David Navadeh
Cornell University '19
Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Labor Relations
David Navadeh participated in Christian Union's ministry at Cornell. He was highly active and also served as a student leader in the ministry. The recent grad paused to share his reflections on his involvement with the ministry as an undergraduate:
"The ministry of Christian Union at Cornell truly has been a cornerstone of my college experience and a deciding factor in choosing to attend Cornell.
I had a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, and wanted to go to school in the Bible Belt since I was afraid there would be a lack of Christian groups at northern secular schools. Even after committing to Cornell I was strongly considering switching to Alabama, but instead I Googled 'Christian groups Cornell' and Christian Union showed up. I read about the ministry and its mission, and decided to go to Cornell because I was so impressed with Christian Union's strategy of training leaders at strategic schools.
At the time I said I would transfer to Alabama after one semester if I didn't feel that God was calling me to Christian Union and Cornell University.
By His grace I felt right at home in Christian Union almost immediately. The ministry fellows did a tremendous job of welcoming me and other freshmen, and I couldn't believe God led me to such a spiritually vibrant community at a school like Cornell.
I had been incredibly blessed by Christian Union, and it was the primary reason I didn't transfer.
Because I had been so blessed, I felt called to leadership starting my sophomore year. I served as the Christian Union Seeking God leader for one year and have led Bible studies for younger students for three years.
In September, I am getting married to my high school sweetheart, Alexandra. Many of my groomsmen were also involved in CU at Cornell.
Though Alexandra and I went to different colleges, these were the years when God strengthened our relationship and prepared us for marriage. Not only were CU ministry fellows stellar examples of how to be a godly husband, but they also regularly met with me to impart wisdom about Christian dating and marriage.
Christian Union ministry fellows have been tremendous role models for me, and it's thanks to God working through them at Cornell that I'm getting married in September.
My college experience would not be the same without Christian Union.
Recently, I took part in the Christian Union senior giving program. I was happy to donate. I know what an impact college ministries have on students, and I hope even more students have the opportunity I had.
Thanks for all that you do, Christian Union!"
Though Alexandra and I went to different colleges, these were the years when God strengthened our relationship and prepared us for marriage. Not only were CU ministry fellows stellar examples of how to be a godly husband, but they also regularly met with me to impart wisdom about Christian dating and marriage.
Christian Union ministry fellows have been tremendous role models for me, and it's thanks to God working through them at Cornell that I'm getting married in September.
My college experience would not be the same without Christian Union.
Recently, I took part in the Christian Union senior giving program. I was happy to donate. I know what an impact college ministries have on students, and I hope even more students have the opportunity I had.
Thanks for all that you do, Christian Union!"
