Ministry: Is It Worth It?

"This semester, Jesus has helped me love all with whom I come in contact. He has helped me to provide care to my patients and to be patient with those who challenge my beliefs. However, the most significant impact Jesus has had on me this semester is that he has helped me to pray for my critical patients and has helped me to become more comfortable praying with hospital clients in their time of need." 

--Nursing student at the NCF retreat

In November, NCF Student Ministries partnered with the local InterVarsity area in North and South Dakota to host an in-person student retreat. Four different nursing schools were represented.

Meeting together in-person at retreats and conferences didn't happen over COVID, so, it was easy to begin to wonder, Are they worth it? After this November retreat, I can answer with a resounding YES! Students we talked to from all four schools said the retreat exceeded their expectations.

Student “Firsts”

For some students, this was the first retreat they’d ever attended; another student had a quiet time with Jesus for the first time! During the retreat, we had a time of testimony sharing. Students shared openly and vulnerably about their lives and how NCF had made a difference.

One student shared how, after an injury, he could no longer dive on his university's diving team. He was lost and without community. Connecting with NCF was what he needed. Now he’s serving as the president of that NCF group!

God’s Mercy in Ministry

Since November’s retreat, if I’m tempted to ask, "Is it worth it?" I think back to each student I met, and I can know, Yes, it’s so worth it! 2 Corinthians 4:1 reminds me: "Therefore, since through God's mercy, we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." No matter the frustration or lack of resources, we trust God and his mercy to change lives! This retreat weekend was a glimpse into that work.

Jen Wojtysiak, BS, ThM, NCF’s Student Ministries Director, lives in Wisconsin and is training to serve as a spiritual director. Contact her to become involved with nursing students.