Lack of proper parking a part of God’s plan

Students Resonate

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To meet students’ needs on the cold, windy Washington State University campus, ministry teams from Resonate Church offer hot coffee, a warm cup of noodles and quick-energy granola bars.

We set up a tent, turn on the iPod, put up the “free” sign, and it becomes an instant party. Students walk to and from their classes—each one an image-bearer of Almighty God and a soul for whom Jesus died. As intrigued and hungry students stop by to grab food, we have an opportunity to interact with them.

The Resonate Team on the Washington State University campus.

One morning, after unloading everything needed to set up, I had no option but keep my car there because it was a passing period and I couldn’t park properly. God had a plan. Due to the delay in moving my car, a young man saw my Texas license plate and asked, “Are you from Texas?”

Naturally, I got very excited to claim my Texan identity, and God used it to bridge a gap. He was a transfer student from Louisiana. After discovering we were representatives from a church, he quickly told me he did not believe Jesus was the Son of God. Over a cup of noodles and throughout our conversation, he asked me: “What is the criterion for being able to read the Bible?” “What is the most sacred place on earth for Christians?” “What do you believe removes sins?” As he was talking to me, I asked God to give me the words to say and the boldness with which to say them.

Undoubtedly, Jesus did not want me to miss this opportunity. I was invited by this guy to talk about the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection and how God’s forgiveness and faithfulness had transformed my life. Surrendered to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, God gave me the words to speak. My new friend was listening intently and after a half hour he headed to class.

Hot coffee, a warm cup of noodles and quick-energy granola bars sound pretty good on a day like this.

But that didn’t mark the end of our new friendship. The next day, our paths crossed again. Then, the following evening, Resonate church sponsored a flag football game and hot chocolate party. As my new friend left the school library, he stopped by. I rejoiced in being able to introduce him to some of the Christian guys from Resonate. They had the opportunity to get to know him and give him a ride home.

Out of the 20,000 students on the WSU campus, I encountered my new friend on three consecutive days and was able to have deep conversations about Jesus with him. Even he recognized how unusual it was and that God must have a purpose. He showed interest in visiting one of the house dinner gatherings we hold throughout the week to dialogue about spiritual things. Walls that we sometimes believe are impossible to come down are nothing in comparison to the power and sovereignty of our God, who is mighty to save. 


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Jane Owen is a student missionary correspondent serving with Go Now Missions in the Pacific Northwest.


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