There’s a Funny Feelin’ Going On 

 

I strolled along the cement path through the orchard at Michigan State University one late August day in 1997. I was early for class, the sun was radiant, the breeze was cool, and I felt completely relaxed. So, I didn’t feel like sitting in the classroom just yet. Well, to my surprise an older, curly-haired man, wearing blue jeans and some tucked in shirt, started preaching about Jesus Christ. I had nothing to do, and I wanted to compare what he had to Buddhism, so I stood around and listened.  

This guy’s yelling at people telling them to repent from their sins and talking about idolatry. I examined a list he had painted on two pieces of plywood and noticed something about nature worship. As a Buddhist, I believed that God dwelled in everything, so I wanted to ask this guy about nature worship. People were making fun of the preacher, so I didn’t have a chance to talk to him right away.  

I waited until class started to begin my inquiry. I simply asked him if God dwelled in trees. He said, “No He doesn’t,” and I said, “Huh, ok.” Normally I’m very analytical, but that afternoon I simply listened and accepted his statements.  

The more this man spoke, the stranger I began to feel. I felt as if a hook had grabbed my very being from my head and pulled it into my stomach. I wasn’t embarrassed or shocked, I just felt condensed. The preacher looked at me funny and said, “The Holy Spirit’s working on you son. Your jaw is wide open and so are your eyes. Do you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior?” I hesitated.  

At that time, a redhead with wild, long hair scooted up on her banana seat bicycle. She had butterflies sown onto her jeans and a great big smile. She introduced herself as Amber and echoed the statements the preacher made about Jesus Christ. She invited me to Campus Crusade for Christ, which happened to be that Thursday. I had more questions about Jesus Christ, and the crazy redhead was really cute, so I decided to go.  

Campus Crusade for Christ at MSU was full of the friendliest people I had ever met. I had a fantastic time meeting everyone and hanging out. I continued to talk with Amber and ask her questions about Christ. She and one of the staff members answered a lot of my questions. 

About a month later a friend of mine told to me about her problems on the phone. I told her that she needed to lift it up in prayer to Jesus Christ. That really caught me off-guard. When I hung up, I thought to myself, “I believe this.” So I prayed to Jesus Christ that I believe in Him, and that I want Him to enter into my life and become my Lord and to save me from my sin.  

Since then I’ve gone through periods of questioning my faith. But every time I investigate my questions, I always come to the same conclusion, Jesus Christ of Nazareth is God. He came to earth to save us from our sins and preach about the kingdom of God. How amazing! 

Paul Dykstra

Name: Paul Dykstra

Campus: Graduate of Michigan State University