God’s Purpose Found in the Unfamiliar

Danica Jade C. Referez, a 3rd Year BS Entrepreneurship student from the University of Southeastern Philippines, never imagined that college would become a place where she would grow closer to God.

Before entering college, Danica was confused about what direction to take. More than that, she was scared. She worried that college might bring her far away from God. She had seen her ate and kuya go through college. They were often busy, overwhelmed, and struggling to make time for God. Because of this, Danica feared that the same thing might happen to her.

But despite her fears, she still chose to go, believing that college was where God was calling her. By God’s grace, she made it to where He had called her. Yet even then, she was still clueless about why God had placed her in this unfamiliar place.

Later on, her cousin introduced her to her discipler, who is a Cru staff. As they journeyed together, God slowly helped Danica understand why He had placed her on that campus. She realized that her purpose was to know God and make Him known. 

Through the caring community of Cru, God helped Danica grow more intimate with Him and become more intentional in sharing His love with others. He taught her to always say "YES" to Jesus—even when she didn't know how. Danica learned to depend on Him, and step out in faith.

By God’s grace, He also used Danica to pioneer a campus ministry in her high school alma mater called Campus L.I.G.H.T. At first, she was hesitant because she didn’t know how to lead. But throughout the experience, God taught her that sometimes, the best way to learn is by simply stepping out and doing it.

Now, when Danica looks back, she realizes that the place she was once afraid to enter because she thought it would bring her far away from God became the very place where she learned to know Him more, grow deeper in her relationship with Him, and make Him known to others.

And now, that is what Danica prays for her campus—that God would raise up disciples and multiplying leaders who will know Him and make Him known.