My name is Leul, and I currently serve as the Audit and Inspection Head for the Virtual Campus Ministry. This ministry holds a special place in my heart because it’s not something I just joined; it’s something I grew up with. I first joined the Campus Ministry, the Pre-College one, while I was in 10th grade. That was the year I had just moved to the US from Ethiopia, 16 years old. I was attending a boarding high school in Pennsylvania, and I thank God every day for the friend who introduced me to the ministry during that time. Because, even though Misrake Tsehay Kidus Teklehaimanot Church in Virginia, where I serve as a deacon, was four hours away, it was the Campus Ministry that was there to meet me right where I was. To give me what I needed, which is learning about my faith, and also meeting people I can relate to and learn from a lot. I will never forget Kesis Denekew, who never rushed us through the lessons and always answered our questions patiently, and thoughtfully helped us get to a deeper understanding of our Orthodox faith and what it meant to love God. So it was through this ministry that I came to learn one of the most important lessons of my life; that I can love and follow our Lord and savior Jesus Christ anywhere and everywhere. I remained in the Pre-College Ministry for three years. And those three years gave me friendships and connections I am grateful for. I also took part in something special, where we created a Mahiber in the name of Mother of God, Saint Mary, and we still meet monthly to pray together on her feast day and receive her blessings. Now, I've moved up from pre-college to the College Campus Ministry (1st year Gibi Gubae), and getting more detailed in the core lessons. Also, as part of the college Campus Ministry, we have a group from our class where we meet after each class for brief 30 minutes for book club discussions (currently reading Elements), and to support each other with advice and or anything going on in our life, and it’s been one of the best communities or groups for me. One of the most powerful things I’ve learned and been a part of through this group is how to care for others. Together, we’re sponsoring children in Ethiopia, raising small funds to help provide for their essential needs. I recently joined the Abraham Family Program as well. It pairs newer college students with upperclassmen who can serve as mentors. It's this beautiful space where we talk about spiritual growth, share our experiences, and honestly, it has helped me stay grounded. Finally, I’ve only just begun, but serving as Audit and Inspection head has been great so far, and most importantly, I’m learning that service has no limits. We can serve our Lord anywhere and everywhere again. I’m grateful because, according to my plan, I would’ve spent my Friday and Sunday nights in high school and college wasting time, caught up in things that didn’t matter. But God had a better plan. Even though I missed a few sessions here and there, He kept me close. Through all the moments that I showed up, and even the ones I didn’t, He gave me a life of deeper meaning. Through this ministry, He taught me how to understand my faith, how to practice it, and how to pray, not just alone, but with a community that has become like family. May all glory be to God, who led us here and continues to guide us still. And also I want to express a heartful thanks to everyone who works to make this happen.