by Yasmin Ravard-Andresen, InterVarsity staff member

I studied theatre at the University of Oregon and led with our InterVarsity chapter as a worship and bible study leader. I grew in faith so rapidly within our community and felt so inspired by the whole InterVarsity movement, I came on staff upon graduation.

I spent my first three years working with students at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, a quarter as the NW regional worship specialist, and landed at the University of Washington winter quarter 2007. As my husband and I prayed for our lives, our passions, and the sustainability of my life on staff, God answered our prayers with a relocation to Seattle! Both the life of campus and the city inspire me to get out of bed every morning.

Our developing multiethnic community of students on the UW campus is in an exciting time of transformation in the areas of racial reconciliation, social justice, prayer, and evangelism. Our ethnic-specific ministries to black and latino students, as well as Asian Americans keep our larger community dynamic. Quarterly forums called Race Matters keep us in active dialogue with each other.

Our students have a deep heart for social justice on campus and in the world. Last year we partnered with World Vision, University Presbyterian Church, and the UW Acting on AIDS chapter in an AIDS campaign for AIDS orphans in sub-saharan Africa.

Our spiritual discipline with prayer is growing as a result of the 24/7 prayer movement and inspiring education around multiethnic prayer styles. And our students are saying 'good riddance' to formulaic interactions with the "lost" that rob non-Christians of their dignity and force "the Gospel" into unnatural conversations. Instead, our students are learning to pursue authentic friendship with those around them, treating others' spiritual location with the same respect and patience and hope that they treat their own. They are learning to preach through service, but are not ashamed to be themselves...their urgently praying, joyfully worshiping selves.

I love how a student's time at the university is a testing and training ground for their lives. Every experiment, risk, and experience shapes their habits and forms their theology in a foundational way. To run with students at this season in their lives is a great privilege and very strategic. These are our future leaders, church members, trendsetters, and moneymakers. When they leave, what will they do with their power?

My hope is that as they learn to partner with God in serving the campus, they will be transformed from consumeristic pew warmers into inspired world changers. As I have been called to serve at the University of Washington, I truly see it as an opportunity to change the world.

Thank you Bethany Presbyterian Church for your support of InterVarsity at the University of Washington. Special thanks to Gene Williams & and the Local Outreach Committee, Craig Garretson, and Margie Van Duzer.

If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, please contact me at yasminRA@gmail.com and visit my blog at yasminRA.blogspot.com .

Yasmin Ravard-Andresen is a staff member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship working with students at the University of Washington. Bethany supports Yasmin’s ministry through Local Outreach funding, personal connections, and prayer.