“I was anti-Christian growing up just because that’s the kind of the attitude that my dad always had. I didn’t like Christians because everything that was taught to me about them was from people who weren’t Christians. No one in my family went to church before I started going in 9th grade," recalls Tyler Hungate.
But he continued to attend the 4:12 youth group at Marion United Methodist Church in Marion, Iowa with his friends every Wednesday night, but only as a way to appease them.
“I wasn’t a Christian; going on Wednesday night became my routine. I would go and hang out on Wednesday nights but I never really paid attention to the sermons or applied anything that I learned at the church to my life,” explained Hungate.
As time went on the pastor invited Hungate to summer camp. Hungate did not want to attend but felt obligated to participate because the church paid the camp fees for him to attend. During the summer camp, Hungate accepted Christ as his savior.
"This experience changed my life completely," says Hungate. "Many of my most meaningful relationships come from church and they continue to be a support system for myself and my family. "There were times when our family struggled financially. My father struggled at times with his health and my brother battles depression, Marion United Methodist Church was a safe place during the difficult times," said Hungate. Since I accepted Christ my sister and mother have followed suit. My mom is now the nursery director at our church."
As Hungate prepared to attend college, his pastor recommended that he apply for the United Methodist Student Day Sunday Gift of Hope scholarship.
"The scholarship helped relieve a lot of the financial stress on my life as I entered college," remarked Hungate. "After I finish my studies at the University of Iowa, I plan to attend seminary to pursue my goal of becoming a United Methodist pastor.
In June 2020 Hungate became Youth Pastor at Center Point United Methodist Church in Center Point IA. He has a passion for leading students to accept Jesus and to become disciples.
"I am trying to live like Christ on a college campus which can be difficult due to the culture on most college campuses. I plan to make my faith the central pillar of my life and career as I help others to grow in Christ," Hungate said.
Your gift to the United Methodist Student Day offering supports students like Tyler Hungate who desire to be world changers. Thank you for your generous gifts.
Elsie Cunningham, freelance writer, UMCom retiree, now living in Jamaica
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. The special offering provides scholarships for qualified United Methodist applicants.
When you give generously on United Methodist Student Day, you support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. Give now.
Note: Story based on an interview with Tyler Hungate and content adapted from Linn-Mar Life Newsletter, May 2018.
