Dear Friends,

Something exciting is happening at Northern Illinois University – and it’s a resurrection of a campus ministry. Over the last year the NIU Wesley Foundation has taken chances and risks in making a dream become a reality. I am incredibly proud of the work that as a campus ministry NIU Wesley has done in bringing an opportunity for students to encounter authenticity, meaning and purpose in their lives.

As we enter a second year of ministry to the NIU community, I am reminded that the Christian life is not a subject to be learned, but a life to be lived. It is probably relatively easy within an academic environment for students to view faith as just another class. Students may oftentimes view a lot of their classes disconnected from their daily lives. It is not hard for them to disconnect their faith and spirituality from their choices, purpose, identity, relationships, pains and struggles.

Nonetheless, when the light bulb goes on in the soul, revealing the deeper reality that Jesus of Nazareth is not a well-meaning thinker to ponder but a Person to follow, lasting change takes place. Belief and behavior, formerly limited in connection, becomes one. All aspects of life take on new meaning. Perspective broadens, relationships deepen, and purpose clarifies as individuals find themselves embracing – and being embraced by – a life story bigger than themselves. The God of all creation has written them into this BIG Story and they are part of the unfolding plot of God’s plan to reconcile creation to Himself.

The Northern Illinois Conference made a daring decision last year to transfer this campus ministry from the NIU campus to the local church (First UMC of DeKalb). This has resulted in growth and vision for the future. It is our sincere desire to humbly live out our call together that we may become part of the sacred history being woven as we live each day. Our vision is to build a community where college students discover their identity in Christ, develop as Christian leaders and transform the world.

Since last year’s formation, NIU Wesley has gained a small but growing, regularly attending group of students, many of which attend both its campus programs and services at DeKalb: First UMC. NIU Wesley has offered different programs to students, including Sunday evening worship, fellowship meals, Bible/book study, mission opportunities and social activities.

Next year’s vision would add more programs, such as connecting to contemporary services at DeKalb: First UMC, a book study of The Drama of Scripture: Finding our place in the Biblical story, student-led worship, mission trips and a discussion group for NIU staff and faculty members.

It is our humble goal to reach out and involve at least 1% of NIU students and/or staff in a authentic, meaningful and purposeful ministry. With God, our potential and godly vision is limitless.

As fellow travelers on the WAY, we ask you to help us in this vital ministry. Please offer your prayers for the growth of this ministry, both spiritually and numerically. NIU is a critical mission field. It is estimated that upwards of 70% of our students are un-churched. Let us know of any student you know who is attending NIU who might be interested in the NIU Wesley campus ministry. Please consider giving financial support to our ministry. Your apportionment support and advance special gifts make it possible for us to live out our vision.

If you would like to connect to this ministry, contact Pastor Efrain Avila, Jr., EdD, at NIU Wesley Foundation at 815.756.6301 ext. 6 or pirulo1@juno.com

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” ~Philippians 4:8