To the Editors:

I grew up in a Christian family, thinking that my family and attendance in church every random Sunday consolidated my place in the Christian faith.

I thanked God for things when I felt like it, and I also felt that my being a “good person” resonated well with my being a “Christian.” And that was that. In this fashion I existed for 19 years. God was a part of my life, but He was not a factor in my life.

Now I know Oberlin is not a religiously-affiliated school, so I didn’t expect my faith to grow much when I first came here.

But I came to find that Oberlin’s constant atmosphere of questioning things, challenging others, and a somewhat honest search for truth created an environment for me to grow. Oberlin and Christianity aren’t immiscible, although at times it may seem like it.

When I was a sophomore here, I met a fellow Christian friend. We were eating in Stevie alone, and started talking about Church.

One way or another, our conversation got a little more in depth than I was accustomed to. “But why do you think you’re a Christian? What do you believe?” she asked.

Feeling awkward, I stammered, “Well, I think I’m a good person°™ I mean, I don’t do anything bad. And I believe in God.” I was getting uncomfortable with these questions. Where was she going with this?

“What are you trying to say, K?”

Taking a deep breath, she replied, “I’m trying to say, Joey, that you can’t even answer these simple questions. I mean, you didn’t even mention Jesus in your answer!”

“So you don’t think I’m a Christian?”

“No, Joey, I don’t.” This had gone too far. Something I believed about myself for my entire life was being challenged.

At the onset of this “awakening,” I admit that I felt bitter, threatened, and even offended. I wrote her off in an email that night, which I’ve regretted doing for the past four years.

But I ended up understanding, a full year later, that K wasn’t judging me. She chose to share her true thoughts because she cared. And I’ve had very few friends with enough audacity and love to do that.

Since then I’ve started to grasp what a relationship with Jesus feels like, and have embraced a more meaningful and worshipful life. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to lead two Bible studies a week, one on campus and one at my Church in Brecksville.

But this letter isn’t really about me. I know that I am not perfect. Nor am I better than anyone. I am not without sin. I am not even sure if this letter will mean anything to you.

But I wanted to reach out to you because something awesome is coming to Oberlin.

A Bible verse that I have always remembered and have tried to hold close to my heart is John 15:12 “Love each other as I have loved you,” Jesus states.

In two weeks, February 28-29, Oberlin will be hosting the third annual Gospel Conference, Believe 2004. I believe that the Conference will communicate the truth and love being talked about in John 15:12.

As a fellow student, I whole-heartedly invite you to Come, See, and Experience The Gospel Conference with us as we share our love and passion for God to Oberlin.
My heart goes out to this campus — that you may come and join us.

In whatever manner and for whatever reason you choose to come, come and check it out. Come to see what we believe.

—Joey Chen
College 5th-year