FBC has been involved supporting the Baptist Campus Ministry at Northern Illinois University financially for many years. Many students make critical life decisions during their college years, so this is an essential ministry. Zachery Dyrda, the part-time chaplain there, leads Bible Studies, holds dinner church (while eating with the students, Zach has worship), and also spends time with students who drop by the Baptist House which is located next to the campus. He is in his ninth year serving as the chaplain there.
Support for this vital ministry has declined over the years because of the decline in church membership and the Covid Pandemic. Recently, an organization called “Network of Nations,” a Christian ministry working with international students, saw the benefit of working with them to meet expenses and to share in the ministry. There are now leaders in the building every day doing ministry with international and American students.
When asked about a situation when he felt God working in his life as a chaplain at NIU, Zach replied, “To be honest I feel that all the time. I feel God working all the time. Whether I’m making changes to my sermon at the last minute, or a new student walks into BCM for the first time and somehow I say exactly what he needed, or when we start a game night but spend two hours in deep discussion about Jesus, and everyone leaves praising God. Even how the new relationship with Network of Nations has come about is all God at work.”
When FBC women took the donations from FBC to NIU a few weeks ago, Zach expressed his deep appreciation to our church for such a wonderful variety of food and supplies for the students. Thank you to the entire church for sharing your love in the work at the NIU Baptist Campus Ministry.
Baptist Campus Ministries
449 Normal Road
DeKalb, IL 60123
(815) 756-2131
www.facebook.com/baptistcampusministryniu