By Laura Benson, TSC Freshmen Women’s Ministry Leader
Nicole is a freshman from eastern Iowa who grew up attending church on Christmas and Easter. Her ears had never before been open to the message of the gospel. Once Nicole came to Iowa State, many of the new friends she started to make happened to love the Lord and attend The Salt Company. The more she spent time with this community of believers, the more she wanted to know about their faith. She finally asked a friend if she could try out Freshmen Group with her.
The night Nicole first attended Freshmen Group, there happened to be an open mic where several freshmen shared what God had been doing in their lives. She came to Salt the next Thursday, and Freshmen Group again the following week. It was this night that I met her and first had a conversation with her. I asked if she was in a connection group; she hesitated, said no, and asked if we could meet up that week. Knowing Nicole’s background, I spent the two days before our meeting praying boldly that she would come to know Christ through our conversation.
When we got together, she said she wanted to join a connection group, but wasn’t sure if she could because she didn’t know anything about God. I asked if she wanted me to tell her what we’re all about at TSC. “Yes, please!” she said emphatically. I had the opportunity to share with her about our sinfulness, our need for a savior, and the love and grace God extended to us through Christ. When I was done she said, “Okay. Everything you just said, I want that. How do I… accept it?” We talked some more, read through some scripture, and prayed together. Nicole received salvation that day!! She has been so eager to learn and grow more since then. She also joined a connection group, has been enthusiastically reading her Bible and starting to pray, and we meet up weekly for discipleship. Praise God for the way He works in hearts and draws people to himself!
