(This article is a third in a series of interviews with students talking about how being at SPU has impacted their faith.)
For Robert Joshua, life meant three things — track, work, and school. But another part of his life was so routine he didn’t notice it until he left home.
“Both of my parents are firm believers in Christ, and so growing up going to church was one of those activities in my life where it became so normal that I never really thought much about it,” says Joshua. But when he moved from Texas to Washington, Joshua had to find another church and new ways to stay close to God.
“Although I first found a church in Seattle, I didn’t feel as though I was growing much,” Joshua said. “I wasn’t involved or connected with others during the beginning of the fall quarter and wasn’t actively seeking a community that loves to spend time with God and others.”
But this all changed when he started attending Banner Church in Seattle.
“I found myself every Sunday feeling very joyful and hopeful,” said Joshua, who was soon baptized at Banner. “What changed in my heart was the desire to share and give to others the good that God has given to me in my life.”
He quickly realized that the things he witnessed and experienced at his new church was something that should not just be kept to himself. Joshua made a goal to bring at least one person to Banner each week.
“What ultimately changed my season of dryness was understanding that blessings are meant to be shared with others,” Joshua said.
By bringing his friends to church every Sunday, Joshua was able to share his faith with four of his fellow track athletes in just a couple of months. Witnessing so openly with his friends was something he never would have imagined.
While track and field and pursuing a degree in accounting are still major factors in his life, he knows that God is teaching him to seek.
“I am learning to be aware that he still longs for my attention and my time, that God delights in the fact that I spend time reading his word and to not forget whom I serve and whom I need daily in my life,” said Joshua.
Joshua says he is growing in a small group from Banner that meets on campus, and he’s made friends who provide guidance and wisdom. They pray for each other and encourage him to ask whatever questions he has on his mind.
He continues his love of running, which he discovered after a high school football coach suggested he try it. The sophomore track and field athlete became the first Falcon to break 7 seconds in the 60-meter dash in his freshman year.
Whether on the track, in class, or hanging out with friends, Joshua feels at home in his faith and at SPU.
“I know that God will continue to work in the hearts of those around me and will continue to provide me opportunities to be a loving friend towards others,” said Joshua. “Jesus is the one who taught me how to be a good friend, and I will continue to learn from him and build healthy loving friendships here at SPU.”
