Cedars, October 2020

Fall 2020 7 What Does Discipleship Look Like From S I X F E E T A P A R T ? By Lauren Ryan C OVID-19 has reoriented how campus functions in many ways. In the area of discipleship, the heart and desire for students has not changed, even though this year has looked different for Residence Life and Discipleship Ministries. This year has grown many staff mem - bers’ and students’ outlooks on trusting the Holy Spirit. Printy Resident Director Abbey Buettell has been encouraged to keep it sim- ple this year. “If it were up to me alone, I would fail at every attempt,” Buettell said. “It is only by the grace of God and through Christ and the Holy Spirit that discipleship can happen at all. I think the most important thing to remember is that discipleship is the Lord’s ministry, not ours.” As Residence Life and Discipleship Min - istries prepared for thousands of students to arrive on campus this fall, they prayerfully thought through how to serve effectively amid logistical changes. “COVID means wearing a mask so sometimes facial expressions aren’t an effec - tive way to communicate,” Buettell said. “I’ve realized I need to be more careful about my tone of voice and body language.” Printy RA Emily Harris has been re - minded of the importance of prayer on cam- pus, especially for the women she lives with. “Discipling by example this year has looked like voicing personal frustrations with our circumstances less and supporting leadership on campus more,” Harris said. Harris said she is continually reminded of circumstances that are out of her control and seeks to find ways to care for and serve her residents well from six feet away. The impact of living by example often goes unno- ticed, Harris said, yet can yield great impact. “I can’t force anyone I know to desire Christ more,” Harris said. “But, by the grace of God, I can show my residents what a full pursuit of Jesus looks like for a college stu- dent who, just like them, is working to get through classes, maintain friendships, and get enough sleep.” In the midst of social distancing, unit and hall events have seen a whole new side of creativity. This year has opened up more op- portunities for conversations about finding joy in all circumstances, being patient, and putting the needs of others above one’s own. Even though students may not be able to meet inside in large groups, campus is still buzzing with new, creative ways to continue seeking out community. Some of the best memories of this year have been out in God’s creation. “I’ve loved meeting with girls for walks around campus or grabbing coffee and sit - ting on the steps by the BTS,” Harris said. “Some of our bro-sis went hiking together at Indian Mounds and we routinely meet for bro-sis dinner on the SSC hill, instead of in- side Chucks as we’ve done in the past.” The Lord is working in the lives of stu - dents on Cedarville’s campus in the midst of a pandemic. God’s work is not limited by lo- gistical requirements. “I’ve been in so many conversations where the Lord is working on students’ hearts,” Buettell said. “He is creating men and women who are shaped by humility, service, kindness, joy, unity, patience, etc. It’s beautiful and en- couraging to see the Lord work in our lives.” Lauren Ryan is a senior Professional Writ- ing & Information Design major. She serves as the Campus Editor for Cedars. You can probably spot her around campus by her bright yellow backpack. On a regular day, she’s most likely hanging out with friends or setting up a hammock. Photo by Katrina Wiebe Avery and Scott participate in a socially distanced discipleship group outside. Photo by Katrina Wiebe Left to right, Chloe, Princess and Tarynn participate in their first outdoor discipleship meeting. Even though they are outside, the group maintains masking protocol as they sit around the table. Photo by Katrina Wiebe Jonathan leads his socially distanced discipleship group on the lawn in front of the SSC.