“I was alone in a dorm room,” says Matthew, senior at the University of Central Missouri, about his early days at college. “The closest person I had was a suitemate. We didn’t really talk so it was very, very lonely.” The transition from living at home to the dorms can be tricky. Routines, meals, and the proximity of family and friends have suddenly all changed. That sort of upheaval can leave young adults feeling lost.

Dr. Joe Western, Assistant Professor of History at College of the Ozarks and a leader of the Lutheran Student Fellowship on campus has seen this in students and knows that campus ministry plays a key role in this transition period. “As college students navigate increasing independence, they need Christian community and a connection to a congregation where they can continue to receive Christ and His gifts in Word and Sacrament,” he shares.

The Campus Ministry Network of the Missouri District is comprised of ministry leaders from 16 colleges and universities throughout the state. Since 2019, the network has served to strengthen ministry efforts and equip others to reach students with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our sincerest thanks to the many supporters of the Missouri District who have championed this effort through financial gifts and prayers. You are a source of encouragement to these men and women!

Matthew doesn’t feel lonely anymore. “The Lutheran Student Center (LSC) provided an escape, somewhere that I could go and be a part of a group.” In his more than three years of being a member of the ministry, he’s taken on leadership roles and welcomed others.

Making disciples is a goal not just limited to campus ministry but for all ministries throughout the Missouri District. We’re thankful for all those who share the Gospel of Jesus Christ on military bases, in rural communities, in inner-city settings, in the classrooms of Lutheran schools, among those new to our country…and in places everywhere. This Christmas season, would you please prayerfully consider walking with these ministries and workers throughout Missouri with a gift to the mission efforts of the Missouri District?

Gifts may be made online at: mo.lcms.org/donate
Or sent to:

Missouri District LCMS
660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63141

Thank you for your continued support for college students like Matthew who are experiencing this exciting, though sometimes uncertain, period of life…and for all people throughout Missouri who are growing in their faith. May God grant all of them—and you as well—His peace and joy as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!

*Student quotes first published in Muleskinner vol 117 Issue 1 September 28, 2023 p4. Article written by Brad Hadank, current LSC student.