Seeking God
When God Steps Down from Heaven
Revival Fire Past and Present
By Dr. Michael L. Brown
In a certain sense, God’s presence fills the universe. Yet there are times in history when He manifests His presence in a particular place or in a particular way that is unique and distinct and powerful and transformative. We call those times “revival.”
A Conference, A Community, and The Word
Despite COVID Restrictions, CU Lux Digs Deep into Scripture
By Kelly Parks, Staff Writer
Community has looked very different on college campuses these past few months than it has in years past. However, these changes have not stopped Christian Union Universities from ministering to students across the United States, in person and also through virtual connections.
A Weekend of Fire
CU New York Hosts Retreat for Young Professionals
By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor
A group of ten young professionals recently attended a Christian Union Fire retreat in New York City. Based on their feedback and ensuing testimonies, the event fueled a greater depth of seeking God and a passion for seeking revival.
Throwback Thursday: Revisiting Nexus 2019
CU Conference Inspired Students to Put Faith into Action
by catherine elvy, staff writer
The devotion and courage of King Jehoshaphat was remarkable. Although he had his flaws, the ancient leader worshipped God, readily obeyed spiritual commands, and boldly compelled the nation of Judah to seek the Lord.
Such practices dovetail with some of the key missions of Christian Union, a leadership development organization that encourages college students to honor the Lord, step out in faith, and change the world.
Throwback Thursday: A City and Campus Aflame
1820 Revival Transformed Providence, Brown University
By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor
This academic year will mark the 200th anniversary of a revival that forever changed the religious landscape of Providence, Rhode Island, and left a profound impact on the students at Brown University.
“The Hand of God was visible everywhere,” wrote author Mark S. Schantz, describing the city’s 1820 revival.
Asking the Wrong Questions about Ravi Zacharias…
Missing the Most Important One
By Dr. Chuck Hetzler
The revelations of Ravi Zacharias’ failures have invited a host of questions to discern how such destructive sins could have occurred. Seeking answers, Christians have primarily probed RZIM from an organizational perspective.
An Emerging Leader for CU Lumine
Sternklar ’22 Has a Passion For Prayer, International Justice
By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor
Athena Sternklar wants to change the world through a career focused on international policy and humanitarian aid.
The political science major, who transferred to Columbia University in the fall, took a hiatus from college a few years back to travel abroad and volunteer in refugee camps in Greece, Serbia, and Jordan. She came to Columbia via Montgomery Community College in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland.
Christian Union: The Magazine Launches New Online Version
Digital Publication Continues Ministry's Long History of Reporting
Welcome to The Magazine, Christian Union's online publication of feature stories, ministry updates, commentary, and news.
Throwback Thursday: Revival Lessons from Fiji
Christian Union's 2019 Fact-Finding Trip
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7: 13, 14Deny Yourself and Take Up Your Cross
Three Biblical Reasons to Fast
By Dr. Chuck Hetzler, vice president of biblical theology
Twenty-first century American Christianity is not known for self-denial. Most of the American church’s marketing mirrors the world’s. The church sells good-looks, fashion, and personal happiness. No doubt, following Jesus makes your life better, but true discipleship promises hardship and absolute surrender along the way.
And He said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
Christian Union Introduced Me to Fasting
Yale Alumna Recalls Seeking God Lifestyle Course
By Alisha Reginal, Yale ’15
Christian Union whet my appetite for fasting. Nine years ago, I participated in Christian Union’s Seeking God Lifestyle Bible course at Yale. The course discussed seven principles to intentionally draw near to God. The first was “humility with fasting.”
Focusing on Discipleship
Virtual Women’s Bible Course at Brown Stays Connected
By Anne Kerhoulas, Staff Writer
The women of Christian Union Libertas at Brown University are using this season to dig deep. Although the fall and spring semesters are very different than in previous years, with most students taking classes remotely, the women’s side of the ministry has found ways to deepen their connections with one another.
Ministry Fellow Laurel Copp realized that things would need to look different this academic year in order to engage students well, so she took two of the Chrisitan Union foundations, Bible course and discipleship, and reimagined them. While much is the same, a lot is different, as Copp believes this year can be one of substantial growth.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
Christian Union Bible Courses Are a Virtual Training Ground at Princeton
By Anne Kerhoulas, Staff Writer
Christian Union Nova, the student organization at Princeton University, was forced to get creative as it considered how to manage nearly twenty online Bible courses among only three ministry fellows this fall. Students wanted to stay in their regular Bible courses since they are places of growth, personal sharing, and deep spiritual friendship. In order to care for these students well, while also ensuring that they would receive high-quality instruction as they studied the Gospel of Mark, Christian Union Nova faculty created a new method of teaching.
Pressing Toward the Mark
CU Bible Courses for Female Athletes Thrive at Cornell
By Anne Kerhoulas, Staff Writer
Athletes understand the concept of family; a group of people you might not have chosen becoming the ones with whom you share life. The team forms such a family where sacrifice and faith in one another drive these individuals towards a common goal. It’s no wonder that athletes share a particularly special bond when they come together around the Gospel. And the female athletes at Cornell have been doing just that.
Penn's Faith and Action Podcast
Watt ’22 Is a Gracious Host and Leader
By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor
The extraordinary leadership of Caleb Watt has helped Christian Union Martus stay connected and in community for the last year, especially during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic at the University of Pennsylvania.
Giving Thanks for Community
Freshmen Enjoy Leadership Roles During Annual Dinner
By Anne Kerhoulas, Staff Writer
Thanksgiving was a different holiday for most people this year, but thanks to the leadership and creativity of the freshman class, Christian Union Vox’s turkey dinner was one of the highlights of a socially-distanced semester. The annual event offers a unique chance for the freshmen to lead as well as an opportunity to invite non-Christian students to share a meal and hear the Gospel. With this year’s challenges due to COVID-19, the freshmen pulled off an impressive and impactful event.
“You Will Be My Witnesses”
Nova’s Sending Team Focuses on Evangelism Training
by catherine elvy, staff writer
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, students involved with Christian Union Nova at Princeton University took a deep dive into evangelism.
During April and May, about fifteen students participated in video conference calls to discover how to share the Good News more effectively in their everyday lives, both on campus and beyond.
“God is doing something on our campus. Our prayer leaders have been praying about how to reach the campus,” said Christopher Heslep, ministry director at Princeton University.
‘Above All These, Put on Love’
Being Home When Home Is Hard
by daniel chabeda, yale ’20
Editor’s note: The following devotional was written by Daniel Chabeda, who served as a student president of Christian Union Lux at Yale University before graduating in May. This devotional was part of a series entitled “On Our Hearts, On Our Minds,” that encouraged the Christian Union community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Collegiate Day of Prayer
Christian Union Lux Helps Produce National Event
by tom campisi, managing editor
Christian Union Lux was honored to host the Collegiate Day of Prayer at Yale University on the evening of February 27 in Dwight Chapel. The two-hour event assembled Yale ministries in united prayer, worship, and exhortation from Scripture, and also served as the national broadcast for over forty thousand online viewers.
Over two hundred years ago, Yale, along with Williams College, Brown University, and Middlebury College, established the Collegiate Day of Prayer as a regular event on their campuses. By 1823, almost every major denomination and university in America “embraced the practice of a concerted day of prayer for colleges,” according to the Collegiate Day of Prayer Web site. The event lasted for about a hundred years and helped fan the flame of various revivals and awakenings on campus.
Remaining Steadfast Under Trial
Semester Brings Joy, Challenges to Christian Union Gloria Law
by catherine elvy, staff writer
Christian Union’s ministry at Harvard Law School celebrated a major milestone in December 2019, just before a spring semester that would require students to maintain their faith and fellowship under difficult circumstances.
After concentrated work from a group of student leaders, Harvard Law School recognized Christian Union Gloria Law as an official organization, six years after it was launched. With recognition status, the ministry can reserve space on campus and gain better access to students while providing strategic leadership training.
“We are growing in community, reach, and impact,” said Justin Yim, Christian Union’s ministry director at Harvard Law School (HLS).
