Esme's Spiritual Journey

Esme, a freshmen at MIT, connected with our ministry through her roommate, Sherry, who is a follower of Jesus.  Learning of her curiosity about Christianity I arranged to meet with her.

Like many college students today, Esme grew up in a home where her exposure to Jesus was almost non-existent.  She attended church only on Christmas and Easter, and did not know much about the Bible or the Christian faith.  But she was attracted to our Cru community at MIT and now really desires to know more about God.

After we walked through the gospel story, Esme said she wanted to place her trust in Christ but still had some questions.  A week later, Esme attended the Cru Fall Retreat and said it was the first time she realized that God works not only in “big, miraculous ways” but also in numerous small and individual ways.  It was not long before she and her roommate, Sherry, began hosting a life group in their own dorm room!

When Esme and I met again, we looked at a tool called “Backstory” that walks through the larger themes of the Bible including intimacy, betrayal, pursuit and sacrifice.  It was clear as we discussed various Bible passages that Esme now has a deeper understanding of Jesus, the gospel and God’s grace.

When I asked her, “What does the image of the cross mean to you?” she replied, “It used to just be a symbol of Christianity, but now when I see it, it makes me think of the greatest sacrifice ever made –– Jesus died for us though we did nothing to deserve it.  It was our sin that He paid for.” She also said, “I know everyone needs Jesus, and that includes me.”

Esme is very close to giving her life to Christ, but she says she is nervous about “what’s on the other side” and what it means to give up control of her life to God.  Yet she recognizes that God is pursuing her:  “I know God is communicating with me because if I didn’t happen to be roommates with Sherry, I never would have gotten involved in this group.”

Esme is but one of several answers to our prayers for more non-believers and seekers to get connected with our community and draw near to Jesus.  Several freshmen like Sherry have invited roommates and friends to participate in our events and life groups, and it is thrilling to seem them starting to understand the gospel and embrace Jesus!

Would you pray that Esme would continue to seek after Christ and embrace Him as her Lord and Savior?

*This entry was written by Kim Swanson, Cru staff, who has walked with Esme on her spiritual journey and continues to meet with Esme on a regular basis.