Our History
Our story began with a deeply felt need.
Prior to 1969, the only outreach to university students in Michigan was attempts by local churches near a campus to include students in their programs. Michigan State University students brought the need to the attention of the elders at the University Christian Church in East Lansing. These men of vision formed a state-wide steering committee which led to the formation of the first campus ministry at MSU.
Gary Hawes was called to be the first campus minister in 1969. Now, fifty five years later, God has used Gary’s passion and energy to grow this ministry. We have increased from one campus and fifteen students to twelve campuses, with over 35 full-time campus staff, interns, and administrative staff and more than fifteen hundred students involved in some part of the ministry. God has blessed the ministry with fifteen campus houses for students, two church buildings and one office building that are all used daily.
Why are we so passionate about university students? For starters, students have unique needs. They are away from home for the first time and making their own decisions. They usually choose their career, their spouse, and their eternal destiny during their brief college years. We want Jesus to be the most important factor in every one of those decisions. Every life that is changed is a testimony to God’s promise of salvation. Since 1969, over thirty-five hundred students have accepted Christ and been baptized.
If you would like a campus staff member to contact you, please email info@hhcf.org with your name, campus you attend and your contact information and someone will contact you shortly!