Claudine was one of the first students we met from Buffalo State. While some come to college unsaved like Kris, others come from a church background. We reach out to both. We want to reach the lost and protect the investment churches and families have made into their loved ones. Read Claudine's story of how Chi Alpha supported her in her own words. ![]() "I was born into born-again Christianity. My late father was a pastor and so is my stepdad. My mother is a registered nurse who sometimes preaches as well. I remember my excitement receiving my first bible in children’s church. I had always been a bit more mature than my peers, so my relationship with God (especially after being saved at 12) was as serious as it could be at my age. As I got older, I began to discover different talents and personality traits that I held. I used them by participating in the Assembly of God New York Fine Arts Festival from 14 to 17. I wrote and spoke the sermons that I felt that God had given me. While on the outside I seemed put together, on the inside I was a mess as the foundation of my relationship with God began to crack. I still loved Him Him with all my heart but I could not understand why He allowed me to experience all my physical and mental illnesses. Why did I feel like I lost touch with Him? I always attended youth group but I never felt like I could ask questions. My maturity made me feel I had to look put together. I helped and prayed with/for people, but I wasn’t fully sure what I was doing for myself. Everything changed in my first semester of college when I failed all of my classes because I was so sick. I felt like He wasn’t there so I leaned on my own understanding but I didn’t understand much. My family was, and still is, my biggest support, but when the lights were off and I was by myself, I truly felt completely alone. With the help and prayers from my family and close friends, I slowly found my way back into His arms, but I knew I wasn’t giving Him my all. The close friends that I grew up going to church and youth group with either drifted from God or we drifted apart. I needed born-again friends who I would support and visa versa. Then God led me to one of the Chi Alpha leaders as I was on my way to work on campus. ![]() Goodness, I never believed in coincidences, but I sure did and still do believe in God’s plans. I found sisters and incredible friends through Chi Alpha. I have found my way back to Jesus, while I’m not perfect, I’m moving forward with him." Claudine not only continued in Chi Alpha through an unorthodox college experience due to the COVID pandemic, she invited others to join Chi Alpha. She participated in our leadership training class to become a small group leader herself, participated in our first mission trip and even served as our Chi Alpha president. She has since graduated and is an active member in her local church. Some planted seeds, some water but God causes the growth. We count it a privilege to play a part in God's redemptive plan and encourage others to do the same.
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