Geri Forsberg,
English,
Western Washington University

[Sept. 18, 2011] —
Summer is just about over and fall is upon us. This means the students are all returning to the university, professors are wrapping up their summer responsibilities, and all are gearing up for the new school year, which for us starts on September 21.

As I think about this coming year, I am excited to meet the students who will be in my writing classes. Already, I have visited the course list and perused photos of the students I have as yet to meet. As I go through the pictures of each student, I search their faces for clues about what they are like.

My Prayer

Will she be a joy to work with? Will he work diligently? As I look at them, I bring them before the Lord in prayer. I pray for my ability to teach them effectively and, to love them unconditionally. My prayer is “Lord, please help me to communicate well with these students. Help me to teach them things that will help them throughout their lives. Help me to be a blessing in their lives. Help me to shine your Light in the classroom.”

This year our university has chosen the book Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know and Doesn’t by Stephen Prothero as the required reading for all incoming freshmen and transfer students. Prothero explains how the American population is Biblically illiterate. Students do not know the books of the Bible, the people of the Bible, the events in the Bible.

For Prothero this is very problematic. We are raising a nation of religiously illiterate individuals. If our students do not know the Bible they will not understand the history or government of our nation. They will not understand what others are talking about when they make reference to the Bible. They will live in ignorance and darkness. Whether our students accept the Biblical message or not, they should at least be educated as to what it is.

Taking The Time

That is why the Christian faculty at WWU supports the student ministries on campus. We want our students to learn about Jesus Christ while they are going through the university. That is why we bring speakers to campus like Dr. Carol Swain who will speak this year on “The Undermining of Religious Freedom.” And, that is why we take the time to share with our students in appropriate ways.

Last year, I had the opportunity to tell a class of students that I was praying for them. One student, who was going through a difficult time, came to me to ask for prayer. I prayed with him and encouraged him to persevere.

I am praying that this year I will take even more opportunities to be Light in the darkness. We are living at a time when people are searching. We know the Light of the world who can lead people into Light. Will we have the faith, the boldness, and the courage, to make the Light known in the university?

© 2011 Geri Forsberg