By Tim Marren

Jessi Bowman is one of 20 students from Francis Marion University in South Carolina, who is on a Christian outreach mission to Buffalo State College.

The group’s mission is to aid the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship with its “Who Do You Say Jesus Christ Is?” survey and exhibit that will be presented March 13 at 6 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Fireside Lounge.

“We came during our spring break to reach the Buffalo State campus and spread the Gospel,” Bowman said.

The group from Florence, S.C. is helping with the distribution of optional surveys to those on the BSC campus during Bengal Pause in the Campbell Student Union. The scope of the survey is centered on what respondents say Jesus Christ is.

At Thursday’s presentation the group will display a number of responses to the survey from the BSC community. Scripture readings and interpretation will also be included.

“These opportunities give people a chance to think of what Jesus is, and share thoughts and not cover them up,” said Trish McDonnell Baker, staff member and team leader of BSC InterVarsity.

“Open dialogue and different opinions are one piece in discussion of the scripture,” Baker said.

What is InterVarsity?

InterVarsity is a Christian group of about 16 members and welcomes anyone from the BSC community who wishes to join and discuss passages from the Bible, says University at Buffalo graduate Chad Helmer and InterVarsity volunteer.

“This is a place to come and serve as a mission team,” Helmer said. “It’s a way to get more bodies out there discussing the scripture.”

For student Kathleen Donnor, InterVarsity was a group that she could join and still practice her Christian beliefs.

“InterVarsity is a place for people to come and share truth to those on campus,” said Krista Millemon, InterVarsity volunteer.

Baker said that the InterVarsity purpose is to establish a community that:

• loves God
• loves God’s word
• loves God’s people
• loves God’s world

“It has been a growing experience,” Donnor said on her two semesters as a member of InterVarsity “It’s been a blessing.”

How to get involved

InterVarsity is a United Students Government recognized organization and has informational meetings for those interested on Thursdays from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. in the basement of Cassety Hall, Room 16.