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Small steps toward big changes at Ohio Dominican

garrisonk_web.jpgKhadija Garrison is an anomaly. She is in her mid twenties and putting her double degree in Psychology and Religion to use in an extraordinary way. Khadija works, eats, sleeps, and lives with college freshmen. She is a CCO staff member and resident minister in a freshmen dorm at Ohio Dominican University where she caters to the needs of the students all day, every day by being a constant presence in their lives.

“I am the only chaplain that lives on campus. I live with the students. As a result, I’m not just their minister; I’m their counselor, mom, friend and advisor. It’s whatever the students need at that time,” comments Khadija.

“I live in the hustle and bustle of a freshman residence hall. None of the students living on campus have access to a kitchen, so I let them come into my apartment to make cookies, brownies or a meal.”

Khadija’s weeknights are fully invested in building relationships with the students. She initiated an exploratory Bible study for students who have a lot of questions about Christianity but want to gain a deeper understanding. Khadija listens to them and talks with them about what it looks like to believe in God. Some attendees are even confirmed atheists.

Khadija also started an intensive meeting time where she focuses on discipling Christian women and developing leadership skills within them. Khadija’s knitting circle has also been a helpful catalyst to further her involvement in the lives of other women.

It’s the subtle, inconspicuous actions that are affecting students. Khadija willingly opens her door for “Heroes” fanatics to watch the NBC-television show in her apartment. Through this weekly gathering last year, Khadija developed a relationship with one of the girls and eventually led her to Christ.

Khadija has integrated these students so much into her life that for two consecutive years, she has taken them to her hometown of New Orleans, L.A., one of the most devastated cities from Hurricane Katrina, to help repair the damage done. She has a strong desire to involve her students in the restoration process of the city in order to practically show them how their efforts can make a difference.

“I was influenced by the CCO during my college years,” says Khadija, “and working for the CCO allows me to live out my faith by giving back to students what was first given to me.”

Khadija strives to give her students a sense of responsibility and purpose for the direction their lives are heading. Each cookie, each conversation, each trip to New Orleans are small steps toward big changes in many of their lives.