Erina at Cal

The Light Shines in the Darkness

From May 25-29, over 150 students from UC Berkeley, Mills College, and St. Mary’s College gathered for the East Bay’s annual Chapter Camp. Throughout the week, students gained valuable leadership training while also studying the first 4 chapters of John’s Gospel.

Through the words of John, many of these students were challenged to think about the implications of the Word choosing to become Flesh, and Jesus bringing light into the darkness of the world. They were led to reflect upon what it means to be a witness to the light and to live their lives fully in the light, in complete alignment with Jesus. They were challenged to think about how their fellowships could become temples of true worship, where clutter is removed and all people are given access to the knowledge of God.

Here are a few quotes from CCF students about what they learned:

“I truly believe God has started a huge transformation in my life here at Chapter Camp. Through studying the gospel of John, I have struggled with believing that Jesus sees and knows me and wants to enter into my darkness. God has shown me his heart for reconciliation, He has shown me how He is pursuing me, and how much He wants to be in relationship with me. I believe this is the first of many moments were God will show me that in order to love others freely, I must know He loves me first.” (CCF sophomore)

“I honestly though this camp would simply be a time to play and get to know my friends better and deeper. But this camp taught me more- it taught me to be a true witness by being the light within the darkness on my campus at UC Berkeley. This camp opened my eyes to something greater, to have a bigger dream and goal for what God can do and what He has in store for my school.” (CCF freshman)

“This week, I’ve learned from God in refreshing ways in our senior track, which made me consider the passive ways I’ve aligned myself with god. I’m committing to live actively for Him and fall in love with Hiim and allowing Him to work in me through challenging ways.” (CCF, senior)

“i was able to find rest at Chapter Camp. I was also able to see how I relate to Nicodemus, and how I might ‘live in the light’…God was able to help me realize that I might have excluded others, as well as avoided even my own ethnicity in shame of stereotypes and to lift myself up. I am now aware.” (CCF freshmen)

“I have gained a vision of the fellowship- that CCF will be a temple of prayer, widely accessible to many Berkeley students, and that it will be a place of safe haven and worship of Jesus without barriers.” (CCF senior)

Thank you for all your ongoing support and prayers that make camps like this possible!

*Also, for a look at a special video we showed during camp, click here.