“God Stories” from Returning to My University Town

A few minutes after noon, I sat on a bench and checked my messaging app, waiting. They should be here any minute.

How long had it been since I’d seen the retired pastor who led the Bible study I’d attended as a student—the pastor I later wrote about in my book? Our reunion may be overdue, but I couldn’t think of a better context for it. Wait—here they come!

Leaping from the bench, I strode toward the approaching duo.

“Ohhhh!” a familiar voice exclaimed as the pastor enveloped me in a bear hug.

“I told you a friend would join our prayer walk today!” laughed the campus minister beside him.

Apparently, my appearance had been a surprise! But the appearance of these two sure wasn’t. Every week throughout the year, they’d faithfully come to walk around campus, praying for the students, faculty, and university ministries.

The Simplicity of Reaching Out

We set off down familiar pathways, praying beside several buildings before winding back toward the student residences. We’d barely said amen when I heard the pastor calling, “Hello! Can I help you?”

I turned to see a student walking nearby, dwarfed by two massive suitcases and a duffle bag. “Sure,” she answered. “Do you know where the registry office is?”

We didn’t, but the pastor flagged down a golf cart to ask for directions. As we headed to the office, carrying the student’s suitcases, she explained that she’d recently arrived in Canada.

When she named her country, the pastor’s face lit up. “I’ve been to the capital many times! My wife and I have wonderful memories from there. Why don’t you come to our house for a meal with a Canadian family, and we can talk about it?”

I later heard that she took him up on the offer shortly after. Watching the seamlessness of the whole exchange reminded me how simple it can be for ordinary Christians to reach out to students with the love of Christ.

Answered Prayers

After our walk, the pastor invited me to come to visit him and his wife over lunch.

“That’d be great,” I replied, adding, “I didn’t have time to pack lunch this morning, so I prayed for ‘daily bread,’ like I did in New Zealand.” The pastor smiled. He’d taught me well.

Before I left, he’d mentioned two other prayer meetings that week. One group met online each month to pray for every church in the city—and for each pastor by name. The other meeting would happen Friday with another campus ministry.

On Friday, I headed to the church where I thought the group had gathered. But why isn’t anyone here? I called the pastor’s home, where his wife explained that due to a change of plans, he was on campus taking two new ministry leaders for a prayer walk.

“I hope you find them,” she said, “but they’ve already been walking for half an hour!”

Lord, I prayed, heading towards campus, if you want me to find them, please guide my steps.

I made my way toward the university’s center, scanning for familiar faces. Nothing, nothing . . . wait! There by the edge of the lawn stood three still figures. As I came closer, I recognized the pastor, his head bowed in prayer. Thank You, Lord!

Together, we finished praying there before moving toward the science buildings. I barely noticed two ladies strolling along a nearby walkway. But the pastor did.

“I know them from church!” he exclaimed, rushing over to say hello and to encourage them to transform their exercise into a prayer walk. I couldn’t help but grin. Imagine what could happen if more everyday Christians followed this encouragement?

More Crossed Paths

The next afternoon, I stared out a bus window, passing familiar streets I’d explored as a student. Back then, I hadn’t planned to join regular campus prayer meetings. But they’d soon become a highlight.

I especially enjoyed Thursdays in my third year, when a friend would meet me for morning prayer walks followed by tea. I wrote about her in my book as well—the friend who rescued me during a “cliffhanging” adventure described in Chapter 8. We’d only reunited a time or two since university, and the last I’d heard, she was living somewhere else. Still, I’d have loved to catch up.

As the bus slowed to a stop, I happened to glance at a pedestrian on a nearby street corner. Is that . . . ? No way! I leaped from my seat, tumbled outside, and ran toward the pedestrian—the friend from Thursday prayer walks! Neither of us could believe how God had brought us together again.

The Moral of the Story

All these “God stories” lent me three valuable reminders. First, they showed me again the importance and beauty of a Christian community. I’ve often written how students worldwide emphasize the value of interpersonal foundations—a strong Christian support network including family, friends, church, and mentors. Reconnecting with some cornerstones of my own interpersonal foundations (including, a few days later, my mentor Dr. Margaret Helder) rekindled my gratitude for these communities anew.

Second, spending time with the pastor reminded me that with a few simple, practical gestures like taking a prayer walk or inviting students for lunch, ordinary Christians make a major difference to young people. Showing a student God’s love can be as easy as carrying a suitcase! We never know the impact we might leave.

Third, these events reminded me how exciting it is to belong to a Creator who cares about us—and who guides our steps as we walk with him.

What steps might be waiting next?

Time will tell.