Amidst the excitement of college life, many students grapple with feelings of loneliness and the pursuit of the elusive ‘good life.’ Public Campus Ministry aims to combat these challenges and provide a welcoming environment for students seeking community and answers about God. Here University of Wisconsin Madison students participate in an Adventist Christian Fellowship game night.
“While many missionaries venture abroad, college campuses remain one of the most strategic yet overlooked mission fields right here at home,” said Joshua Guerrero, Wisconsin Conference’s Public Campus Ministry leader. “We believe God desires a transformative movement among young people that can impact the world for Christ.”
Amidst the excitement of college life, many students grapple with feelings of loneliness and the pursuit of the elusive ‘good life.’ Public Campus Ministry aims to combat these challenges and provide a welcoming environment for students seeking community and answers about God. “Many students have never experienced a true personal relationship with Jesus,” Guerrero noted. “Our goal is to help them engage in relevant conversations and outreach initiatives that address their needs.”
During welcome week, the newly established campuses at UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee attracted many students eager to participate in events like the s'mores campfire and game nights.
At UW-Stevens Point, events such as the Late Night Pancake cookout and GLOW-in-the-dark frisbee also drew students keen for connection. “Even with the overwhelming numbers, transformation often occurs in quiet, unobserved moments,” Guerrero reflected.
One such moment unfolded during an outdoor fellowship at UW-Stevens Point when a student named Will, previously met during welcome week, decided to join the gathering. “He expressed a longing for community, and when we shared the message of Jesus with him, he was open to learning more,” Guerrero recalled. “In the end, he prayed to receive Christ into his heart.”
The ministry has seen similar stories unfold as a student with an atheist background also embraced Christianity. Additionally, a group of football players began a Bible study, indicating a rising interest in the Word of God among students.
“There’s a genuine thirst among students for spiritual connection and understanding,” Guerrero pointed out. “When we choose to partner with God and where He leads us, we can see the plentiful harvest waiting to be reaped.”
As the semester progresses, the ministry extends gratitude to supporters and prayer warriors. “We’re witnessing specific prayer answers—like finding dedicated missionaries, student leaders emerging, and a renewed interest in Scripture among athletic teams.
“Please continue to pray for this essential ministry,” Guerrero urged. “Together, we’re changing our culture one life at a time.”
Funding for hiring the two missionaries became a reality when Wisconsin Conference received a $80,000 grant from the Winifred Stevens Foundation.
For more information, please contact jdguerrero95@gmail.com
Lake Union Herald staff
