Jentri Cornelius

Meet Jentri

I grew up in Karnes City, Texas with my four younger siblings and two incredible parents. As a pastor’s kid, I had the unique privilege of hearing my dad present the Gospel every Sunday, but it was at six years old that the Holy Spirit enlightened me to the weight of my sin for the first time. I realized that Romans 3:23 was true of me and that I was a sinner in desperate need of a Savior, who could only be Jesus. That Easter, I was baptized by my dad as a public profession of the transformation that had taken place in my life. I had been dead in the sins and trespasses in which I once walked but am now alive to Christ and made a new creation - fully united with him!

I spent my college career at Texas A&M University (WHOOP!) where I studied business and spent as much time as possible two-stepping with my friends. During my freshman year, however, I walked through a season of guilt and shame largely due to a struggle with obsessive and compulsive behavior. It was in the midst of isolation and fear that the Holy Spirit reminded me of Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I now walk in the freedom that my union with Christ affords me; no one can condemn me, especially not intrusive lies of the enemy.

This turning point in my faith led me to incredible opportunities with T Bar M Camps & Retreats, where God fostered my deep love for discipleship, programs, and being in the sun as much as possible. Camp connections introduced me to the Watermark Institute where I met my best friends and geeked out about the beauty of Scripture for ten of the best months of my life. While serving on the Wake team as a resident, I was blessed to transition onto staff into the role of Students Programs Coordinator where my motto is, ‘it’s fun to think about fun things.’ When I’m not going for runs, listening to (and performing) Broadway soundtracks, or watching Survivor with my friends, I am dreaming up ways to make Wake FUN. It is the joy of my life to serve the King alongside my closest friends, and I pray that the joy I experience daily is extended to students who I get to serve.