Student Testimonies
In Their Own Words...
"RUF has given me a place to find solid Biblical teaching, accountability, and incredible friends. I came to SMU from Tampa, Florida, and I didn’t know anyone on campus. Coming to RUF that first week, I met girls who would become my very best friends. Throughout my years at SMU, RUF has been an integral part of my college experience. From weekly large group to Bible studies to Summer Conference, I have learned so much about myself and my God while sharing in memorable fellowhip. I have also found through RUF priceless mentors in my campus minister and intern, and I have relied on them countless times for their guidance and friendship. RUF has given me a place to serve, learn, and grow, and I am so thankful for this ministry." Sara Reinke, Class of 2008
"When I first came to college, I had never heard of a personal relationship with Christ, much less RUF.... Thanks be to RUF for pointing me to Him. I owe a great debt to RUF, and continue to be renewed by the Gospel through this ministry." Stewart Swain, Class of 2010
"After graduating from high school, after being away from church and fellowship, I was worried that my spirituality was going to weaken in college because I left the spiritual support that I had for so long. I could not be more thankful for my connection with RUF at SMU. They have made me feel so comfortable and it is so nice to have come on campus and almost automatically had a group to belong to. Everyone is so welcoming, encouraging, and accommodating to the needs of a new college freshman such as myself. Now thinking back, I can't believe that I doubted God's providence. I am so happy that He brought me to RUF because I've already built great relationships and I am learning so much more about my faith." Lauren Walker, Class of 2011
"RUF equips me with the opportunity to serve whether it be in Peru, taking underprivileged kids to a football game, or simply serving my friends. The teaching at RUF doesn’t merely give principles to follow, rather, it offers the fullness of who Christ is and a broader understanding of His grace. As we enjoy dinners together at the homes of church members, engage in a weekly Bible study, and pray for one another, RUF gives me a sense of community with fellow believers. Through RUF, the gospel comes to life as Christ descends to meet me in the everyday here at SMU." Susan Watkins, Class of 2010
"Over this past year I have grown in a relationship with Christ in ways I never though could happen - even at times resisted from happening. It will forever amaze me how God is able to pull you out of the darkest places of your life and claim you as one of His own. It also amazes me how He is able to use broken people such as myself to bring others closer to Him. RUF has greatly enriched my spiritual growth. In the past I would resist the Christian crowd and attempt to grow in my own way. The Christian crowd to me was a crowd of perfect people that you couldn't relate to. With RUF I have found a group I can relate to. They know what it's like to struggle and encourage you to fight the temptations of sin through knowing and obeying Jesus Christ.... It is often mysterious the way Christ works in one's life, but when He does you can be nothing but grateful." Kevin Phillips, Class of 2010
"RUF has been an obvious blessing to me in my day-to-day life on campus. Not only has it offered me an opportunity to serve, but it's also provided me with a great group of Christian friends, offering love and support for my daily walk and chances to minister to my friends and fraternity brothers." Dawson Shamblin, Class of 2010
"RUF has been the most beneficial aspect of my two years in college. Not only have I met incredible people, but my knowledge of the Lord and what He wants for me in life has grown tremendously. The incredible friends and leaders with whom I have come into contact want to listen to my questions and fears and encourage me, reminding me that I'm not alone. The weekly large groups and bible studies have taught me so much about God's Word in a very applicable way, and I can't wait to go back each week to learn more. I thank God every day for the new and growing relationship that I've established with him through RUF here at SMU." Morgan Hollowell, Class of 2009