Faith plays a significant role in the lives of many students at Southern Nazarene University, shaping their perspectives, guiding their decisions, and providing stability through challenges. Through conversations with students, many shared how their faith journeys have evolved over time, influenced by personal experiences, community, and academic growth.
Junior sports management major Noah Kent, recently shared his faith journey during Kingdom Come, a student-led worship service. His message focused on remembering God’s character in times of spiritual amnesia. Though initially hesitant, he felt called to speak out of obedience to the Lord. “The encouragement I received after giving my message made me feel supported and uplifted, especially in a time when I was unsure of myself,” he shares. Kent hopes that his message resonated with others, helping them see that daunting tasks, such as speaking in chapel, are not reserved for a specific type of Christian but can be accomplished through Christ’s power.
For pre-occupational therapy and communication and leadership for nonprofit major, Lexie Valdez, faith was something she always knew about but did not actively practice. Growing up in a small Colorado community, her family attended church, but no one in her immediate household lived out a close relationship with God. The passing of her grandfather in sixth grade led her to take on the role of the “golden child,” striving for academic and athletic excellence as a way to define her worth. “On the outside, I seemed happy and content, but inside, I felt fearful, angry, and stressed,” she recalls.
Everything changed when she was sixteen, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a coach demonstrated to Valdez what true faith in Jesus looked like. “My life did not change overnight, but the Lord changed my perspective about life. Through prayer, stillness, and surrender, I began to experience peace,” she explains. Though she still wrestles with finding a deep Chrisitan community on campus, she embraces her faith daily, seeking a deeper understanding of God’s character and relying on Him for stability.
Sophomore nursing major Cheyenne Gaymon’s faith journey took a different path. Though she was once part of the church, she gradually drifted away but rediscovered a deeper meaning of faith at SNU. “Love and friendship allowed my curiosity in the Lord to grow, and I am closer to God than ever,” she says. She describes her faith as a guide, a friend, and even a parent that she sometimes leans on in both joyful and difficult moments. “I try to let my faith lead my decisions and define how I treat people.”
Though their journeys differ, Kent, Valdez, and Guymon’s stories reveal a common truth: faith is dynamic. It evolves through personal challenges, the influence of others, and a willingness to trust in God’s plan. Whether stepping out in courage, finding stability in uncertainty, or rediscovering a lost connection, their faith continues to shape their lives in meaningful ways. At SNU, faith is not just a belief–it is an active, transformative force.
Photo by: José Ramos