
When I was in high school, I came to know Jesus in a deeply personal way. Almost immediately, I sensed a calling to share the good news of salvation I had found in Him. My favorite Bible passage at that time was the Great Commission—Matthew 28:18-20. After spending years serving as a missionary, evangelist and…

When I was a student at Miami University, I took a communication class that required us to give a persuasive speech. I spent some time thinking through different topics I could choose. I chose to speak on the question, “Who is Jesus?” My goal was to convince my audience that Jesus truly is who He…

When I was serving in student ministry with Student Life in New Zealand, evangelistic preaching was a big part of our outreach events. On the college campus where I worked, we often planned gatherings that connected with the daily lives of students. We would relate to students through music, activities or conversations that connected with…

I first met campus preacher Keith Darrell, back at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. We were both involved with a college ministry called CruⓇ. Keith was sharp, witty and clearly destined for a successful life. He proved it in New York City, where he climbed the finance ladder for five years. He wore tailored suits…

When I went on my first cross-cultural ministry trip to Mexico, I was touched by the culture. I loved the language, the food and the different forms of communication. My first culture shock came on a hillside in Monterrey. Families there lived in shanty houses made of tin and wood. When someone got a phone…

Throughout my walk with God, my church leaders have encouraged and equipped me to share my Christian faith. They don’t just talk about sharing their faith, they do it. I remember my senior pastor, Michael, telling our church a story during one of his sermons. While getting his hair cut, he shared the gospel with…

When I was serving as a resident assistant at Miami University, I had a clear goal. I wanted to minister to incoming freshman students through personal evangelism. I aimed to share the gospel with every woman in the hallway of my residence building. However, despite my best efforts, I constantly encountered obstacles, like disinterest and…

Updated on October 8th, 2025 by Connie Thomson. My Personal Faith Journey I have heard about faith for as long as I can remember. When I was a child, I went to a church that was very formal, and that is where I first learned what faith was. I understood that faith meant trusting in…

Updated on March 6, 2026 by Connie Thomson. There have been a few moments in my life when evangelism wasn’t difficult. In college I won a free trip to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. I was sitting at the bar one afternoon there, and a man came and sat next to me. He asked, “What…