Reflections on RUF during COVID-19

In March of this past year, we first heard the words pandemic and COVID-19. I remember anticipating it to be over in a month or at least by the time I moved to start the RUF internship at Appalachian State University. But when weeks turned into months and state mandates separated us from loved ones, the light at the end of the tunnel became a lot farther away. College students across America who were initially excited to get a second week of spring break, suddenly began the trip back home as a semester with in-person classes and friends came to an end. 

Saying that 2020 was a year for disappointment is an understatement. It also contained bouts of anxiety, brain fog, sickness and hurt. RUF is getting creative in the ways we are doing ministry but, we’ve had to lament the loss of normalcy. RUF training this past Junewas completed over Zoom. Through learning about fundraising, one-to-one meetings, and life on campus; over 70 first-year interns created a distant bond. During July training a few of the first-year interns were able to gather in-person to watch more Zoom videos together. The camaraderie was much needed and so was the topic of discussion: Lament. Andy Crouch, executive editor of Christianity Today and author Tech-Wise Family, walked us through the importance of bringing our grievances before the Lord. Lamenting is something I’ve read about in the Bible but had never applied to my life. I, along with many other Christians, mask the disappointment of a season with false optimism, which is the incessant attempt to believe there is something good in every situation. While noble in thought, it is destructive in practice. Taking the time to lament connects us with the Lord and helps us to be honest with ourselves.  

I don’t want to discourage you with the discussion of lament and sadness but I do want to be honest. We’ve had to let go and grieve many things we were unable to do this semester including RUF Large Group, semester parties, anything on campus, speaking without a mask and living without fear. While lamenting may not solve the problem, it brings peace because bringing anything to Jesus is peace-filled. I cannot explain it logically but I know that it is true. By grieving the current COVID-19 situation we’ve been able to move forward and ask the question, “Now what?”

The “Now what?” question manifested itself through socially distant parties, masked conversations, and many outdoor adventures. While there have been challenges, God has used these obstacles to grow and shape me, our team, and our students! Working as the RUF intern at Appalachian State University during COVID-19 has been unconventional, but I’ve been amazed at how God is working on this campus. Our students have stepped up and have continually displayed friendship and love to one another through these frustrating times. Our students have taught me far more than I could ever offer them, and it is a blessing to be around them every day. God has been kind and gentle in placing me as an intern at this university.  

I’m thankful that RUF is something I still get to be a part of. Tim Udouj, pastor at Grace and Peace Presbyterian in Greenville, SC, once said that God placed him in ministry because he needs to be reminded every day of the truth of the gospel. I can say the same is true for myself. Our Lord Jesus, through RUF, has taught me about his grace, gentleness and kindness. It’s the first place I understood what ‘By grace through faith in Jesus Christ’ meant and it is a place where I’m still working that out in my life. Every week God  is using RUF to provide a place for students to hear the gospel and a community to be a part of. COVID-19 may have changed how this looks but it is still something God is providing to us. Change is always scary and the uncertainty of what this next semester holds is weighing on each campus ministry, but I’m certain we will all grow and better because of it.