Dear Mr. Preacher Man

Dear Mr. Preacher Man by the Bowman statue,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17) This is what the Bible says about God and the people on campus/at the University of Kentucky. God loves the world. That means the people. Those humans you are screaming a message of condemnation at? Yeah, God loves them. So if you are claiming to be carrying out His message/mission/ministry/whatever you wish to call it...you'd be loving them. Last time I checked, I don't talk to people I love like you're talking to the people on this campus.


Now, I believe in a heaven and a hell, and I believe that you have to admit to God you are a sinner, repent from that sin, believe in Jesus and all he has done to save you, and confess your faith to be saved. But I also believe that Jesus came to earth with a whole lot of love. I mean, when he took the sins of every man on the cross and died the death I deserve, I'm pretty sure He loved me. And all the students at the University of Kentucky. And, yes, even you, Mr. Preacher Man. I also believe that God lets us choose. And I think that's a beautiful thing, but also a sad thing sometimes. And it's why I don't go around yelling and screaming at everyone that they are "going to hell," because that's putting zero hope in their hearts. They aren't going to go look for that God.


Truthfully, I look around and see a lot of lost people, just like you you apparently do, Mr. Preacher Man. However, here in the last two days that you've been on campus, I'm seeing a lot more lost people who don't want anything to do with Jesus. Well, I do. I want so much more of Jesus. I want Him to overwhelm this campus and this city and this nation and the individual hearts of the wonderful students here at UK. Because I think that when Jesus really shows up--when someone really does His ministry--there is love. Love abounding.


Lastly, to my fellow UK students...Christian or not, I want you to know that you are loved. You are loved by me, but more importantly by the one who set the sky in place. I'm not going to try to make you believe that. I could say I don't care if you do, but that's a lie. I care. I hope you do. Because the story of what Jesus did for me is one that no one can take away from me...he literally took my broken world and made it whole. And I believe he can do the same for you and every other person on this planet. But when you're seeing the people sharing all that hate, I don't blame you for wanting no part in it. But from me (and a whole lot of other loving Christians) to you--I love you, and I am sorry for the hate shown by some people who claim it is from God...for God so loved. I just felt the need to say something because it would break my heart to see someone turn away from the God who loves them because they see hate. So, I love you. Regardless of who you are or what you do. I love you. And so does Jesus. And He is waiting for you with open arms to take you home and into a life more beautiful than you could ever dream. Take hope, for He has overcome the world.