“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14 

It’s back to school season. The most wonderful time of the year—or the most dreadful for those sending their first child off to college! A scary time. Trying to pack 18 years of parenting into the boxes headed for the dorm! Do they know how to do laundry? Will they spend their summer savings before the first semester is over? Will they surround themselves with people who know you Lord? So many anxious thoughts! For you and for them! Can I handle the academics? Will I meet anybody I like to sit with in the cafeteria ? And will the food be edible? Big questions! 

Yet, the best off-to-school advice is as easy as 1-2-3. Share this with your students as they head off to the unknown. If they get this right, the rest will fall into place like.

One

Within the first 24 hours of arrival, either wear something or put something in your dorm room so people KNOW you are a follower of Christ. Whether it’s cross on your neck, a poster on your wall, a Bible on your bookshelf or a devotional on your desk. Let people see that your identity is in Christ. You’ll be doing them a favor, because they’re looking for you! They’re looking for a fellow believer to befriend, someone who KNOWS who they are! 

Two

Within the first 7 days, SHOW your commitment by figuring out where you’re going to be when Sunday morning rolls around. And how you’re going to get there! You might even go with a friend who noticed that you were a believer from the thing that you put on your desk or around your neck. Literally ask God to “Show me the right path (to a Sunday service!), O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.” Psalm 25‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ 

Three

Within the first month, try out a couple of different campus ministries. Look them up online. Ask around. GO to an event. If the first group doesn’t work, no worries, keep trying. If none of them are your cup of tea, start a regular Bible study with just one other person that you’ve met. Find your people. Find your community. He made us to be in community and he is so excited about the new friends you will make, who you will walk with and grow with for the next four years and beyond. Through his body on campus he will protect you and watch over you all four years. “The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and GO, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:8

God’s got you. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.