BCM Testimony--Cristin Henry

Left to right: Katie Woodlieff, April Adams, Cristin Henry

BCM, to me, represents life-change and growth.  At an integral time in my life, BCM was one catalyst that drove me to deeper relationship with Christ.

When I arrived on campus at USC, I was completely alone, and that was what I wanted.  I wanted to start a whole new experience where I didn’t know anyone.  I knew that I wanted to go out of state at a big school where none of my friends went.  I did just that.  What I didn’t know was how God would completely change my life through it.

I had been a believer since I was seven, but when I left for college, my relationship with Christ was roller coaster-like, at best.  Over the summer, as I was preparing for school, it became clear that God was moving in me.  I knew that I needed to make some changes.  I just wasn’t sure how. 

My first day alone on campus, after I had finished freaking out in my room, I found an invitation to a BCM cookout.  I didn’t really know what it was about, but I figured I could at least meet a few people there and since I knew no one, I decided it couldn’t hurt.  That was when things began to change for me.  I made friends at that cookout that I am still friends with today. 

God worked in amazing ways in my life over the four years that followed, much of that facilitated by BCM and friends within BCM.  BCM helped me get plugged into a local church, where I became a member and served.  I started attending Bible studies through BCM, as well as retreats and social activities.  I was given opportunities to lead and use my gifts, as well as stretch myself outside my comfort zone through local ministry and international service. 

Jane Poster, USC BCM director during my time at USC, poured into me wisdom and encouragement.  She helped strengthen my walk, and clearly identified gifts in my life I had never seen before.  I think she knew before anyone else, including myself, that God was calling me overseas. 

I took my first international mission trip with BCM, after my junior year.  Then, after I graduated, I served two years in Asia as a Journeyman.  That time overseas was life changing and has opened my eyes to God’s work around the world like nothing had before.  I know that God used BCM to lead me overseas and to where I am today.

When I look back at what God did in my life during college, I am in awe.  I am thankful to BCM and those involved with BCM for submitting to God’s leadership and calling to serve college students.  When we allow God to move in us and work through us He does amazing things.  Thank you, BCM, for allowing Him to move.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3.20-21

Cristin Henry

USC-Columbia

Class of 2006