College and Spirituality

“Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” Heb. 10:24-25 As students and organizers of Campus Ministry, in the words of St. Paul, we are gathered to “consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works.” /Heb. 10:24/. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is at a crossroads with a variety of challenges. Coming together from different colleges, it is important to remember that we come together as agents of change, to solve and overcome the multi-faceted challenges the Church faces, by the grace of God. The merciful and loving God has brought us together for a unique opportunity to face and rise above today’s challenges, to lead a life of holiness according to our calling, to preserve and deliver to the younger generation, the faith we received from our fathers. This conference brings together many college students from different states and experiences. Therefore, it is an opportunity to share experiences, to plan on common goals and to inspire each other. It is also a good opportunity to grow the Church’s evangelical mission to non-Ethiopians. College campuses are a fertile ground to seed the Orthodox Tewahedo faith. It is a place where students are sought after by different factions and interest groups. The presence of the faithful and their activity and collaboration is also a strong force that can contend with others to spread the faith outside of the Ethiopian community. While we focus on such an evangelical mission, we should not forget to give glory to the Lord God who “who works in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” /Eph. 2:13/. It is with this in mind that we should come together, walk together and work together in love, so that the Lord who called us by His merciful love may also grant us the strength to live up to this noble call. This conference is invigorating, inspiring, and a reminder “to consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” There is much strength in assembling together for a cause, because, the Lord Jesus Christ promised, “where two or three are gathered in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” /Matt. 18:20/. The apostles received the gift of the Holy Spirit while they were gathered, with one accord (Acts 2). With Christ among us, according to His promise, we certainly will gain much from this assembly. This conference offers an opportunity to discuss about common problems and exchange ideas about overcoming the deceitful attraction of this world to stand upright in faith and in virtuous deeds – to focus on our education, and more so on our spiritual journey – so that we live in faith like Daniel and the three young men in a Babylonian world. May the Lord our God bless this assembly and every path of our life. Praised be God Almighty for His mercy and love!