Inter Varsity promotes interaction between cultures

InterVarsity is a Christian-based student organization located on 649 college campuses across the nation, including Harvard University, the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College. 

According to the organization’s website, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA is a “vibrant campus ministry that establishes and advances witnessing communities of students and faculty.” 

The site explains that the group ministers to students and faculty through small-group Bible studies, large gatherings on campus, leadership training, thoughtful discipleship and life-changing conferences and events. 

The group’s stated goal at Kirkwood is “to help the multi-ethnic community prosper as students grow together in the love of Jesus by prayerful engagement with his message and go out sharing that love in the forms of creativity and cross-cultural hospitality.”

“You do not have to be Christian to be a part of the group and people can come to weekly meetings to let us know how we can help the Kirkwood community,” stated Joseph Brinkmann, Kirkwood InterVarsity staff.

The group organizes monthly events to promote interaction between students of various cultures. The next event is a barn dance on Oct. 3. 

“We do monthly international student events to help promote the integration of American and international students at KCC and broaden the cultural perspectives of students in general,” Brinkmann added. 

Eunice Umutoni, InterVarsity student leader, said, “InterVarsity is more than a group, it’s more like a family. Each time students come for the InterVarsity meetings, they leave with joy and are filled with energy.”

“We all feel secure because we know we have people to count on. We pray for each other and genuinely care about one another,” she added.

For more information about InterVarsity, contact Brinkmann at joseph.brinkmann@InterVarsity.org.