that helped to breathe new life into that dead zone. Penn freshman Ariana Jones said the conference inspired her to be a bolder witness for Christ. She came to the ILCFA to counterbalance the lack of boldness on campus. “I was pretty much shocked when I first got to Penn. The environment is different from what I had at home,” she said. “People don’t want to encroach on each other’s beliefs or infringe on their rights by speaking about God or talking about what you believe.” Therefore, the prospect of being around fellow believers excited her: “I just felt like I had to get here. I had to come to see
what [these other students] are doing that works.” As the conference came to a close and the students thought about heading back to campus, they knew they would inevitably be faced with another question from their peers, “What did you do this weekend?” “All I can really say is that we met God here,” said Pershe. “We had these great speakers who challenged our perceptions of the world and brought new light and perspective to the career paths we want to take—but, at the end of the day, all I can say is that God showed up.” ■
By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer
DETERMINED LIKE DANIEL Cornell Alumnus Exhorts Ivy League Students to Stand Fast
C
Believers at leading universities need to remember that being faithful to God is far more important than CORNELL achieving prominence within worldly powerhouses. That was one of the messages from Scott Jones when the Christian Union (www.christian-union.org) ministry fellow served as one of the plenary speakers at the Ivy League Congress on Faith and Action in Cambridge, Massachusetts this spring. “Walking with God is better than dancing with the powers of the world,” Jones told students during his keynote address on April 2. As an example, Jones pointed to the account of the prophet Daniel, who was among the young Jewish nobility taken to Babylon. The four youths – chosen for their intellect and handsomeness – were trained to be advisors to the Babylonian court. Daniel entered public life after three years of education in royal schools. Despite being submissive to the other requirements of his captivity and duties, Daniel drew the line at eating the king’s food and wine – something that would amount to gaining the acceptance and approval of the ungodly. “To be in the world but not of the world, you must taste and savor something much greater,” Jones told students. “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food and wine.” Daniel could have taken the attitude that, “it’s just a little food – you have the chance to be in the king’s court,” Jones said. But, the young Jewish man stood fast in his convictions. Like Daniel, youthful believers need to remember to pursue God’s will – not their own will, Jones said. They also should avoid the attitude that, “God will have the great privilege of using me.” Ultimately, Daniel’s fidelity exposed him to persecution by jealous rivals within the king’s administration. But, he also walked in his giftings and callings as an interpreter of dreams. Late in life, he began his ministry as a prophet. Overall, the account of Daniel’s life illustrates the commitment of a privileged young man to God’s service, even when it meant sacrifice. “Daniel loved God’s presence more than anything,” Jones said. As such, believers in top universities should stop to consider
Keren Rohe
Christian Union Ministry Fellow Scott Jones, Cornell ’04, exhorted students as a plenary speaker at the Ivy League Congress on Faith and Action. God’s directions and commandments as they chart their futures. They need to say, “God, I will go where you send me,” Jones said. Likewise, they need an awareness of the potential pitfalls that often accompany wealth and prestige, especially the temptations associated with greed and ego. “Most of you have incredible potential for wealth,” Jones said. “It is the rich that Jesus suggested need a miracle in order to enter the kingdom of God.” Daniel’s example teaches young believers to hold steadfastly to the biblical mandate to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” Jones said. ■ Summer 2011 | 15