Campus Christian Fellowship

Continuing our “CCF Stories” Series, here is Laurel’s story:

It was August 2009 when I transferred to Raleigh to become a student at NCSU. I knew a handful of people but none that I could hang out with. The transition was really difficult and stressful for me. I had no friends, no money, and no family close by. I felt alone. I would wake up each day hoping it would be different day for me. I transferred from a school where I was a student ambassador, I knew a lot of staff, I had a wonderful job, a bible group, church, and several friends. Why would I leave all these remarkable things to move to a place where I had none?
The answer is I wanted to experience a different city and see how it would be living away from home. It was not as easy and happy as I thought it would be; but today, I think it was the life changing experience that I needed. My first semester I had no social life and I was working three jobs while going to school full time. Stress became my best friend. I didn’t really talk to God during these hard times because I felt like no one could reach out to me. I did not know where to begin.
It wasn’t until February 5th when I ran into an old friend in the hallways who asked me how I was doing. I poured out my story and she told me I should go with her to a bible study the following Monday. Monday February 8th was a life changing day for me because not only did I have the opportunity to meet a group of girls but I felt that stress was lifting off my shoulders. That night I opened myself up to 13 strangers and told them about my relationship with God, my situation at state, and that I was so excited to be apart of this group. I really felt connected with them.
I joined the girls the following night for worship. The people at CCF were so open, friendly, non-judgmental, and welcoming. The way the students and leaders carry themselves, I knew that I wanted to become more like them and more of a follower. I wanted to become more involved with CCF.
Two weeks later I learned about their upcoming trip to New Orleans for spring break. I knew that I did not have anything planned and that I would love the opportunity to travel with these people. I spoke with Joe and Lindsey (CCF Leaders) about what I need to do to go on the trip, and money was the main factor.
The cost of the trip was $300 and I needed to come up with this in two weeks. The following night I sent out letters to friends and family in hopes of raising the money. I knew that my family would not support me financially and that money would be hard to get. If it wasn’t for Joe and Lindsey’s faith in me going, I would have never had the amazing chance to go. They were able to help raise the money for me so I could have the opportunity of a lifetime to help change the world.
For seven days and six nights I was able to spend this time with 10 remarkable people and partake in helping out the New Orleans Community. Not only was I able to help out the district in several events, but I knew I wanted grow closer to God and learn more about him. I then decided I wanted to work more one on one with Lindsey to discover more about God and the story of the Bible.
Over the next few weeks I fell more and more in love and knew that I wanted to take my faith to the next level. I knew that I wanted to walk the streets looking more like my Father and impact the lives of others. The bible verses Ephesians 4:22-24 and 2 Peter 3:8-9 really inspired me to take that next level. I wanted to put off my old self and put on the new that was created to be like God. I wanted each day with the Lord to be like a thousand years. I just think these versus were so powerful and joyful.
On April 13th 2010 I was baptized by Lindsey and did away with my old self. Things have lifted up for me and life is filled with brighter colors than ever before. I feel like my relationship with God is the strongest it has ever been and I am so happy that I can truly embark on this experience.
I would of never been to this amazing point in my life if it wasn’t for the one invite from a friend in the hallway to come to CCF. Now my life is filled with God, joy, love, laughter, friends, strength, and happiness. I love each person who makes up CCF and who contributes to making a successful outreach to students. I am so thankful of the leaders at CCF and how they strive to make sure no one is left out in anything. These people believed in me and because they believed and did all they could to help me, I am a strong follower of Christ. I hope to someday be more like them and impact the lives of others.