPrMlsQs
A Cornerstone Partner Visits Christian Union Libertas at Brown
By Don Stahl; written in February of 2023
Ever wonder, “what is that ministry really like?”
As a Cornerstone Partner, I certainly knew something of what Christian Union seeks to do, and saw lots of evidence that it was genuinely touching the lives of the next generation of leaders. But in my experience working with over 100 non-profits and ministries throughout my career, I have found there is nothing like “showing up!”
So, by prior arrangement, I did. I am so glad I went!
Christian Leader in Media Shares Life-Giving Message in a Culture of Despair
By erin conner, writer and communications associate
Carrie Sheffield, a renowned columnist and broadcaster in Washington DC, released a memoir this past spring entitled Motorhome Prophesies that proclaims liberty is possible for the captives of trauma. Sheffield is a Harvard alumna, a member of Christian Union America, and serves in an advisory role for the Christian Union Washington DC board of advisors.
Sheffield shares insights with millions of Americans on networks like CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CBS News, CNBC, BBC, and more. From ABC’s Good Morning America to HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, PBS, and C-SPAN, she brings a voice of virtue to the American communications and media industry through boundless interviews, articles, appearances on television shows and podcasts, and at forums across the nation.
Christian Union Provides Support and Resources for Spiritual Strengthening
By erin conner, writer and communications associate
Your spiritual vitality is a matter of national importance. Perhaps that sounds dramatic, but consider it–our culture is shaped by the daily decisions of industry leaders who either embrace secular values or who embrace biblical values, many of whom may not know how to integrate their faith and their profession. How well are American believers equipped to bring Christian faith and values into their spheres of influence? And what are the implications if they don't? 
Former Christian Union Student President Claims Victory in Recent Election
By Erin conner, writer and communications associate
Leaders developed at Dartmouth shape the future of our country by determining what media gets disseminated, what laws get passed, and how major decisions get made. Dartmouth has produced influential figures, including author Dr. Seuss, beloved T.V. personality Fred Rogers, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and former central banker and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Another name of influence has been recently added to this list: Brandon Gill.
Brandon Gill claimed victory in the congressional race for the 26th district of Texas over Democrat Ernest Lineberger III in the recent November election.
Gill's Congressional webpage states, "I attended Dartmouth College and graduated cum laude with degrees in both Economics and History. I was President of the conservative paper, The Dartmouth Review. I was also President of Christian Union and grew it to be one of the largest student groups on campus, despite being on a campus hostile to the Christian faith. In college, I fought the left nonstop - on their own turf - and I left Dartmouth even more conservative than when I arrived."
