Delta State Wesley Director on Her First Year

4/26/2017

By Julia Sheets, Director of DSU Wesley Foundation

Photo right: Wesley Foundation students served a barbecue lunch at Delta State University. The campus is in Cleveland, Mississippi.

It has been an incredible year at the Delta State Wesley Foundation. I can't believe my first school year here is almost over! One student described our Wesley as what "the Kingdom of Heaven will look like." There are students of every race and socio-economic status, and we have had students from over 15 countries in attendance. It is awesome! It is so exciting to see students growing in the Lord and building relationships together, it is truly an example of Godly community.

The DSU Wesley has had a busy year of worship, Bible studies, retreats, international nights, holiday parties, and a Spring Break Mission Trip! What better way to spend Spring Break than worshiping and serving the Lord as we got to help others. We served alongside Delta Grace in a community near Baton Rouge, LA that had been traumatized by flooding. We got to help repair three homes. The work was satisfying, but it was the building of relationships with the homeowners which was the most fulfilling. The students definitely received more of God's grace than they ever felt possible through the faiths of the gracious homeowners who had lost so much.

I love being a part of the churches and communities in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. There are so many churches and individuals who lovingly give to the Wesley with their prayers, financial support, and food! We are so blessed to see how many adults in the UMC care about college students and wanting them to grow in relationship with Christ. I am excited to get to build relationships between DSU Wesley and the surrounding churches. We have been privileged to share in 17 congregations this year! I can't wait to see what God continues to do on the campus of Delta State through the Wesley Foundation.

To contact Julia Sheets, mail to, 904 S. Court St. Cleveland, MS 38732. For more information about DSU Wesley Foundation, visit www.dsuwesley.com.