For Sam Elkins, a participant in the 2013 program, Compass was instrumental to his faith. Compass introduced Sam to a Christian community where brothers and sisters challenged him in his walk, showed him grace when dealing with sin, and, in all things, pointed him back to the Gospel. At Compass, Sam says that he experienced consistent wisdom from his peers and mentors, which created a desire to pursue Godly wisdom when faced with future difficult decisions.

In September of 2014, Sam took his first steps on his own at Virginia Tech, a campus home to over 30,000 students of unique backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. College was a crossroad in Sam’s life: the decision to keep pursuing his faith was one path, and a life of his own desires was the other. During his first semester there, the Lord provided the incredible community of Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ) that displayed the same values Sam found with Compass. Sam plugged in with a Bible study where he learned more about the important role of evangelism in faith. Through Cru, Sam developed lifelong friendships and grew deeper in his love for Christ.

Sam is currently a senior at Virginia Tech, pursuing his degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He is leading a Bible study through Cru for junior-year men. Sam is still great friends with Seth, his mentor from Compass, and is happily engaged to his wonderful, God-pursuing fiancée, Selena. Following their wedding in June of 2019, Sam and Selena will be moving to Williamsburg.

As an Industrial and Systems Engineer, Sam’s work will primarily focus on process improvement and making systems run more efficiently. His role is unique in that he will help facilitate the bridge between business and engineering and make a tangible difference. He desires to do this while using his work, passions, and relationships to glorify the Lord as a steward to the opportunities and blessings that have been given to him.

Sam says: “There have been times in my life when I have wavered. Despite my brokenness, the constant pursuit of Jesus and God’s incomparable love for me has led me to where I am today. I know that will remain the same for eternity.”

Alumni Reunion

This summer and fall, we had over 40 alumni attend our reunions. It’s great to see alumni and wonderful to reconnect.

Be sure to mark your calendar for July 24, 2019 for our next reunion!