In a college town of such diversity, it’s no shock that finding a place to worship is easy in Athens.
For Jewish students and non-Jewish students alike, Hillel offers a place for people to come and worship without pressure, said Bekki Wyss, a junior studying English.
“I’m not an incredibly religious person, but I am a spiritual person,” she said. “Weirdly, Hillel has become a kind of refuge and home for me over the past few years.”
For those who are Jewish, Hillel is there to help them build stronger Jewish identities and become advocates for Israel. Hillel offers Shabbat services on a regular basis and also sponsors trips to Israel.
“I think that a visit to Hillel House is always worthwhile, whether you are a member or friend of the Jewish community here on campus, or just interested,” Wyss said.
Katie Flowers, a sophomore studying journalism, said transitioning from YoungLife, a Christian organization, in high school to college has changed her life. Flowers is now a YoungLife leader and said it has helped her grow in her faith exponentially.
“When you join YoungLife, there is this whole community of people waiting for you,” Flowers said. “It’s an instant group of friends.”
Flowers also said that anyone is welcome if they are hoping to further their faith or join ministry, even if they didn’t participate in YoungLife in high school. Incoming freshmen are given the opportunity to be leaders at local high schools after going through training.
Another Christian organization on campus is Cru. The goal of Cru is to build character and get the message of Jesus to all students at Ohio University. Each week, Cru meets for “180,” which are talks given by members about their journeys to find faith.
Omar Kurdi, a sophomore studying political science, said he has found a sense of community in the Muslim Students Association.
“It allows me to give back to the community and help my fellow Muslims,” he said. “As a group we strive to help and provide help for Muslims at OU and Southeast Ohio, as well as try to educate the region about Islam and represent Islam positively as a whole.”
Also on campus is the Indian Students Association, which is active throughout the year. Festivals such as Holi — the Festival of Spring — and Dewali — the Festival of Light — are held as well as biweekly Bollywood Club meetings and Hindi Club meetings.
For athletes on campus, Athletes in Action offers an opportunity in sport ministry. According to its website, the group’s main desire is to glorify God through sports and ensure that each person “hears the message of God’s love.”
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