BUM Reviews from students , past and present as well as parents 2021-22

 

Both of our boys stayed at the BUM housing while attending Lake Land College.  Although the housing opportunity initially drew us to BUM, the experience was so much more for them. Jason, JoLee, and their family became family for our boys. They invited Seth and Lance into their home and shared meals and fellowship with them.

Seth and Lance were raised knowing Jesus and enjoy learning and growing in their faith. BUM offered a continuation of this most important part of our boys’ lives while they were attending college. Last, but not least, Lance continually brags about JoLee’s cooking and loved her homemade meals every Thursday night!
– Aaron and Deb Mitchell (parents of Seth and Lance, both students & housing different years)

 

Beyond Us Ministries has been a major blessing in my life, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be involved with the ministry. The spiritual growth I experienced was exponential, and my knowledge of interpreting and understanding God’s word was also greatly increased. Additionally, I gained relationships with fellow believers who build me up in my journey, and these friendships remain an important part of my life. These experiences are worth much more to me than the cost to live at the duplex, which is already cheaper than average college living. Furthermore, I appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of Jason and JoLee’s home. They have a distinctive gift for taking in BUM students as their own children. They are always willing to have conversations, even late at night when someone might prefer the comforts of bed. Also, Jason and JoLee devote their time to make each Thursday the best it can be. JoLee prepares a wonderful meal every week, then Jason has a lesson prepared for us to learn more about God. This effort can’t be described any other way than the love of God working through them. Unfortunately, I had to move out as I transferred to Southern Illinois Carbondale; however, I would continue living at the duplex if I could. The time I spent there was overall an amazing experience, and I recommend it to anyone.
– Lance Mitchell – Lived in Duplex While Attending Lake Land for the 2020-2021 School Year

 

BUM is an awesome group for college age kids to help them to keep God in their life and to support them in their journey through collage. My son was very quiet and did not have a lot of friends, but through BUM he became an independent kid that had support from this group during a life changing time. He learned how to be on his own by moving into the BUM House while having someone to go to for support and to help him learn about God. The Bible study groups were his favorite. Being a part of helping with projects while the BUM ministry facility was being built was one thing that he loved. Even today my son considers the directors and friends he made through BUM as part of his family. He even met his wife thru BUM and they are still helping with the ministry when they can..This group shows our kids what it’s like to be loved and cared about when we as parents can’t be with them.. I’m thankful for and I support this ministry and always will for without them my son may not have become the Christian man he is today.
– Brenda Kroll (mom of Kyle Kroll student & housing)

 

Thanks for all you do…Here are our words……..BUM is an awesome ministry serving college youth.  Even though our son has graduated from Lakeland and is attending EIU, he continues to attend weekly bible studies and BUM weekly meetings. As a parent, it is exciting to see our son and his friends looking forward to meeting with christian peers.  The connections and friends he has met via BUM have made his college years, times to cherish. The ministry has helped him grow in his faith.

Jason and JoLee are always there to help and pray with and for students. Their dedication, love, and passion to see college students growing in their faith is so obvious and encouraging. The volunteer BUM board members are also dedicated to these students.

The housing gives students a safe, quiet place to study and to hold bible studies and discussions, as well as to serve as their home away from home.  We are so thankful for this ministry and pray for continued blessings.

In christian love and with thankful heart filled gratitude,
– Rick and Patty Hacker (parents of Patrick student, housing & current board member)

 

I always look forward to going to bum on Thursday nights. I have grown in my faith since going to bum and it has pushed me out of my comfort zone with being a small group leader. I have also met some of my best friends at bum and everyone always made me feel so welcomed.
– Marissa Herschberger, current student leader

 

No matter the day, the BUM community has always been there for me, my friends, and my family. Having BUM available to me throughout my college years has shown me how powerful, yet how available God is. Whether it was Tuesday night small group Bible studies or Jason’s Thursday night messages, God’s word became alive.
– Shandon Herschberger, BUM alumni & former board member

 

What has BUM been to me? It has been the place that has sparked my walk with Christ. Starting college during the pandemic was very difficult, it was this whole new step in life, and on top of that it was online nobody knew what to do. College was nothing like what I was expecting it to be, I didn’t get to see people every day. I no longer got to interact with my peers. BUM has allowed me to meet like-minded college students with who I could connect and grow. It has provided a safe and inviting environment to help me grow into the person Christ wants me to be. It has provided me with friendships that I am hoping to have for the rest of my life. If you are considering coming to BUM you definitely should. I’m sure it will impact you in a great way!
– Emma Keefer, student

 

Beyond Us Ministries equipped me to remain strong in my faith when I am not constantly surrounded by the people who initially led me to Christ. The ministry helped me develop friendships with people who would hold me accountable and care about my growth as a Christian. As I furthered my education and gained independence, Beyond Us Ministries provided the tools and family that kept me from neglecting my beliefs at a time in my life when many people do just that.

As for life in the duplex, the environment I was so fortunate to live in promoted studying of both classwork and the Biblical material presented to me through small groups. Being close to the BUM House also allowed me to truly feel like part of a family away from my hometown. This opportunity was unique in providing an experience of living on my own while providing a support group found only through the Christian foundation of Beyond Us Ministries.
– Travis Wilke, student & housing

 

Our son Addison started at BUM right after High School of 2020. He had some friends who he knew in Charleston and they all met on Thursday evenings for College age Bible Study. The next few months he became more involved in the BUM ministry. He met tons of new friends and college friends who struggled with the same same things he struggled with. In August of 2021 he moved into the BUM home and we saw a transformation of personal growth and faith growth. His roommates keep him accountable not only with his Christian walk but accountable for the things he does in life. Living at BUM has given him the freedom he wanted as a college kid but also he still has rules he just obtain in order to stay. We truly believe that this is where he needed to be. We love what BUM has done for our son and the friends he has met. The leaders of BUM have created such an amazing ministry our family would recommend and support this ministry 100 percent. God has bless them and will continue to bless them in years to come. If you have a son or daughter who is in college and struggling to find their place BUM has so many things to offer. Several Bible study options, Music and Worship, Fellowship and Fun.
– Brooke Webner (mom of Addison Webner, student & housing)

 

Beyond Us Ministries was such an important part of my time at Lake Land because it instilled in me a higher standard for gospel-centered relationships and churches that has stayed past graduation. It was so important to not only have leaders to reach out to, but also friends on campus who would hold me accountable and be there for me when I needed them to be. Each large group session held strong gospel-centered teaching, active participation and some of the most genuine fellowship I’ve seen from a group, Christian or otherwise.

The student housing offered vital opportunities for me to be deeply involved in others’ lives, and vice-versa. We treated each other like family, and embraced each others’ highs and lows together. The duplex is definitely the nicest place I’ve lived in college, and offered a wonderful balance between independence and life preparedness.
– Michael Grovier, BUM alumni & housing

 

Related to Housing:

When I moved into the BUM house, I had come from living in an apartment complex that consistently surrounded me with worldly pleasures. There were many times that I didn’t even feel safe in my own home and was uncomfortable with where I was living. Even in my time living there, Jason and JoLee opened up their home to me. They gave me a safe place to call home when I otherwise was surrounded by temptation and potentially harmful situations. Once living in the duplex, I was met with great community and friendships that have still continued in my time after college. Not only did I feel safe and at home, but my parents were also at ease knowing I was in a place with parents away from home. Jason and JoLee very quickly became my bonus parents. As their neighbor and BUM kid, I always felt welcome and a part of their family, and I still do today. I could name several memories of late nights and a few early mornings spent with the Reicherts and other BUMs just living life together, and that in and of itself changed the trajectory of my college years. I went from home sick to feeling right where I was supposed to be. There’s a sense of being welcomed there that I just don’t think you find many places anymore, and that is something special about it to me.

BUM in General:

BUM holds a special place in my heart because it is where I accepted Christ. Through a friend that cared about me, I was able to hear the Gospel and come to know and love Jesus in my college years. I’m blessed to have been able to be baptized by Jason on a Thursday night at BUM, and I can’t think of a better place to have expressed my faith outwardly. Jason and JoLee didn’t hesitate to help me learn and grow, intentionally taking the time to disciple me and pour time into my walk with the Lord. They not only gifted me my first Bible, but also taught me how to study it. Their impact in what my faith is today is immeasurable and undoubtedly a reflection of their love for God. They also helped me develop skills as a leader and in being able to help encourage others in their walk. Our weekly Bible studies weren’t just about the fun, but about digging into the truth of God’s word and living our lives for Jesus outside of our Thursday night Bible study. Jason and JoLee urge BUM students to dig deeper, to be a part of a local church, to serve and love others, and so much more that God’s word teaches us to be as His followers. The work of BUM is far beyond its consistent Thursday night, it’s about relationships and growing in Christ together, every day of the week.
– Liberty Jamison, BUM alumni & housing

 

We cannot think of a better place for our son to move to than the BUM housing. While, yes, we miss that he is not at home with us, however he is with some pretty wonderful Christian people! Our hearts are overjoyed when we hear about the Bible studies, the outings, and fun he is having with his roommates and the director’s family. We have attended several Bible studies with the BUM Directors and know the teaching is Biblically sound and taught in truth and love. Just knowing that our son is surrounded by Christ-filled leadership and roommates has made this transition a pure blessing! God bless the BUM ministry!

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14
– Mark and Melissa Harden (parents of Skylor, student & housing)

 

I am so happy our son Michael got to live at BUM while attending Lake Land college in Mattoon!  It was a wonderful transition from high school to college!  I was born with cerebral palsy and I didn’t think I could have children;  God knew different!  My husband Dave and I met at a christian singles dance and we have been together for 25 yrs.  Jason and JoLee Reichert are awesome;  they were in charge of BUM.  God is so awesome! Your friends;
– Lisa and Dave Grovier  (parents of Michael Grovier BUM alumni & housing)

 

Being involved with Beyond Us Ministries was a great experience that taught me how to be ready to share about God’s love. I was a student leader and lived in the christen housing.

This allowed me to invite people over for a safe place if needed and host good old fashion ice cream socials. Everyone at BUM knew the girls always had ice cream. I loved being a part of this ministry and I believe it helped me grow in my walk with the Lord.
– Lucille Smith, BUM alumni & housing

 

During her first year of college, my daughter was introduced to BUM.  As she began to involve herself within the group, she found herself wanting to be more involved, to learn and understand, and to grow as a Christian.  Jason and JoLee Reichert offered a space for the college students to collaborate, study, have home cooked meals, and grow in their faith together.  They are the leaders of the BUM group and caretakers of the BUM House. The students that were involved in BUM became friends and disciples in Christ.

Liberty moved into the duplex known as the BUM House which is located on the edge of the golf course in a country setting.  The duplex housed 4 ladies on one side and 4 men on the other side.  All of these young adults attended BUM and lived a Christ centered life.  The BUM house is located next door to Jason and Jolee’s home.  I could always rest easy knowing that this was a safe location for Liberty to live.  The BUM House dwellers developed a home where spiritual disciplines were practiced.  House expectations included noting when you left on a board so others knew to look out for you, shared responsibility with household duties, outside people to be out of the home at a respectful hour, and orderly ways of conducting yourself as a member of the house.

Liberty has developed lifelong friends, Christ-centered values, what it means to be of service in Christ, and what God’s purpose is for her in her journey of life.  The opportunity to attend that Bible study with BUM is where this all began.
– Jenny Jamison (mom of Liberty Jamison, student & housing)

 

Our best advice to young people is always this:  No matter what you choose to do, find a faith community to belong to so that you can remain grounded in your faith and counter the world’s confusion with God’s truth.  “Stand firm.  Let nothing move you.”  -1 Corinthians 15:58

So when our son transferred from a Christian university to Lake Land College to pursue a specific career, we were grateful to learn about BUM.  Not only has the BUM housing option been an affordable and unique opportunity, but the small group Bible studies, Thursday night gatherings, and new friendships have all been enriching and strengthening to his faith.  BUM has helped him keep a biblical worldview while studying at a secular school.  Jason and JoLee are always there to mentor, nurture, and challenge the students, and invite them into their home like family.  We are grateful for what BUM has meant to our son and his faith, and we are quick to point other students toward the opportunity and influence of BUM!
– Derrick & Karen Ritchie (parents of Josiah, student and housing)