Matt Lewis
Transfer Student, CIU Senior, Bachelor of Arts, Communication

My freshman year I attended another “Christian” university, thinking that it was a wise choice for me. After one semester, I knew there was a great chasm between the “Christian” side of the university and academic side. The obvious split in ideals from what I was taught in class, or more correctly not taught in class, and what was expected of me by the rest of the university was too great.

My life started to take a turn away from God. Having a large secular university nearby provided many opportunities for ignoring my responsibilities and making choices I knew were wrong. By the end of my freshman year, my life was falling apart, and I was damaging relationships that were important to me.

After working at a Christian summer camp and attending the Emmaus School of Biblical Studies for a semester, I realized two things: I was not called to be a teacher; and I wanted to learn biblically while studying for a career. 

I must admit I had a preconceived “assumption” that Columbia International University was an oppressive Christian training ground. But after going on a mission trip to Italy with CIU students and visiting the campus, I realized these “assumptions” were quite untrue.

I am very grateful for my CIU experience. It is so uplifting to have a biblical backing to everything that is taught. There is no disconnection between what I learn in my Communication classes and what I learn in theology. The professors find a way to bring everything together. That’s because the university and the students desire the same thing – to be connected with Christ in all we do. 

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