Celebrating a Legacy

Legacy-something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor.   Every two years those of us who were part of an amazing time of growth in InterVarsity at Central Michigan University in the mid-late 90’s gather.  10 families spent the weekend at Cedar Campus in Cedarville, MI catching up.  I was invited to share some scripture Sunday morning and had us look at the story of Nehemiah.  As a group we had experienced the call to pray and act at CMU, much as Nehemiah prayed and acted on Jerusalem’s behalf.  We remembered with fondness our daily prayer meetings in which we faithfully lifted the campus to God.  The quality of God’s work among us produced missionaries, church leaders, God-honoring parents, etc.    Even though our group had golden days in the past of amazing growth and impact, we as men and women entering middle age desire to keep using the gifts God is refining for his kingdom.   It was particularly wonderful for us to watch a video sent from one of our more engaging (funny) members, who is living in a country closed to the Gospel.  He demonstrated local dance and played an indigenous instrument for us, we laughed and were encouraged by his sacrifice.  He is just starting to learn the 2nd language of the people he feels called to serve.   The current staff at CMU shared a bit of the legacy of our prayers for CMU.  He shared about a group of over 100 fraternity and Sorority members at CMU who are part of the InterVarsity Greek ministry.  They are also working with 4 non-greek students to start up an undergrad ministry.  Some of us got to share video encouragements for the four women who are part of our legacy.  Our motto was and is: Central for Christ, The World for Christ–The World for Christ, Central for Christ.