If you are a student at Western Kentucky University, you might have noticed a small, brick building to the left of the massive Honors College and International Center. That building houses the Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM), and it has been my home away from home for the past three years.

Coming to college, not only did I not know that campus ministries existed, but if I did, I probably wouldn't have been interested. All throughout high school, I was focused on two things: school and boys. I did go to church every Sunday (which was kind of required with my dad as the pastor), but my church life stayed at church. It didn't leave with me.

So, when I came to my orientation week at WKU, I didn't pay any attention to the flyer from the BCM I received with all kinds of events listed. I spent my time at hypnotist and comedy shows, dancing inappropriately (Sorry, Mom.), and marveling at the wonders of Netflix Instant because we don't have high-speed Internet in the boonies.

But, when Sunday came around, I knew I was going to have to tell my parents where I went to church. So, I found myself in a van with people I didn't know heading to a place I'd never heard of. Kids, don't try this at home.

Luckily, these people weren't creepers or kidnappers. They were some wonderful students from the BCM that influenced me greatly in that next year. As I looked at these people that had been so kind to me that morning, I saw how joyful they were as they worshiped. I could see their love for the Lord in how they treated me and one another. These were the kind of people I wanted to spend more time with.

Throughout my freshmen year, the people of the BCM were consistently there for me. They encouraged me. They inspired me. They loved me. Even when I tried to turn from God, He used these wonderful people to turn me back to Him. They were there for me in my joys and in my sorrows. They were there when I needed a laugh or when I needed a hug. They were just always there.

And they have continued to be there through all of the ups and downs of college. No matter what I am going through, I know that my BCM family will be there for me. They embody the words of 1 Peter 3:8: "Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."

Not only has God used the BCM to provide me with a support system. He has also used these people to challenge me to make my faith my own and share that faith with others. As Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." I have been challenged to consistently study God's Word, pray fervently to the Lord, and to strive to be like Christ in all aspects of my life.

God has also used the BCM to present me with opportunities to serve. I have been blessed to lead Bible studies for people that have come to be my closest friends. I have been given the great opportunity to go on mission trips and share the Gospel with multiple people. I have done everything from practice English with international students to making a fool of myself in comedy shows. And I have loved every minute of it.

Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." I have felt the Lord's presence countless times with my friends at the BCM, whether we're worshiping on Tuesday nights or playing cards and having jam sessions. The BCM has given me a place to call home, a place to grow, and a place to be myself and not be ashamed.

Campus ministries aren't a replacement for church, but they are a great way for college students to meet fellow believers, have wonderful times of fellowship, and find opportunities to grow in Christ.

So, incoming freshmen, take the time to try out a campus ministry. If you're coming to Western, we have quite a few. No matter where you go, you'll likely be welcomed by at least one smiling face.

I am a completely different person than I was when I started college, and a campus ministry played a huge role in that. God used a campus ministry to radically change my life. So, give one a chance. He might use one to change your life, too.