When I first started at the University of Central Oklahoma, in 2006, the Wesley Foundation was struggling. Leslie Long had just begun working there and because of past issues there were hardly any students. The first semester was a struggle in terms of numbers, yet the ministry was thriving. Despite low numbers at events we continued having bible study, free lunch once a week and Kappa Phi. Through God we were able to slowly grow, not only in numbers but also in relationships. A sense of community was created as we came together to share our joys and concerns, study the bible, and serve those outside and inside our community each week. As time has gone on bible study, Thursday lunch, and Kappa Phi has grown, often there isn’t even enough room for all of us to fit on our worn donated couches. We have also been able to add events; Thurship (Thursday worship), a men’s bible study, yearly mission trips, and monthly service projects. If it wasn’t for bible study and Kappa Phi my freshman year I can honestly say I would have left the Methodist Church and joined another campus ministry. Which is why I think there has to be more support for Wesley Foundations. Why not encourage and support the future generation of the church at such an important time of life?

The end of high school was the first time I was really involved with church and my biggest fear coming to college was saying goodbye to my Christian family and not being able to find another one. My home church, like many Methodist churches, did not have a college ministry. I was so afraid of losing my connection to God. I knew He would always be there, but I also knew how easy it could be to turn from Him and what it was like to feel so alone even when in a room full of people. I cannot thank God enough for bringing me to Wesley, where all of those fears were erased. I am so blessed to have found the Wesley and the people there.

The Wesley Foundation is not just another place offering bible study and worship near campus. The Wesley is a place where everyone will welcome you and love you no matter what. It is a place where you can safely, freely, and openly talk about your ideas. It is a place that allows questioning. The Wesley is a place where you really can agree to disagree and continue to support one another besides your differences. It is somewhere to study, play video games, cry, and laugh until you cry, get a fee meal, escape the harshness of the world, and safely confront the world’s issues. The Wesley is home. Every Tuesday and Thursday night we eat dinner together, squished next to one another, along a few tables. It is at those tables I feel God moving. As we shout at one another, tease each other, ask about our day, etc. I am reminded of a large family coming to the table for dinner at the end of a busy day. No matter how stressed out I am because of school, family issues, or planning for the future, I can count on leaving the Wesley with the unexplainable feelings of peace and joy one can only experience through God’s love.

If you have never experienced what goes on at a Wesley Foundation I invite you to come and see what we are all about. Some days we are a loud group of barefoot people playing volleyball in the front yard and other days we are a small group of close friends crying for one another, praying and holding the one that is hurting. No matter what it is that is going on though I know God is there and I also know I would be completely lost without it. I am excited about all that has been done at our Wesley through Leslie Long guiding us and helping us to realize the leaders that we are. I am also excited to see what God has in store for us as we continue to grow with Him and one another. I thank you for taking the time to read our letters. I hope that by doing so you realize the Wesley is not just “another ministry the Methodist church is offering”, but that it is the Church.

-Sara James