WHO I AM

In 2022, Josiah graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in music education and moved to Wisconsin to begin his teaching career. He loves teaching music, singing opera with the Madison Opera Company, and playing rugby.

When Josiah arrived on campus as an eighteen-year-old, he thought he had everything figured out. Faith had always been important to him and his family. At the time, his mom had just completed her internship to become a pastor, and his dad was a church youth director. In college, he hoped to find a community to continue exploring faith with, but one that was led by someone other than his parents. “I was never a separate person,” Josiah remembers, “I wanted to figure out who I am in relation to God.”

Because of faithful supporters, Josiah found a community at the University Lutheran Center where questions were welcomed, and faith could be explored without judgment. “It was a space of non-judgment,” Josiah remembers, “where what I felt judged for in other places was welcome here.” His questions were welcomed and celebrated as he explored his faith. Having a community of friends from a variety of majors was such a gift to his experience.

Through the community made possible by faithful supporters at the University Lutheran Center, Josiah’s faith evolved. “It is now more expansive,” Josiah says, “and I am more comfortable not knowing.” He has also carried with him a deep reminder that he was created in the Imago Dei, the image of God. “At a particularly rough part in my journey, I learned this concept,” Josiah says, “and it has echoed in my daily life.” During a season of questioning and self-discovery, learning that he was created in God’s image and that creation is good became an anchor. Today, Josiah carries that confidence of who he is as a child of God into every aspect of his life.

We are so thankful for your support of the University Lutheran Center. For students like Josiah, your generosity makes it possible for college students to explore and expand their faith in a non-judgmental community. Thank you for being part of this shared ministry.