From Atheist to Christian at a Secular University

"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer harm for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.' But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:13-15).

While on vacation, we met a couple of friends at their community Bible church (http://www.wildwoodchurch.org/) in Norman. During lunch, the husband told me about how he had been led to Christ by a physics professor at the University of Oklahoma.

Around 10 years ago, our friend was an atheist majoring in science at the university. He became increasingly impressed with one particular professor's knowledge and ability to make the difficult concepts of physics easier to understand.

One day, during the professor's off hours, the professor presented a speech on Evidence for the Existence of God. Our friend could not argue against his professor's reasoning. He was also impressed with his nontenured professor's courage in risking his career in order to share his faith in God. Our friend became a believer.

However, he continued to avoid the church. Then one day, he shared, "I said something completely ignorant about something in the Bible to one of my other professors." The professor realized that our friend needed to grow in his faith. He responded, "You need a church that takes the Bible seriously to help you understand and develop as a believer." He suggested his local church, the same congregation the other professor attended.

Our friend and his wife are active members of that same congregation today, Wildwood Community Church. God used two professors at a secular university to change one young atheist into a committed follower of Jesus Christ.