greek iv stories » University of Texas – Austin

Texans at Greek Conference

Sarah Larson — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:16:24 +0000

As I set off for Greek Conference this year, I was full of anticipation. It has always been a powerful experience for me and I was ready to see what God had in store this year. Four students from the University of Texas would be joining me… the first EVER! Analeise, Hannah, Emily and Caitlyn entered the weekend anxious for what it might hold and left empowered to reach each of their sororities. The students shared their first adventure as they trekked to Arby’s in the 13 inches of snow and uncleared sidewalks. They also enjoyed building a snowman during free time, while the other Midwest students stayed inside. As well as bonding the students were transformed this weekend in an irreversible way. In the training time, Caitlyn felt like she learned about “common scenarios that a Greek student would be presented with such as drinking, relationships, and sex. I learned what God would really want me to do in these situations, not what our world tells us is right.” Analeise and Emily studied about how to lead a bible study in their sororities. Emily stated after conference, “I used to think that being in a sorority was something to be ashamed of in front of my Christian friends, and being a Christian was something to be ashamed of in front of my Greek friends. However, this conference has showed me that I am one of the lucky and privileged few who can be so ridiculously close with so many non-Christian girls and that I could be able to show them Christ’s love through even the smallest of actions or shortest of conversations.” After the conference the students are ready to be a community and reach the Greek system together.

Not for Sale

Sarah Larson — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:38:28 +0000

All six InterVarsity fellowships at the University of Texas – Austin came together to put on Not for Sale, an outreach event to raise awareness about human trafficking and God’s heart to see it eradicated. During the week leading up to the event, InterVarsity students wore t-shirts and created quite a buzz on campus. 400 students attended our event, which began with interactive displays highlighting different facets of human trafficking. The Greek display focused on the issue of sweat shop labor around the globe. We highlighted which companies still use sweat shop labor and those that do not. A speaker from International Justice Mission shared some stories of people set free from slavery and we concluded the night with a call for real change in the world and in individual lives. 3 students decided to make that change and follow Jesus and many more have been undeniably moved to raise awareness about this issue.

Student Transformation

Sarah Larson — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:07:44 +0000

Analeise (pictured to the right) came to Rec Week, our end-of-the-year camp, as the first representative of Greek InterVarsity. She holds the position of Chaplain in her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. She will continue to lead her sorority Bible study next fall. When I first met Analeise she had just decided to follow God again. She told me, “I am in the party sorority and I am not sure I am the type of woman you want to meet with.” I replied, “You are exactly the type of woman I want to meet with.” A few months later, Analeise wanted to leave her sorority because she didn’t feel like she fit in or could make an impact. She had been thinking about running for Chaplain but decided against it and was all set to quit in December. I was crushed. I saw great potential in Analeise for leadership and to have a positive influence in her sorority. Thankfully, God had other plans. Analeise was appointed Chaplin even though she did not apply and was now excited to be a light to her house. She shared with me that her Grandmother had been at Texas Zeta and led Bible studies in the house and she was honored to follow in her footsteps. Over the course of this year, I have seen Analeise take great steps in following God. She is serious about her faith and her position as Chaplin. She wants all the Zetas to deepen or begin their relationship with Christ. She is passionate about serving the poor and is thinking about participating in foreign missions. She is excited about leading in Zetas and helping Greek IV to get off the ground next year. Analeise is my shining star. She is the reason I do what I do — help students discover who God is calling them to be and help them to be that person. She has been with me every step of the way and I am thankful for her willingness to follow my lead and for her friendship.