(most of the crazy Binghamton crew)

I had lunch with a student yesterday and we talked a bit about Basileia, in what was an encouraging conversation for me. 

She said that all semester she has been hearing that we want to be about seeing students and faculty transformed, the campus renewed, and world changers developed.  She said she became torn – for someone just looking for a safe place, a youth group, that isn’t a safe direction to head.  That kind of purpose and vision seemed audacious.

                                                                                              (pam and janahlee)

Through the spring, she realized how much potential exists within our group, even while being disappointed in how we were squandering it.  She started to think that maybe she was crazy, but we actually could be a group asking God for big things. 

Two important things happened for her at Basileia:  

1)  She was affirmed – she was told that her discontent with the status quo and her desire for change wasn’t crazy!  She met other people who wanted the same things for their campuses.
 

2)  She was equipped (her words).  We were not only trusting God with a big vision, but we also wanted her to have the tools to pursue it.  She felt like she walked away with greater vision and practical skills.

Basileia means ‘kingdom.”  This students’ experience is just what I hope Basileia is  – a week to enlarge the vision of what it means to be ambassadors of the Kingdom of God on campus, and to equip students with the tools they need to cooperate with God to see his purposes lived out.  She was one of 19 Binghamton students at Basileia this year.  I am thankful.