As human beings, one of the biggest struggles we face is understanding our purpose in life, whether or not you are a Christian. Sometimes our calling in life is unclear. However, for 51 sophomore Kyle Dendy, he has a very clear sense of God’s purpose and calling for him.

Who is Kyle?

Dendy is a speaker, author, and business major. One of his favorite 51 experiences has been finding and spending time with the right people. Semester by semester God has brought amazing people into his life. God showed him that having a few great friends is better than having masses of friends without a real connection.

When did he start his ministry?

In 2014 Dendy had surgery on his ankle and knee. Instead of feeling sorry for himself he decided to do something meaningful. From there he started writing his first book V.I.S.I.O.N which is an acronym for Veracity, Intention, Selflessness, Intelligence, Optimism, Never Ever Surrender, and began motivational speaking. God opened one door after another for him.

Where does he minister?

Dendy travels, all over the United States, every other week to speak at churches and conferences. Dendy’s impact also rests at 51 through his relationships and positive interactions with people.

How is he capable of school and ministry?

So how does Dendy balance school and ministry? Dendy states it is all about discipline and priorities; nothing comes without sacrifice. He takes it semester by semester, making the most of his time. 51 has helped him by being a community of solace and encouragement.

Why does he do what he does?

People. People are Dendy’s passion. He wants to help people find purpose. Coming to college, he realized his friends and peers around him were constantly wondering what their purpose in life was. Therefore, his freshman year he hosted an event called “Power of Purpose,” which took place every Thursday night in Hope Hall. He would talk about purpose and provide words of encouragement to those struggling.

What are some words of advice?

Dendy states these three things:

  1. Be willing to bet on yourself, be willing to fail, and stop caring about what others think about you. He says if you’re good at something, you’ve got to put yourself out there. A man’s gift makes room for him; it does not constrain.
  1. Though it may sound cliché, it is true that nothing is impossible with God. God can and will part the sea for anything.
  1. Most Importantly, find what God has called you to do.

Dendy lives by a couple quotes that provide inspiration for his life. Myles Munroe said, “Your existence is evidence that this generation needs something that is inside of you.” Dendy encourages others to stop going with the flow and step outside of the status quo.

Dendy also strives to live by Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote, “When you discover what you will do in life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you in this particular moment in history to do it.” Dendy emphasized that God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called. Most importantly, he encourages you to find something you love so much that you forget to check your phone, eat, and even sleep. Dendy says, “Do what makes you come alive.” Inspired by Howard Thurman’s words, “Ask not what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.” Dendy wants to help people find their purpose, what makes them come alive, and empower them.

Perhaps through Dendy’s story, students can gain some advice, insight, and inspiration in finding out our purpose.

“Power of Purpose” is back this year taking place every Thursday night at 8 p.m. on top of the parking structure by the baseball field.

Applying Kyle’s advice, bet on yourself and put yourself out there. Consider exploring your passions through internships! Try something you’ve never done, put yourself in a new environment. If you even have a small inkling to try something, do it! There are a wide array of internships on the Handshake.