Rooted Testimonial

Growing up in Colorado, I didn’t have any connections to Oklahoma or really any reason to look into OSU. Without knowing the purpose behind my reasoning in choosing OSU, I was pushed and encouraged to lean on Christ throughout the many unknowns. One of these ways was through Rooted!

Before going to Rooted, I really lacked community at home. I lived a life that was easily shaken and struggled to find eternal purpose. One of my closest friends told me about Jesus when we were in 7th grade at a sleepover- I can't even imagine my reaction or how I received that news! I knew of Jesus but wasn’t pursuing a relationship at all. It wasn't until the middle of high school that I truly understood the gospel, but not necessarily what a God-fearing life looked like.  All I know is that the Lord has been working in my heart for a long long time.

It wasn’t until Rooted that I truly realized that having a community of believers was so crucial and important in order to grow in my faith. I heard about the conference through word of mouth and a few senior mentors and was eager to experience it!

During Rooted, I was given the opportunity to meet others around me who were seeking and open to a relationship with the Lord. The breakout sessions were incredible, the worship was amazing and the small groups really secured the opportunity to build friendship and trust. I am so confident in the mission behind Rooted, because it had such an incredible impact on me. I left the conference feeling empowered, feeling equipped, and feeling like I had the foundation for an incredible community at Oklahoma State. All of these things were things that the Lord has placed onto the hearts of everyone involved in Rooted and my experience is such a testament to His faithfulness!

Rooted completely changed how I view community. There is something so special about being surrounded and challenged by believers and that is the entire purpose and beauty of Rooted. I was not left in darkness but instead found a purpose through constant pursuit. I still keep in touch with the girls that were in my small group, and we have such a special relationship because of the discussion led at the conference. I have found a church in Stillwater that I absolutely love. And I have been able to experience the fire that OSU has for the Lord. All of these have been made possible through Rooted.

I am fully aware now that there is such a reason to why I was called to OSU. Through Rooted and the incredible united body of Christ at OSU, there is no doubt that Jesus has such a hand in in the way he brings so many students together to worship, to pursue, to seek.

- Jae Banfield