Short Circuit Vol 6 Num 4

Although Miami, Florida is part of mainland America, it often seems like a foreign place. Florida International University adds to the mix with the many cultures and countries the students represent. This sets a special arena for another aspect of our ministry here at F.I.U., Campus Focus, a Missionary Apprenticeship Program that the Campus Bible Fellowship Staff recently completed. It is a valuable missions training and hands-on learning experience for college students who are interested in missions in general and campus ministries specifically.

Elsbeth Gaunnac, a senior at Appalachian Bible College, was our intern for seven weeks and participated in a variety of serving opportunities through the C.B.F. ministry at F.I.U. Elsbeth was able to spend time on the campus with the missionaries and walk in their shoes a little when serving the students and staff at this school where over 130 countries are represented. Besides giving away literature and meeting new students in the hallway of the Student Center, there was time for attending the small group Bible studies and one-on-one studies with the students. Her training also included some of the smaller details of campus missions such as participating in weekly staff meetings. Among the many things she experienced were: classes with the missionaries on specific areas of campus work;sight-seeing opportunities, a fare-well party to honor a FIU staff member leaving her job, and shopping with new friends. Elsbeth also learned how to promote CBF on campus via posters and a power-point presentation she completed before leaving. Another adventure was meeting and making a friend from China who is seeking more about God. Near the end of her time with us, Elsbeth had the opportunity to teach her new friend more of God’s character through a one-on-one Bible lesson.

There is much to learn about campus ministry which cannot be adequately accomplished in seven weeks, but there are some specific things that Elsbeth shared with us that she learned.

"This summer has grown in me a heart for campus missions. In learning about CBF, I have learned what a needy mission field is in our college campuses. Every college needs to have CBF staff evangelizing and discipling students for Christ."

Mike and Sharon Keller for the CBF staff at F.I.U.

Literature Table

Student Center

Visiting with a student from Columbia

"The Guys" at Bible study

Listening at Bible study

Tuesday night Study

Elsbeth - creator of an event poster

Sharon, Elsbeth, and a new friend

Visiting the Everglades