InterVarsity USA

Does God care about our ethnicity?

Raised in a church that was legalistic and dismissive about grace, Jennifer thought God wanted her to fit in a box. She didn’t think she’d be accepted as her genuine self at church, so she got used to ignoring her Japanese heritage.

Then she found InterVarsity at West Virginia University. Through their international student ministry, she encountered God’s true character… and the fullness of who he created her to be.

“We know that God is a global God, and he loves all of the world,” Jennifer said. “He made me Japanese American. That has influenced the way I connect with Jesus and the body of Christ.”

You don’t want to miss this one! Read the full story!

Loving and Being Loved in Fullness: Jennifer's Story Raised in a church that was heavy on legalism and dismissive about grace, Jennifer thought God wanted her to fit in a box. She didn't think she'd be accepted as her genuine self at church, so she got used to suppressing certain parts of her identity, in...

Praise God for the fruit that is STILL coming from Urbana 25!

It started when three students from a small campus ministry in Wisconsin went to Urbana Student Missions Conference

“Before Urbana, our chapter was small, about 20 students attending large group,” Leigh, a student at Lawrence University in Appleton said.

And then, at the conference, the three of them ran into other students who went to another school in Appleton: Fox Valley Technical College. They connected and committed to hosting a worship night together.

When they returned home, their group at Lawrence University had MORE THAN DOUBLED.

“I’m so grateful for the community, connections, and growth that came out of Urbana and the ways I have seen God work inside of us and multiply within our chapters,” a student has said.

In what ways have you seen God move through Urbana? Share in the comments!

At InterVarsity, we're big on Micah 6:8.

We believe the book of Micah reveals key truths about God's heart for justice that should shape how we live and treat others.

Micah 6 teaches us that the most meaningful offering a follower of God can make is to live a life of justice, mercy, and humble obedience.

Love for God is expressed in how we treat those around us, prioritizing others over ourselves.

Where have you recently seen people being taken advantage of, overlooked or ignored?

Do you have a story of how God used this scripture in your own life? Share it in the comments to inspire someone with your story.

🙏 Praying for International Student Ministry: CUNY Graduate International Fellowship 🧡

Meet the students of CUNY international fellowship! Recently they gathered dozens of students on their campus to celebrate Lunar New Year, sharing in a delicious meal, stuffing envelopes with Scripture, praying together, and creating opportunities for cross-cultural fellowship.

Join us in praying their chapter would continue growing in number, developing in leadership, and drawing close to Jesus!

🌎🗓️ During the month of June, we're highlighting InterVarsity International Student Ministry (ISM), our ministry focused on bringing international students together to explore faith and experience the love of Jesus.

👇 Comment your prayers for CUNY students below and stay tuned for more stories from ISM!

How should Christians feel about campus preachers?

The scene is all too familiar. You're a student, and on the way to class, you come across a huge crowd and wonder what's going on. In the middle of the crowd, you see someone. Not a student, but someone older. They’re holding a sign and a microphone, and they’re discussing topics like hell or sexuality. Students are arguing with them, laughing, or trying to ignore them. You’re a Christian, and you don’t know what to do…

Situations like these are tough! While campus street preachers are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, sometimes their methods don’t line up with ours. How should InterVarsity students respond? What do campus preachers do right, and what are they doing wrong?

If these questions intrigue you, read our most recent blog!

Campus Preachers: Yea or Nay? Open-air preaching isn’t new. For some, campus preachers present bold gospel witness. For others, they raise concerns about what it means to effectively share the gospel on campus

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to care for our mental health as embodied believers and remember that struggling doesn’t disqualify you from being used by God!

Through the end of May, you can find up to 80% off ebooks on the topic of mental health.

Whether you’re reading for yourself, someone you love, or your ministry on campus, these resources offer thoughtful theology and gentle, practical guidance for understanding and supporting mental health.

📚 Explore more titles at IVPress.com

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What can students learn about leadership from each other?

For Joy Hope and Angelica, neither would have become the leaders they are today if they didn’t have each other. God used Joy Hope in huge ways in Angelica’s story… and likewise, he used Angelica in Joy Hope’s.

Angelica’s leadership inspired Joy Hope to create a space where students new to faith could grow. She learned from Angelica the value of vulnerability in leadership, which didn’t always come easy for her.

But here’s the special part: Joy Hope was the one who boldly invited Angelica to InterVarsity. If it wasn’t for her, Angelica wouldn’t have gotten plugged into the community where she learned how to become a leader.

🙌 How incredible is it that God uses us in such big ways in each others’ lives!

What did you learn about leadership from an InterVarsity leader in college? Share in the comments!

🤝How do InterVarsity volunteers make a difference?

After graduating in 2019, Neil got a job in the software industry, but continued to visit his InterVarsity community. When COVID-19 hit, he even joined hangouts on Zoom.

Three years later, Neil decided he wanted to dedicate his extra time to the Lord and start volunteering for the chapter. Though much of what he did seemed unimportant, like transporting worship equipment to and from large group, Neil’s service had a big impact on the chapter and especially his campus staff.

“Neil is someone who was like, ‘I see there are needs; I want to fill them,’” said UT-Austin Campus Staff Minister Ard. “He is a very instrumental part of how [our chapter] has stayed grounded this last year.”

Today, Neil continues to serve the chapter and encourages all alumni to consider volunteering, even in small ways. Recalling his own journey to faith, Neil says that having alumni on campus is incredibly valuable.

“There are always going to be people who are experiencing the faith for the first time, not knowing what to do in certain situations. And that experience from adulthood and through the volunteer’s journey of faith can help guide others who are still going down that path.”

🧡Have you had an InterVarsity volunteer make a difference in your life? Tell us the story in the comments below!

🙏 Interested in volunteering with an InterVarsity? DM us with your email for more info!