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Heather Strong takes photography to a new dimension

aboutus_staff_m-z_strongh.jpgMost college campuses are full of them. The indie-film lovers, the hipsters, the free-trade coffee drinkers, the male fashionistas. These students are why Heather Strong is working for the CCO at Slippery Rock University. A photographer by hobby, Heather identifies with most things artistic. She relishes in the humanities and makes responsible environmental decisions, as do many of the students she interacts with on a daily basis.

To catalyze conversations with these students who are often overlooked, Heather hosts “indie movie nights” every other week which is a favorite among many students. “It’s a great way for me to show them hospitality and connect with them through a fun and meaningful activity,” says Heather.

I am open about my involvement with my church and have invited them to visit, but many of them have been burned by the church in the past. I want them to know that I care about them no matter what, and I don’t make my friendship conditional upon them accepting all my invitations.”

Heather also pilots The Harbor, a weekly fellowship open to students from all faith backgrounds to study the Bible. Many attendees aren’t even Christians and only have a dim understanding of Scripture. Heather’s enthusiasm makes it a place where they feel welcome.

overpass-heather-strong.jpgOne of the most unique ways Heather shares the gospel with students is through her photography. She uses black and white images to conceptually illustrate redemption to students unfamiliar with Christian terminology.

“When light cuts across a dark and harsh scene, it has the power to transform it into something lovely and valuable,” explains Heather. “I have experienced the light of Christ in my life cut across my darkness and sorrow and restore me to something meaningful and precious in His sight.”

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Students at Slippery Rock connect with Heather because she speaks their language and genuinely enjoys being with them. Whether their meeting her for tea, a meal in the cafeteria or just to chat, they see Heather’s transparency and love as a reflection of Christ’s.

One student put it well in a message she wrote Heather on Facebook,
“Hey Strong! Great lesson tonight. It really sent a lot of new meaning and direction my way. Keep up the hard work—you’re impacting lives. That’s definitely something to be proud of!”