KNOW GOD. LIVE LIFE TOGETHER. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.
That’s how we will change the world. We believe when we are earnestly striving to know God through studying His word and spending time in prayer, when we are living life together in a real community (not a perfect community but an honest and committed community), and when we are taking responsibility to help in lives of the hurting and the lost around us... well, we believe that’s how we will change the world. That’s why we strive to be a community of students who live our lives together as we walk in relationship with Jesus and take an active responsibility to the world around us.
A LITTLE BIT OF OUR STORY
For over 50 years, Chi Alpha has had presence on LSU’s campus. Chi Alpha (which comes from Christou Apostoloi - Greek for Christ’s Ambassadors in 2 Corinthians 5:20) is found on over 300 campuses throughout the nation. At LSU, we have seen God change countless lives. Chi Alpha is connecting with students at The Point - a weekly large group meeting that involves prayer, worship and a Biblical message. We are living life together in our lifegroups, which are our small group Bible studies that meet in the dorms and we are providing students with opportunities to take responsibility and go active with their faith serving in the Baton Rouge area or on short term missions trips. We love LSU and are excited about the plans God has for LSU Chi Alpha for years to come!
OUR PASTORS AND STAFF
JONATHAN AND ALI BURAS (directors)
Jonathan and Ali Buras met while students at Louisiana State University. They both had their lives radically changed by the ministry of Chi Alpha at LSU and work every day to see that change repeated over and over in the students around them. After graduating from LSU (Jonathan in 2007 and Ali in 2008), they took a year to train with the Chi Alpha Internship program in Louisiana before moving to Oklahoma to work with Chi Alpha at The University of Oklahoma. After six years in Oklahoma, Jonathan and Ali were more than thrilled to have the opportunity to move home to LSU as the new directors and lead pastors of LSU Chi Alpha in 2015. Jonathan and Ali are passionate about lifegroups and empowering students to reach students. They have two beautiful daughters, Addie and Lily who love to come to campus and see students. Addie describes her mom and dad’s job by saying, “Mommy and Daddy go to work and tell students Jesus loves them.”
To connect with Jonathan and Ali as missionaries to the campus, visit their website jonathanandali.com.
BRANDON DASTE (associate staff)
Brandon first got involved with Chi Alpha as a freshman in 2016. After being impacted by Chi Alpha's ministry, he developed a burden to reach lost students on LSU's campus and served as student leader for 3 years. After graduating with a degree in marketing, Brandon served as intern with LSU Chi Alpha where he now serves as a full time staff member. Brandon loves the campus, loves students, and works hard to lead lost students to Christ. In his own words, "There is no greater joy than leading others to Christ. All I want is to see the Lord impact students' lives the way that He has impacted mine."
KATIE DASTE (associate staff)
Katie Daste hopped off the plane at LSU, with a dream and a cardigan. She gave her life to Jesus as a freshman, and began to serve as a lifegroup leader and worship leader. Serving others and seeing peers come to know Jesus was one of the highlights of Katie's college experience! Katie graduated from LSU in 2021 with a degree in Graphic Design, and has been on staff here at LSU Chi Alpha since. Katie loves picnics on the parade ground, all things coffee, and her cat Murphy.
JUAN ROJAS (associate staff)
Juan Rojas was born and raised in Colombia, South America until his family moved to a different south… Springfield, Louisiana! Pursuing a degree in biochemistry led him to LSU, but little did he know, God was leading him there for something much more valuable than a degree. At LSU, Juan found Chi Alpha, and for the first time in his life he experienced the power of God through Christ-centered community. Through this ministry, God has radically changed his life and began to implant a desire to serve in ministry after graduating. Now, Juan serves as a full-time staff member at LSU XA. His desire is to help students at LSU realize what he once did as a student, that “there is nothing more important in this life than to Know God, and to live LIfe with Him.”
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Thank you!