This year’s Student Stories speak to the impact of our FOCUS missionaries, who work alongside Fr. Nick to reach all Catholics at Hope College. The mission of FOCUS is “to know Christ Jesus and fulfill his Great Commission.” Through Bible studies, conferences, and community building events, FOCUS invites college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization, discipleship, and friendship in which they lead others to do the same.
Sophie Hardy
Hope College sophomore and FOCUS Bible study participant
Hello! My name is Sophie Hardy, and I am a sophomore here at Hope. I first got asked about joining a Bible study in the fall semester of freshman year. I knew right away that I wanted to join because I wanted to grow more intellectually in my faith, and I wanted to be able to explain our faith in an appropriate manner. I also wanted to read more of the Bible because I did not have much experience in that area of faith.
In the first study, the topic was on our identity and the question of what we are made for. We talked about Genesis and how we are made for this unique, Father-Son/Daughter relationship with God. This was the first time that it hit me that I am truly a daughter and child of God. He loves me as His own.
As soon as our first study ended, I knew I wanted to make this a priority. I wanted to make sure that I could make it to every study because I was so intrigued, and I desperately wanted to keep learning.
Over time, I became more invested, and I was given the Gospel presentation where I was asked if I wanted to make Jesus the center of my life through discipleship. When I was first asked this question, I wanted to say yes, but there was a small part of me that was unsure, unsure about what I would have to give up, what things I would have to add on to my schedule, or what life would even look like. But the Holy Spirit was working within me, and I said yes. Praise God.
The Holy Spirit continued to work in my life through discipleship by showing me practical ways of how to truly make the Lord my priority and center of my life. It started with prayer, how to pray, and how to schedule it into my routine. This slowly grew into a set prayer routine that I stick to and rely on amidst life’s joys and trials. I learned the importance of intercessory prayer and investing in others. I rediscovered the importance of the sacraments and the grace that God pours out for us in those forms of immense love and mercy.
One final thing that really hit me through Bible study and discipleship was the power and influence that other people of faith can have on your life. My Bible study leader and discipler was amazing. I always felt welcomed, seen, and heard by her. I knew I could always go to her with whatever I needed, whether it was simply a walk to catch up on each other’s lives or a chat about life’s struggles. Through this experience, God revealed to me that He was asking me to join this higher call of mission to bring other people closer to Him just as He had my leader bring me closer to Him. I wanted to be that person for other women. I want women to know they aren’t on this journey alone.
Bible study and discipleship were the first steps I took in really starting my relationship with the Lord. Without those stepping stones, I don’t think I would be where I am today. They gave me a strong foundation that has kept me grounded in faith and rooted in the unimaginable love of our Heavenly Father. I will forever be grateful to God for putting this yes in my heart that has brought me closer to Him.
