Dafne Enriquez heard about Campus Connect Ministries through the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at the University of Southern California (USC). To Enriquez, the ministry is “a bridge for Adventist students at colleges—a place where you can get plugged into an Adventist Christian community on your campus and also meet other students who share your faith.”
Abelle Simon, who attends Los Angeles College of Music, found Campus Connect because she was new to Los Angeles and was seeking community. Simon sees the ministry as a “casual, God-centered fellowship.” Being surrounded by a Christian community has helped her grow spiritually, and she’s grateful for “Christian friends who keep me accountable, pray for me, and encourage me.”
For students like Enriquez and Simon, finding a faith community didn’t happen by accident—it reflects a year of intentional growth for the Campus Connect team, reaching Adventist students attending non-Adventist colleges and universities in Southern California.
“Last year, we were very much in the early stages of our ministry,” said Eden Seo, Campus Connect Ministries chaplain. “We focused on gathering leaders and volunteers who were passionate about campus ministries, establishing early contact with students and faculty at major campuses, and hosting small events. Now we have several small groups meeting regularly and some major events that brought students together from different campuses.”
This growing ministry is now led by about 20 pastors, faculty, and lay leaders. Members of the leadership team are in contact with more than 100 students across 28 local public colleges and universities. Currently five small groups meet regularly, each one ranging from five to 10 students.
To accommodate this growth, gatherings have evolved with new events this year. The team invited a therapy dog to USC during exam week; invited students to hikes, beach days, Friendsgiving, and a trip to Six Flags; and hosted a two-day mental health awareness event called THRIVE. The team has also visited San Gabriel, Glendale Adventist, San Fernando Valley, and Newbury Park Adventist academies to meet seniors who are considering public colleges and universities.
While large events help students connect, small groups remain at the heart of the ministry. Some meet once a week or once a month in homes, churches, or even in classrooms on campus.
Since being a part of Campus Connect, Ryan Youk, another USC student, has reconnected with friends from his previous childhood church. “Catching up with them after years while having discussions on verses felt valuable,” he said. “Campus Connect helped me be more spiritual. I’ve been reading more Bible verses. Also, I’ve been finding ways to serve others by doing volunteer work.”
The ministry has been meaningful not only for the students but for leaders, too. For Christian Botello, associate pastor at Eagle Rock, getting involved has enabled him to mentor students in the same way he was mentored throughout his college journey.
“Campus Connect is a ministry where you can build authentic relationships and witness deep spiritual growth,” Botello said. “It’s rewarding to see relationships develop and grow among the students and see students take intentional steps to grow in their faith.”
At Pasadena City College, Yanis Chan got involved with Campus Connect in hopes of making new friends. Since joining, her faith has grown, and she hopes to share it with others. “I’ve learned more about the Bible and got closer to God, so spiritually it has helped me build discipline and connection with a community that I can share and grow in my faith with,” she shared. “I would like to see more retreats, worship nights, and game nights so I can invite more nonbelievers so they can feel the love of God!”
