Student Stories
Growing up, my parents taught us that the purpose of religion was to be a good person, and that anyone who tried to be good would get to heaven. I faced a few really tough family situations including my dad passing away and my brother struggling with substance abuse that led me to question if God existed at all. I ended up getting involved in church as a teenager just because I was desperate for somewhere to belong. I spent years "faking it" not knowing what I truly believed.
During my second week at Baylor, a friend invited me to come to Vertical for the first time. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before. I found myself surrounded by people who knew, loved, and wanted to spend time with Jesus. They lived differently because they believed that God's way was better than the world's way.
One Monday that Fall, the gospel was shared in a way that made sense to me for the first time. I realized that night that heaven wasn't something I had to earn, it was something Jesus had already sacrificed Himself to give me. A relationship with Jesus wasn't about performance, it was about my heart. Salvation wasn't a gamble, it was an invitation.
My life changed forever when I realized the simple truth that God loves me. His way may not always be the easy way, but I promise you, it is always, always, the best way.
- Claire Testimony
During my second week at Baylor, a friend invited me to come to Vertical for the first time. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before. I found myself surrounded by people who knew, loved, and wanted to spend time with Jesus. They lived differently because they believed that God's way was better than the world's way.
One Monday that Fall, the gospel was shared in a way that made sense to me for the first time. I realized that night that heaven wasn't something I had to earn, it was something Jesus had already sacrificed Himself to give me. A relationship with Jesus wasn't about performance, it was about my heart. Salvation wasn't a gamble, it was an invitation.
My life changed forever when I realized the simple truth that God loves me. His way may not always be the easy way, but I promise you, it is always, always, the best way.
- Claire Testimony
Vert 100
Join the family! Vert 100 is our initiative to build a team of 100 monthly supporters. By joining the club, you will help ensure that Vertical will continue to ignite a passion in and inspire a generation of college students to follow Jesus.
Why the Vert 100? By giving monthly, you help us:
Partnership levels and benefits listed below. Join our team today!
Why the Vert 100? By giving monthly, you help us:
- More efficiently steward and deploy resources
- Plan and dream for the future
- Provide consistent funding for staff salaries
Partnership levels and benefits listed below. Join our team today!
Partner
$50/month
Benefits:
- Welcome Box
- Thank you card from a student volunteer
- Exclusive quarterly updates
Sponsor
$100/month
Benefits:
- All Partner level benefits
- Annual invite to Vertical
- Personal note from Vertical Executive Director
Champion
$200/month
Benefits:
- All Sponsor level benefits
- Annual exclusive Vertical merch
- Personal phone call from Vertical Executive Director
Not ready to join? Contributions of any size and frequency are always appreciated.