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Stephanie Wessel

wessel_steph.jpg“The main thing the CCO gave me was an intentional community—a framework, a context, people who spoke the same language and had the same beliefs,” says Stephanie Swaney Wessel of her experience as a student at Allegheny College. Through the ministry of CCO staff George Saylor and Denise Overholser, Steph became involved in fellowship groups, Bible studies and mission trips. She remembers hearing for the first time about developing a biblical worldview perspective and thinking, “this is what it really means to be a Christian.”

“My neighborhood is college students.” Currently living on the Penn State University campus, Steph serves the CCO as the leader of CRUX Adventures, an outdoor leadership development and discipleship ministry. Steph first participated in an outdoor ministry experience during a fall trip as a student at Allegheny. Later, as a staff person, she learned about the CCO’s Leadership and Discipleship in the Wilderness (LDW) program. LDW had a need for instructors, and Steph had witnessed the transformative experience some of her students had undergone through that program. She decided to participate so that she could better understand their experiences.

Steph first attended the Jubilee conference as a sophomore in college and has attended for thirteen years since. Jubilee, she says, introduced her to the concept of integrating faith with her studies. The challenge to live ethically and practice stewardship, Steph says, has probably been the theme of how she has lived life since that conference. When in the field with students, she emphasizes creation care, leaving the places they live and the people they live with in better condition than they found them.

Although she lives and works on campus, Steph has been active in pursuing intentional community in State College. She is part of a group of both single and married folks, all from different churches, who get together for dinner, for Bible study, and to support local community activities. While exercising at the local Y, she says that she’s had a number of interesting faith conversations with others who are curious about the work she does and the trips she takes with students.

Living with students and working for the CCO continues to frame the lenses Steph uses to view life. When talking with students, she says, “I have to be listening to the advice I’m giving my students.” She sees the thread of Christ and redemption interwoven as she shares her life with students at Penn State, “allowing my story to impact student stories.” As a CCO staff member, Steph Wessel’s life continues to be transformed by Christ as “the conversations and discussions come back and impact my life in the same way.”