“What’s your story?” Robert Niewoehner (photo), a professor in Aerospace Engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy, listens carefully as midshipmen answer his questions on the 10-minute walk to the Faculty Club. Professor Niewoehner, who’s involved with Cru’s Faculty Commons ministry, offers to treat any interested senior midshipmen to lunch on Friday, two at a time. The only rule is that they can talk about anything except class.

Each week, Professor Niewoehner asks questions like “Why Aero?” “What do you want to do after graduation?” “What’s been your most thrilling experience here?” and “What has disappointed you?” From their answers, he learns a great deal about his students.

Over lunch, the conversation shifts, and Professor Niewoehner invites the students to ask him anything, with no question off-limits. “This is where it gets fun!” is how he describes this time. 

According to the professor, a typical exchange might go like this: “How long was it between meeting your wife and getting married?” “Almost three years, but we had a spiritual awakening in the middle.” “Could you talk more about that, Sir?” Several students have asked Professor Niewoehner to share with them what it’s like to be a Christian while serving in Naval Aviation.

Professor Niewoehner says that about 40% of the time, the questions the midshipmen ask lead him to share his full Christian testimony. “That’s not surprising”, he adds, “considering how many of Jesus’ meaningful conversations took place over a meal.”

Faculty Commons, the faculty and graduate student network of Cru, is part of the U.S. Campus Ministry. Launched in 1980, Faculty Commons provides resources and connections that enable professors and graduate students to collaborate in making Christ known on their campuses.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1) Robin and I give thanks to the Lord for you, your prayers, and your partnership in our ministry with Cru. We are thankful for our family and friends. Most of all, we are thankful for God’s love for us and for his mercy and grace. May you experience God’s peace, hope, and joy in this holiday season. 

Yours in Christ, 

Steve & Robin