In the Great Commission, Jesus told his disciples in Matthew to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:18-20).
That same command is given to us as his disciples today. We are to proclaim the Good News of salvation to those around us, letting others know of the love that God, the Father, has for them. As a missions organization, NCF also answers that command. We seek to provide a place for nurses and students to grow in their faith but also to explore and start their walk with Jesus.
Our student ministry, like other ministries of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, is missions-funded. Check out our FAQ page here. Student ministries staff raise individual and ministry budgets. We’re thankful for those who partner with us for the sake of the Gospel, giving financially to provide staff on campus and resources available to student chapters so students can be the hands and feet of Jesus on campus. Our partners pray for us and the work on campus, longing with us to see Christ glorifiedon the college campus.
Meet Katharine! She’s been provisionally appointed as our new National Campus Staff. She’ll be giving leadership and direction to our NCF chapters nationwide. I’ll let her introduce herself!
I grew up in a Christian home, but it was not until after I had kids that I discovered the difference between going to church and having faith that is based on a relationship with God. I was truly at a low after unexpectedly finding myself as a single mom to my daughters: Peyton (now 14) and Alyssa (now 20), but this was an opportunity for God to dig into my life in a real way and change everything! From there, He continued to open my eyes to what Hebrews 10:24-25 looks like as I got involved with our small groups team. Through planting groups, working with care groups, and coaching leaders, I have seen how people (including myself and my daughters) can thrive as we and they are challenged in community. This drives me to want to do more. Recently, when I worked with nursing staff in an advanced care facility, I personally experienced the difference the Christian nurses made when they cared for the residents and their families. I also saw how their faith gave them solid ground in their challenges. During critical times, the Christian nurses were the ones people would go to. I feel truly blessed for this opportunity with NCF that takes my own experience and passion to allow me to be part of God’s work with future nurses, planting seeds in the fertile ground of student ministries.
Christian community asks the tough questions, allows people to process their faith, and challenges them live out their faith in their profession. I see this as especially important in a calling like nursing. There is so much value in the solid foundation of faith and a community to support the daily struggles and celebrations that nurses face. I know that by building that foundation early, we can help future nurses increase self-care and decrease future burnout. I believe in caring for caregivers-- they are vessels of hope for people in crisis and our world needs that more than ever now. I am so excited to be part of the InterVarsity 2030 calling as I see a generation that God is preparing to have dynamic impact on the world, and I hope that you will partner in this mission with us!
Would you consider supporting Katharine through your ongoing gift to the Student Ministries Account? Your ongoing monthly or yearly gift would go to supporting her and seeing her serve on campus this fall, supporting our student chapters as they begin their school year. Now more than ever, having an NCF chapter on campus to support and care for nursing students is crucial. Katharine will have a vital role in helping chapters start and be sustained over the long haul.
To begin supporting Katharine (a two-step process), click here.
Then let us know here!
Jen Wojtysiak is the National Student Ministries Director for Nurses Christian Fellowship. She’s passionate about spiritual formation and about college students knowing and following Jesus. Contact Jen for more information about supporting or being involved with student ministries.
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