Student Testimony: Thomas Chatham
Who I am today is undoubtedly a product of the Wesley Foundation’s ministerial efforts and the way the Holy Spirit moves through the people and community of the Wesley. I’ve always been a shy and awkward individual—rarely making friends and never feeling like I “belonged” anywhere I went. I was—for lack of a better word—a loner, and, frankly, I was quite content with that. But that all changed the first time I walked through the doors of the Wesley Foundation. I had decided to attend one of their Tuesday night services—called The Well—with the intent of fading into the background—an unknown face in a sea of people, forgotten the moment I left. That didn’t happen. Instead, I was surrounded by the friendliest of people. People who seemed to care about me despite having never met me. The moment I walked in those doors, I felt like I belonged. I left that evening with a longing to return and a new-found desire to break out of this shell that I had put myself in. Surrounded by the loving community of the Wesley, I was able to grow—both as a person and as a Christian.
With the encouragement of this community, the walls I built around myself began to crumble. True, they do still stand but are a mere ruin of what they once were—a pasture fence in place of the impenetrable walls of Jericho. Only through the active encouragement of the community was this transformation possible. From reading scripture for worship services, to blitzing and outreaches, to delivering homilies, and even leading a small group, the people of the Wesley have supported me every step in my journey. I truly would not be where I am today without this community.
Being loved and discipled by the students and staff of the Wesley, my faith as a Christian has never been stronger, and I have never felt closer to God. I have learned to see His presence everywhere—in the serenity of the forests, the calmness of a sweet melody, the lives of the people that I pass by on the street, in the laughter of children as they play in the sun, in the warmth of the light that filters down through the pines, and in the eerie chill of a moonlit night. Once you learn to see God in everything, you realize that you are never alone and that He is always near. When you see God in everything, you begin to recognize the extent to which God loves you and all people. Who but a loving God would have placed me so well as to have experienced the pure and immense beauty of His creation? Who but a loving God would allow me to wake every morning secure in the knowledge that, through Him, I can stand against whatever trials may come my way? Surrounded by these lovely people, my faith continues to grow stronger as I continue to grow closer to God.
I truly am a different person now, and that is nothing but the result of the way the Holy Spirit moves trough this community. The Thomas Chatham of today is almost the antithesis of the Thomas Chatham of a year ago. Where once I could be cold and cruel, I now try to show the kind warmth of God’s love. Where once I was unaccepting of anything that challenged my narrow worldview, I now focus on embracing new ideas and experiences with an opened mind. Where once I was reserved and unable to open myself up to anyone, I now actively—and awkwardly—attempt to push beyond my boundaries and out of my comfort zone. Where once I was truly alone (and, frankly, liked it), I am now surrounded by a loving and supportive community. I am no longer alone, and I love it.
I still am a shy person—and by no means a “perfect” Christian (if such a thing were possible)—but I know that, surrounded by the Holy Spirit and a supportive community, I have no choice but to continue to grow and to share the sheer joy that has been brought upon me with all who will listen. I am so thankful to the Wesley and its community for providing a place and an environment in which I could grow and feel comfortable and welcome. A place that I finally felt I belonged. And I am eternally grateful to God, who led me to this place, who worked through these people to show me the love He has for me, who gave me the strength to grow and to continue growing in the face of countless challenges and storms. Trusting in Him, I know that I am bound for a place that is truly my home.
Thomas has been a dedicated disciple in the Wesley community for the past year and is a small group leader this year. He is a second year History major here at Louisiana Tech. Thomas likes to ride his bike in his spare time, and is always willing to help in any way he can!