By Matthew M. Billiot, student news writer, Office of University Communications

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - “God has His hand on you even when there seems to be no way,” Wesley Paul, founder and director of Wesley Paul International Ministries, said as he began his message at Campbellsville University's chapel Jan. 16.

Paul said at the age of 19 he moved from India to Canada with $20 in his pocket. He later moved to Kentucky where he attended Cumberland College with only $120 to pay for tuition.

“How is God going to take care of me?” Paul asked, but said, “As God was with Moses, He is with you and me. God has a plan and a purpose for your life.”

“Life is about living outside a box and going outside the lines,” Paul said. “You've got to try other things, food and culture. Don't let yourself get boxed in. There are people who will box you in-get away from them. You need to understand your own faith, other people's religions and think outside the box.”

Paul said, “God wants to save your soul and to bring salvation to your home and family. Some of you don't know what you believe in. Many people think of Christianity as a cultural experience, but we need to open our mind to think outside your religion. One day we must come out of the box.”

In 1984, Paul surrendered to working in ministry. He preached at revivals and for the Baptist Student Union ministry. In 1996, Wesley met a Peruvian evangelist and preached at a crusade. He also got to speak at Billy Graham's home church a few weeks after Graham died.

Paul said, “Do not let yourself get boxed in by your lifestyle, people, relationships, bad choices you've made, etc. Run away from the things that are closing in around you.”

“There is baggage we need to abandon,” he also said. “God can get rid of your baggage and burdens. He comes near you and your brokenness.

“It doesn't matter how good you look when you're dead, look good now. Now is the time to look good, because they're going to put us in a box [when we die].”

“Some of you are dead spiritually,” Paul said before extending an invitation to the altar. “This is your time to break the grip of death and sin.”

Campbellsville University is a widely-acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 13,000 students offering more than 90 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The university has off-campus centers in Kentucky cities Louisville, Harrodsburg, Somerset, Hodgenville and Liberty with Kentucky instructional sites in Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Summersville. The university also has a full complement of online programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.