A Letter to Freshman

Dear Student,

I remember clearly what I was feeling just 3 short years ago when I was in 'your shoes.' The excitement of being 'on my own' the fear of 'growing up', The anticipation of living with my roommate, and yet the frustration of still not knowing my class schedule or what textbooks I will need. The rush of emotions that was just enough to keep me hooked, and enough to keep me fearful and on my toes. I only expect that you are having the same rush that I was experiencing.

Know that although at this moment in time I do not know you, you are on my heart. I have been praying for you all summer. I wait eagerly for the day where I will be introduced to you, and I am excited to see how our friendship develops from there. Even if you never read these words, or wouldn't trust them even if you did, you are in good hands. Myself, and all of my friends at Intervarsity love you and are looking forward to spending the next few years with you.

Know that college can be a very dangerous place. The temptations of sex, drugs, and alcohol are constantly in sight. Not to mention the struggles of classes, homework and bad advising. The stresses of this time of your life will be difficult, and painful. But again know, that you will be surrounded by people who care about you and want to share in these burdens, please let them. Know that you may rely on these people to help you satisfy any needs that might arise. Make good choices to resist evil, and choose Jesus. Don't be afraid of your faith. This campus needs more good Light. Take a stand in boldness for purity, and righteousness. Remember that the path is narrow, and few will find it. Rely on your friends to help and guide you into what could be the most important time of your life.

Many students, including myself at one point, come to college to 'find themselves' or find who they will be for the rest of their life. I encourage you to instead find Jesus, and to let him transform you into who you will be for his Kingdom. Be proud of this transfiguration and do not keep it to yourself. Share the good news of Jesus love and glory to your classmates, roommates, and family. 

Whether you are looking for good Christian community, or are eager to seek and possibly make a first time commitment to follow Jesus, you will be cared for the same. You will be defended and prayed for on a regular basis. I hope that you will never feel alone, or homesick as many other college students will feel. Know that it will be by God's architecture that you are here at Northern Arizona University. You are right where you need to be.

So enjoy your college experience, enjoy your short time here. I hope that when you are finally in 'my shoes' you will have the same heart for new students. I assure you that you will be here before you know it. So with all this being said...

Welcome to the Real World.

A Letter to Graduates

Dear Class of 2010,

Congratulations for making it through school. You have made choices effecting your own life, but many others as well. I'm sure its fearful to become a "freshman" of real life, but I encourage to accept this task with a smile on your face. While one chapter in your life is drawing to a close many, many others are about to open. I want to express how proud I am of you for showing to me that people actually survive college, and I'm eager to learn more from you as I join you next year, in the real world.

You have most likely changed a lot during your time in college, and I want to challenge you to continue to do so. Please keep following Jesus, and growing in him always. It's easy to feel the pressures of conforming to standard society, but I want to encourage you to conform only to Jesus, and being more like him. Remember that you are unique and special and that no matter how much the 'world' asks you to change,  you were created, with a purpose no less, by the architect of eternity. If your 'degree' doesn't make it easier to find a job, or if your are totally unsure what you will even do, remember that you are a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven first, and that your life was cleverly orchestrated by the creator of the universe.  

Listen carefully to God and follow his will. Embrace whatever commission you are given by him. Live life to the fullest, and embrace God's abundance. As large decisions come your way, like who to marry, when to start a family, where to work etc. Please keep God's purpose for you in your mind and live for Him first.

Go and be a light to the world. Continue on with a missional lifestyle. Never settle for anything less than giving one hundred percent to God. Establish or find good community. Strive for true biblical living, and don't be afraid to improve the existing ways of those that have gone before you. Rise up in the church and help to bring redemption to the brokenness, that the body is facing.

Remember now that even though classes are over, relationships are not. Still be praying for, and investing in the people you were as a student. Even if your life operates comfortably in terms of school semesters, the Kingdom of Heaven doesn't. Be an influence to these people, and don't forget about the relationships that you made during your time as a student.

Wherever you are heading now, whether it be a new city, new state, or even a new country, look back and see the architecture of why you were here. Praise God for the things your learned and taught to others. Remember these years as a student, but don't forget to look forward to where your going. It's been said that college is the best years of your life, and even though I can't speak from first hand experience, even greater things are still to come.

Congratulations, and enjoy your upcoming graduation ceremony. May God bless you and your household.
Your brother in the Lord, Christ Jesus,

Christopher S. Huston