Caleb grew up in Spokane Washington, and Deanna grew up in San Diego. They were both involved in InterVarsity at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. Deanna has been working for InterVarsity for a little over 5 years. Caleb has been working for InterVarsity for a little over two years.

Deanna led 30 students on a 6 week mission trip to Kolkata India two summers ago. Caleb and Deanna are planning on leading another trip to Kolkata this summer. We have also led students on two week "urban plunges" in the inner cities of Tacoma and Portland. Students serve in soup kitchens and homeless shelters during the day, and at night study scripture and learn about God's heart for the poor and the "least of these."

Less than 1% of the population in Kolkata are Christian and the dominant religion is Hinduism. Many of the people in Kolkata were very loving and friendly, despite dealing with hardship and poverty on a daily basis. At times it was intimidating being a Christian in a predominately Hindu culture, but I would say the hardest thing to grapple with in Kolkata was the extreme physical poverty of the people.

When placed in a city where everything is unfamiliar and hard, one has a great opportunity to trust and lean on God. As I walked around the city and felt at times overwhelmed or scared, I would pray and God would give me comfort! Fellowship and Christian community were also really important during those times.

While we have never been threatened physically while doing campus ministry, we have experienced some antagonism while working at The Evergreen State College. Anytime we put fliers (advertising our events) up on campus, they immediately get torn down or used for graffiti . . .which is, at times, frustrating!! We have also had a hard time working with the administration on campus, often finding it hard to advertise certain events through the campus newspaper. We rarely get listed on the "Campus Activities" website, but still keep trying.

We have had personal conversations with students on campus that have initially been intense and antagonistic. But, in general, once students find out that we aren't out to "judge" them or "manipulate" them, they open up and become more friendly.

Last year we had 4 students become Christian at Evergreen, which was really an amazing experience. This year, even though we just started up again for the fall, we already have two non-Christians coming to our bible study. Many students on campus at Evergreen have false ideas of who Jesus is, so anytime we have an opportunity to talk to someone and show them a different picture of Jesus, it is really exciting. This happens a lot! My hope is that everyone at Evergreen can at least take one step closer to knowing Jesus while at college.

I feel like it is so important for our Christian group at Evergreen to exist, because it provides a place for Christian students to come and grow, and find fellowship. Many of our students have definitely grown in their faith. During their time in college they have learned to lead a bible study among their peers, gained confidence in doing evangelism, learned more from scripture and have been challenged to let God enter into every aspect of their lives.

This last year of ministry has been very rewarding. We have helped people come to know Jesus and Christian students to grow stronger in their faith! We have also led students on Urban plunges and have seen their hearts grow for the poor.

Caleb and Deanna both really love scripture, and during our quiet times we often meditate on scripture. In our bible studies we often approach scripture from a more analytical, academic perspective, so during quiet times it is nice to simply sit, read scripture and wait for God to speak. We also find that it is so important to regularly pray, for our personal lives and for our ministry.

We find the passage in John 15 very encouraging for our ministry . . . that the most important thing we can do is to abide in Jesus. Also, Matthew 11:28-30 is very encouraging when we are feeling overwhelmed and anxious with ministry.