Nancy Campbell

Northeastern Illinios University

Nancy graduated from Northeastern Illinios University where she majored in Criminal Justice. She played the outfield for the Northeastern Softball team, and has traveled and competed the past few summers on softball missions teams to Venezuela, The Netherlands Antilles, Mexico and Thailand with the purpose of sharing her faith in Jesus Christ. A Word from Nancy: I had life all figured out--at least I thought I did when I was in High School. It was then that I became involved with all sorts of clubs, organizations and athletics, and I truly felt as though I could get through just about anything. After all, I grew up going to church, and my family supported me in whatever I decided to do. But I soon learned that life wasn't always easy..

When I moved away from home for the first time to attend college and play softball at Northeastern Illinois University, I suddenly felt lonely and scared. I didn't know anyone at school. And as the school year went on, I became confused about who I was and began questioning what my purpose in life was. But as the softball team traveled to its games, I began talking with my coach. I found myself asking her all sorts of questions because she had a real assurance about herself. She shared how God had changed her life. We began reading the Bible together, and she answered all of my questions openly and honestly. My coach had such a positive and energetic outlook on life, and I wanted what she had. I soon learned how I, too, could have a real and personal relationship with the Lord and could be assured that when my life was over here I would spend eternity with Him in heaven. What a comfort it was to know that I didn't have to earn my way into His Kingdom, but that I only had to accept and believe that Jesus made the sacrifice to pay the penalty for my sin.

As time went on, I knew that God was speaking through my coach, and He really wanted to have a relationship with me. On the way home from our last road trip, my coach asked me to listen to a song entitled, "I Want Jesus in Your Heart." I began to cry as I listened because it was so clear to me that it was time to stop trying to figure out my life on my own and time to ask the Lord into my heart. I went home that night and asked Jesus to come into my life. For the first time in my life, I was absolutely certain about who I was and where I needed to be--in fellowship with Jesus Christ. In the few years since I accepted Christ, I have really come to understand what it means to be living for Him. I have stumbled along the way as I try to do things my own way, but the Lord has brought me through some rough times to a better knowledge of who He is and a deeper love for Him. How awesome a relationship we can have with Christ when we put Him first in our lives and seek to do His will!!