When I first set foot in California, leaving behind the sun-kissed hills of Italy, my heart was heavy with anticipation and anxiety. As someone raised in a profoundly Catholic family, faith was not just a tradition—it was the very fabric of my upbringing. Church bells, Sunday Mass, and a close-knit parish community were constants in my life. The thought of crossing the Atlantic for my studies filled me with excitement and a silent worry: Would I find a place where my faith could thrive? Would I see a community that shared my values, or would I feel lost in the vastness of a new culture?

Those doubts lingered until I discovered ASK Ministries.

From Worry to Welcome

Arriving at Caltech, I quickly realized how easy it was to feel alone. The intensity of academic life, the diversity of backgrounds, and the sheer busyness of everyone made it difficult to form deep connections. But my longing for Christian fellowship pushed me to search for a club where faith was more than an afterthought. That’s when I heard about ASK Ministries—initially “In Christ Alone”—and decided to attend one of their Bible studies.

From the very first meeting, I sensed something special. There was a warmth and authenticity in the group that instantly put me at ease. I wasn’t just another student or a foreigner with a funny accent (hopefully better now). I was welcomed as a sister in Christ, part of a community whose mission was to reach students like me—people longing for faith, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Also, I have never done anything like this in the Catholic Church, and every study was unique.

Discovering ASK Ministries

Curious to learn more about the heart behind this community, I sat down with Riley Wood, the dynamic leader of ASK, who is also a senior in BEM and IDS. Riley shared with me the remarkable journey of ASK Ministries, from its humble beginnings as a small Bible study to a thriving club drawing dozens of students. From the moment we began talking, I was struck by Riley’s sincerity. He spoke candidly about the challenges ASK Ministries faced in its early days—how the first Bible studies were sparsely attended, and how doubts sometimes crept in about whether the club would survive.

But it was precisely in those moments of uncertainty that Riley’s faith was forged. “We realized it wasn’t about numbers,” he told me. “It was about being faithful to what God had called us to do: to create a space where students could encounter Christ and each other in real, meaningful ways.”

I asked Riley about transitioning from “In Christ Alone” to ASK Ministries. He explained that the change was both practical and deeply symbolic. “ASK stands for ‘Ask, Seek, Knock,’ from Matthew 7:7. It’s a reminder that God invites us to pursue Him with our questions, doubts, and hopes. We wanted the name to reflect our mission—to be a welcoming place for anyone searching, regardless of where they’re coming from.”

Riley’s eyes lit up when he described some of his favorite moments: spontaneous worship sessions, late-night prayer circles, and seeing students who had never set foot in a church before experience the love of Christ for the first time. “That’s what keeps me going,” he said. “Watching people grow, not just in knowledge, but in relationship—with God and each other.”

I was also impressed by how Riley and the ASK leadership intentionally foster community. He shared stories of organizing outreach events, inviting professors to speak, and collaborating with other Christian fellowships on campus. “We’re not here to compete with anyone,” he emphasized. “We’re here to serve—to help people who might otherwise slip through the cracks.”

“The original vision,” Riley explained, “was to help incoming freshmen hold onto their faith during college. We saw so many students, especially international ones, struggle with loneliness and spiritual drifting. We wanted to build a place where faith could be lived together, not just studied.” This resonated deeply with me. Back home, faith was a communal affair—a shared journey. Seeing ASK Ministries embody this same spirit in a different cultural context felt like finding a piece of home.

A Community in Action

What struck me most about ASK Ministries was their intentional approach to creating Christian fellowship. Weekly Bible studies are the backbone, but the club’s activities don’t stop there. From prayer and praise nights to intimate “Donuts and Devos” gatherings, ASK Ministries makes sure there are spaces for everyone, whether you’re a lifelong Christian or just curious about faith. The club’s outreach efforts are especially inspiring. Riley spoke passionately about ASK’s mission to welcome those who may have never attended church or Bible study. “We want to seek out the ‘one’—the lost sheep, as Jesus said. Our door is open to anyone searching for truth, hope, or a place to belong.”

My Catholic background sometimes made me wonder if I would “fit” in a Protestant-leaning group. But ASK Ministries celebrates diversity in the body of Christ. They collaborate with other fellowships, invite speakers from various traditions, and foster discussions that bridge differences rather than emphasize them. Here, I found not just tolerance, but genuine appreciation for the richness of Christian faith in all its forms.

Science, Logic, and Faith—In Harmony

One of my biggest fears, shaped by stereotypes and sometimes even my church back home, was that science and faith couldn’t coexist. Yet, at ASK Ministries, I discovered thoughtful conversations that embrace both. Riley pointed out how many members are faithful Christians and passionate scientists. Discussions about logic, the Bible, and the compatibility of faith and scientific inquiry are not just encouraged but central to the club’s ethos.

The Gift of Belonging

Reflecting on my first months in California, I realize how much ASK Ministries has shaped my experience. It’s not just a club—it’s a family. I’ve found friends who pray with me, mentors who challenge me, and a community that reminds me of God’s unwavering love, even thousands of miles from home.

For any student who wonders if there’s a place for them, especially those with deep faith roots like mine, I can say with confidence: you are not alone. ASK Ministries proves that God provides a home for His children even in the busiest, most diverse environments. My journey from the traditions of Italy to the vibrant, seeking spirit of ASK Ministries has been a testament to the enduring power of Christian community.

So if you’re searching for a place to belong, to grow, and to live out your faith authentically, come and see. As I did, you might find that your most significant worries will give way to the greatest gifts of all: friendship, faith, and family.

Special thanks to Riley Wood, Stephen Lo, and everyone at ASK Ministries for making Caltech feel like home.