Sam Tschetter, from the Judah class of 2022, has a new relationship with Jesus. He has gone from being, in his own words, “the definition of a lukewarm Christian” to blazingly on fire for God.
His involvement in Christian community and activities at Judah — like the GodTreks Adventure Club, the Wednesday night Bible study, and much more — has been the catalyst for his transformation. Sam opened up about his renewed walk at chapel this year. He talked about how Jesus has truly become the Lord of his renovated Christian life.
Here is what he said:
I can still remember the moment that Mr. Himick introduced me to a newly formed Bible study that took place at his house. It occurred during a time in my life when I did not know my direction, and I felt very confused. I grew up in a Christian household, but I had never made my faith my own. I merely relied on what was professed by the grown-ups around me, and having that kind of faith made me very, very unstable. Going to church once a week, going to a Christian high school during the week, and praying without any substance was the extent of my Christian walk.
Leading a meaningless and bland life sure made life pass me by like a blur. I never openly questioned the truth of the Bible or considered living a life apart from Christian community, but I was not willing to put forth a conscious effort to seek after Jesus. I was an honest coward. The truth of the Bible did not play a significant role in my life or in my relationship with others. I was truly the definition of a lukewarm Christian. I realized this, but for the most part, I shrugged it off. I feared God, but I did not seek after Him. I had a stubborn will that was too concerned with the empty things around me.
In hindsight, what I needed to enact was Matthew 10:39, where Jesus says, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” I needed to die to my stubborn self-will and seek Jesus. I still struggle with dying to myself daily, but it is achievable through Christ who strengthens me.
The absence of the Lord in my life eventually led to a void that was filled by other things. Although these things weren’t immediately evident to the people around me, they did completely mess up my private life. My sin metastasized into a serious illness, which made the cure sound more and more sweet. But I lacked a community of fellow believers and people who would help guide me in the right direction. So, when the Wednesday night Bible study was brought to my attention, it certainly intrigued me.
Joining the Bible study, and the GodTreks Adventure Club shortly after, was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Looking back, I can see that I am so much closer to Jesus than I was last year. It goes without saying that I still fall, but I do so in a new way.
Spiritual growth is at the forefront of why I decided to join GodTreks. My ultimate goal is to learn to walk like Jesus more and more every day and in every aspect of life. I may not yet fully grasp the extent of this, let alone be able to put this into practice, but I am sure that this club, the wonderful people it consists of, and their encouragement will help me accomplish this goal.
GodTreks provides me with a community of people with one common goal: to seek Jesus. A community of unified believers with one common goal has been one of the most crucial elements in growing my faith. I desire that community more than ever. A healthy community helps each person grow — iron sharpens iron — and lets us be accountable to one another. It demonstrates how we are to be one unified body of believers and makes us into the image of Christ. Jesus prayed for unity in John 17, and we could answer His prayer. What keeps its fire better: a singular burning coal or a group of burning coals heated together?
I joined GodTreks with spiritual goals in mind. But I have adventure goals too. We get to explore God’s creation both physically and socially as disciples of Jesus. I am looking forward to the opportunities we’ll have in which we learn how to interact with nature and with other people, both of which are God’s creation. Growing up, I led an extremely sedentary life that lacked variety, adventure, and activity. GodTreks lets me experience the wonders of God’s creation alongside a wonderful, adventurous, and active group of people. I look forward to exploring the beauty of God’s creation in ways that I have never been able to do previously. I have never really been on a real hike — nothing compared to the hikes we are planning this next summer in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. I can’t wait to see how God grows each one of us in Jesus.
Genuine Christian community is an important avenue for growing in your faith. Sam told how he has been set on fire for God and how Christian community helped ignite the flame. This 2022 alum is one of many who have benefited from the Christian community and activities at Judah.
—Keaton Welch, class of ’25
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