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Elias Duff is a sophomore here at the University of the Cumberlands. He is a Christian Studies major and plans to pursue further education in a theological seminary. Duff states, “Wherever God leads me, I will go.” He currently serves with the Evangelism Discipleship Ministry, otherwise known as the E.D.M. Through campus ministries, there are many areas to serve!

According to Eli, when he hears the word “testimony,” he thinks of “either a circumstance or a season of life or a period of life that God is working in your life, which is always.” He also states, “it is evidence of God working in your life.”

Elias Duff’s walk with Christ is remarkable! Duff was born and raised in a little town called Sandown, New Hampshire. He grew up in a wonderful Christian home. He lived with his mother, father, and twin sister. His parents raised him to value the characteristics and personality traits that Jesus portrayed. And his parents displayed those same traits for him; they poured the love of Jesus into their children’s lives.

Duff was working full-time at a group home serving middle-aged men in wheelchairs. His job involved caring for these men. He thought that was what his career would be, but he felt he needed to either take a break from this job or leave and try ministry. He knew he wanted to work in both human services and ministry, so he researched Christian colleges. He discovered a few schools, but he selected the University of the Cumberlands after it was all said and done. He knew as soon as he arrived on campus that God was preparing a foundation and home for him here.

Duff states that throughout his time at home, he never understood why he followed Jesus and why he needed Jesus. He just knew that the God he worshiped was good. And he thought that was what he needed: something good. When he came to UC, he started to make his faith his own. His parents— in his words—“laid the foundation for what was to come.” A year ago, his faith started to grow. He learned his sinful nature is no match for God’s desire to get him into heaven. There is nothing he can do to achieve eternal life, and there is nothing he can do to achieve the highest point of righteousness or success. He knew that from then on out, he needed Jesus. Jesus saved him from sin and is the only way to the Father and eternal life.

His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 139:14: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well” (KJV).