Four weeks into a new Bible study group at Our Lady of the Lake University, students are finding a welcoming space to explore Scripture, strengthen their faith and encourage one another.
The group was started by Devontae Da Costa and Bryant Wade, who joined with Dan, an elder from Da Costa’s church, to lead weekly gatherings. The Bible study grew from Da Costa’s own experience attending a small group hosted by a former teammate.
“Last year, one of my teammates hosted a small Bible study, and I went,” Da Costa said. “I didn’t expect much going in, but that room ended up teaching me a lot about the Bible, about my own faith and about the kind of man I wanted to be.”
When his teammate graduated and the group ended, Da Costa continued reflecting on the impact it had made in his life. He wanted to create a similar opportunity for other students at OLLU.
“So I teamed up with Bryant, my coworker and brother in Christ, and Dan, an elder at my church who has been a big part of helping us run it every week,” he said.
Da Costa said his decision to help lead the group is rooted in the growth he has experienced over the past two years through consistent Bible reading and relationships with people who have encouraged him in his faith.
“My faith has been growing a lot over the last two years,” Da Costa said. “One thing I’ve noticed about people who really follow Jesus is that they bring others with them. That’s what I want to do. A Bible study, and inviting your friends and family into it, is one of the best ways I know to do that.”
For Da Costa and Wade, the most meaningful part of the experience has been welcoming students who are new to following Jesus or are beginning to explore their faith.
“The most meaningful moments have been when someone new comes in—someone who’s just starting to follow Jesus,” Da Costa said. “Getting to sit with them, open the Word together and watch them grow closer to God is why we do this.”
The group’s early sessions have already created meaningful conversations and connections among participants. It also adds to the opportunities available for students to explore faith, build community and grow spiritually at OLLU, where University Ministry supports faith exploration and a campus community that includes people of many faith traditions.