When Delaney Jones and Bellevue’s College Ministry team returned from their missions project to Medford, Oregon, back in October 2024, they brought back more than just memories—they returned with a transformed vision for campus ministry at the University of Memphis. Drawing from their missions project experience, they began immediately implementing new outreach strategies.
“Back in Medford, they did survey cards where they surveyed people and did a big giveaway, so we did both of those things,” Delaney said. “We were giving away Memphis Grizzlies tickets and promoting a few more outreach events that were coming up, like our costume party, in hopes that we could engage more people.”
For Delaney, who had already experienced missions work in Denver, the Medford trip deepened her love for the mission field on America’s college campuses.
“To be honest, because I grew up in the church, it wasn’t until I came to college when I started encountering people outside of the church bubble for the first time,” Delaney said. “Medford has shown me that the students on the University of Memphis campus are my mission field. These students aren’t just looking for a social group but someone to walk alongside them, teaching them how to pray, read the Bible, and navigate life’s challenges while staying true to their faith.”
As this new perspective took root, College Ministry’s approach evolved beyond simply hosting events like The Vue. The team began prioritizing authentic connections and spiritual conversations whenever they happened.
“I would say the trip really encouraged me to be more intentional with students and not be afraid to jump into those Gospel conversations,” Delaney said. “I remember this one time I met a girl on campus who was a very profound atheist, and I had a very real and raw conversation about what she had seen in her life. I remember hearing her story and thinking, ‘Wow, people have these beliefs because of how broken the world is,’ but that’s what makes the restoring power of Jesus so good.”
The impact of Medford has extended beyond just surveys. Since College Ministry changed their outreach strategy, 10 students from the University of Memphis have committed their lives to Christ, and the number of students involved in College Ministry continues to grow. The Medford trip reinforced what Paul demonstrated throughout his ministry—the importance of meeting people where they are with the Gospel message.
“If everyone only considers the lost across the world, who will meet the needs of the people here?” Delaney said. “There’s brokenness in developing countries, but I think people forget how much brokenness is within our own country. Our students have been emboldened to share the Gospel wherever they go.”
As College Ministry continues to share the Gospel at the University of Memphis, they carry forward the lessons learned in Medford. Each Monday they show up to the University of Memphis and The Vue with a renewed purpose, knowing that sometimes the most significant mission field isn’t across an ocean—it’s right here in our city. When we’re faithful to God’s call wherever we are, He can use us to transform lives and communities in powerful ways.