CCO Campus Ministry

Going out of their way to reach all students at Penn State Altoona

This article first appeared in the fall 2009 issue of On Campus magazine.

“The CCO is really the only ministry on Penn State Altoona’s campus,” says Curt Wright, CCO staff member and co-leader of S.A.L.T. (Students About Living Truth). “If it were only an all-white group, that wouldn’t be good enough. There are Asian, Latino, African-American and white students who come to S.A.L.T. Because we’re not inhibited by cultural barriers, all races connect with it.”

Curt and his CCO co-worker, Rachel Foose, have gone to great lengths to incorporate a variety of multicultural elements into S.A.L.T., including gospel music, hymns, contemporary worship songs and ethnic instrumentation. White and African-American speakers address the crowd, challenging students to live out their faith in every area of life—whatever their race.

“Our desire is to be a body of Christ that is diverse, colorful and multicultural,” says Rachel. “We are dismantling presuppositions about Christian groups on campus by learning about each others’ communities.”

Joe, an African-American student, started attending S.A.L.T. and immediately joined the worship team. He came every single week, developing strong relationships with many of the members. Joe’s friend, Cody, came to know Christ as a direct result of S.A.L.T. students being encouraged to minister to their peers.

“Curt’s ministry has deeply impacted me and helped me grow in my faith,” comments a student named Eric Adams. “I have spent time with him in Bible study, in fellowship, on a mission trip and at our weekly worship service, S.A.L.T. He always makes me think about things in a different way than I would have on my own.”

Curt and Rachel are regulars at all kinds of campus events. Curt attends meetings with the Black Student Union and the Gospel choir. He performs at open mic nights and is often found in the gym, playing basketball or lifting weights with student athletes. He has gained their respect for his involvement in their lives.

“Rachel and I are not known as the white campus ministers,” says Curt. “We’re known as the campus ministers. Our goal is not to have a multiethnic ministry; our goal is to reach the campus.” And Penn State Altoona’s campus just happens to be a confluence of diverse students who are seeing how, as Rachel says, “the transforming work of Jesus Christ can change their lives.”

How it works
The CCO partners with the Altoona Collegiate Outreach and The Commonplace Coffeehouse II to bring Curt Wright and Rachel Foose to Penn State Altoona. Curt and Rachel co-lead S.A.L.T., the only Christian fellowship group on campus.

What our partners say
“Through partnering with the CCO, we know that the gospel is being preached and that students are coming to Christ and are growing in the Lord!” —Henry Hansard, technician for the Altoona Water Authority and President of Altoona Collegiate Outreach

“We love the ministry that the CCO has on our local campus and are thankful to be involved on any level. We’re very pleased to have a place where ministry can spread out and connect with the general public.” —Lynne Straw, Manager of The Commonplace Coffeehouse II

What students say
“Some people say college is supposed to be the place where you have all the fun you want to have and explore with all kinds of stuff, but after seeing the Light through S.A.L.T and Curt, college is the place where you strengthen your faith by laying down the foundations for your future. If you can endure and stand firm in your faith for Christ through college, then you can endure for the rest of your life!” —Joe Darko, Penn State Altoona, Class of 2011

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