Groundwork Activity

First impression: When I first went into Pruis Hall at Cru's first meeting of the 2008-2009 school year I was very nervous because I had no idea what to expect.  I went by myself because I didn't know anyone at Ball State.  When I went into auditorium there were a lot of people.  I saw seats empty and walked up to people sitting beside them and asked if they were taken, yes they were.  So I started to feel a little apprehensive about being there.  I was afraid that no one would be willing to let me sit beside them.  The next girl I asked was extremely welcoming.  She let me sit beside her, introduced me to the other girls sitting beside her and asked me where I came from, why I decided to come to Cru and what class I was.

Second: I became unexpectedly comfortable after sitting there for only five minutes.  I realized I shouldn't have judged the space because of one person.  She had friends and they already reserved seats for one another, I should have taken that into consideration instead of immediately becoming timid and judgmental.  During the meeting several students and staff members introduced themselves and shared their experiences at Cru.  I became very interested in this space because these students weren't students who had been Christians all their lives and were scared of coming to a new place (college) just like I was.  At the end of the meeting they announced that there would be bible studies in each dorm in order for newcomers to get better acquainted with the community of Cru.  I eagerly wanted to be in a bible study because of the experience I had there that night.

Third: Of course a lot of the students there had been Christians all their lives, grew up in the church, have a strong Christian family who encourages them, have been on missions trips, engaged in youth groups in high school, and have a great amount of Christian friends.  I had none of those things but I felt like my testimony (story) was very unique and the girls in my bible study wanted to hear it. Since "becoming a member" of Cru, I found that many older members of Cru are there to help, encouragement, and answer questions for newcomers of Cru. For example, bible study leaders are not freshman, staff members are graduates, not necessarily graduates from Ball State, but I've found that it is not difficult to get in contact with staff members.  They willingly give out their email addresses and cell phone numbers and will meet with you to discuss whatever questions you may have.