Earlier this past semester, Cam arrived at Wesley carrying nothing more than curiosity and a yoga mat. One of our student staff members had invited them to Yoga at Wesley—a simple, student-to-student nudge of welcome and wanting to get to know them better. Cam later shared that when they first walked through Wesley’s doors, they hesitated. What is this place? Who are these people? Did I come to the right spot? Everything was new. They were simply looking for a place to breathe, stretch, and do some yoga. And we were simply glad they showed up.

A few weeks passed before Cam felt comfortable returning, not because anything was wrong, but because trust takes time. Eventually, the community felt safe enough to try again for Sunday Night Dinners. That moment sparked something forward-moving: Cam invited a friend. Soon after, they were helping decorate for Christmas, no longer questioning where they had come, but investing in where they belonged.

On Christmas decorating night at Wesley, they met Jonah, a new to campus student navigating life at Western Michigan University. Two students whose paths would have never otherwise crossed spent the night laughing while stringing lights and fluffing garland. The joy continued at the table with card games, shared stories, and community forming in real time.

This was more than an event. It was students connecting and friendships forming because the space exists. A safe, secure home base that gives students confidence to live into our vision of being an authentic, transforming, Christ-centered community. God is at work here in Kalamazoo. And this is only the beginning!