my walk

   So I have been asked to talk at large group, for my campus ministry, about how having an invitational community has strengthened my relationship with the Lord.  First of all, it has basically sparked my flame for God!  I was invited to Intervarsity by a friend, who I didn't know at the time, at a bus stop.  After attending the Gathering I realized these people I was surrounded by were very unique.  I ended up becoming really close with a girl, and we are now best friends.  This new friendship was so amazing to me because I never had someone who loved to talk about God and challenged me to live for Him.  Everyone in this community was so friendly and wanted to get to know you.  There were many movie and game nights that inspired getting to truly know one another.  The first beach retreat I attended was a huge moment in my walk with God.  I had only attended Intervarsity a few times and just decided to go to the beach with about 20 people I barely knew.  Best decision of my life.  This weekend allowed everyone to share their personal stories.  I really opened up to these people..who I had basically just met.  After this retreat I was hooked!  New friendships and excitement to go back and love campus was formed.  A major factor that influenced my growth with the Lord was discipleship.  Being able to meet with people to read scripture and talk about life really helped.  Another turning point for me was attending spring conference.  While at this conference I participated in the prayer track and learned new and exciting ways to connect with the Lord.  It was so awesome experience God not only working in my life, but also in our chapter.  After this conference I became very interested in prayer, and knew that God was challenging me to do something more with prayer in our chapter.  It was established that a prayer group would be formed with me and another member leading together.  This was super terrifying to me!  I didn't think I had the confidence or skills to lead something like this.  God definitely worked on my heart and has been using my strengths and weaknesses for his glory.  This is only a tiny bit of how an invitational community has helped me in my walk with the Lord.  Surrounding myself with awesome people who are on fire for God has kept me accountable and wanting to live for Him.  I am so thankful for a community that is really trying to embrace Jesus and love each other.