There has been a lot of focus at Clear Creek lately on “taking your next steps.” Maybe the clearest example of this in the UCM college group is a young man named Jordan. Over the past few months, God has opened his heart, grown his faith and begun to transform him into the image of Jesus.
Jordan’s UCM story started on Thanksgiving 2017. He was going to college in Chicago, but decided to visit a friend in Chattanooga for the holiday. The friend convinced Jordan to join the UCM’s Friendsgiving meal while he was in town. He was blown away by the friendliness and love of the group that night.
The next semester Jordan transferred to UTC and began looking for a circle of friends. He was outspoken about being a non-Christian and his lifestyle proved it! He visited one or two campus ministries that offered free meals, but clearly felt (or was even told!) that he didn’t fit in. Looking back, Jordan points to a few specific times when UCM students loved him and didn’t flinch in the face of his somewhat shocking behavior. Feeling loved despite and through these times in his life caused his heart to be open to the Gospel for the first time.
That same semester Jordan was asked to start a one-on-one Bible study and he agreed! Jordan’s hard heart was becoming fertile soil as we saw the timeless formula of loving, Christian community + honest examination of God’s Word = steps towards Jesus. Since that time, God has brought about so many changes in Jordan’s life. There have been countless conversations in the Taylor kitchen about real, messy life topics. Lots of personal texts back and forth. And lots of sincere questions that many people don’t dare to ask.
And that is perhaps the single greatest factor that’s allowed Jordan to grow so quickly—his willingness to be honest and ask questions. No part of his life is off limits and no question is taboo. Sharing faith in this way can be shocking or embarrassing for some people, but students in the UCM live and breathe this kind of ministry. College campuses are no place for the timid or tiptoe Christians. Students are looking for real answers to life questions and people who are actually living out those answers.
Over the last summer, Jordan faced a lot of struggles due to family relationships and the health of loved ones. This led to more questions and doubt-filled conversations. But it ultimately led to more of God’s pruning and watering with the result being even greater faith in Jordan’s life. This last semester Jordan shared his testimony during one of the UCM’s Monday meetings. He acknowledged how far he’s come in a short time and how unbelievable it seems. Looking at these changes, he gave credit to the unique love of the UCM and to God’s goodness to him. We praise God for helping Jordan take steps towards Jesus!