Jared Farley is the BCM Campus Minister at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.
Over 300 college students from across the state gathered this past weekend for “The Collegiate Fall Retreat” – a weekend organized to help college students pursue Christ and be mobilized for missions.
Christian, a sophomore from Bryant, explained how the retreat was used to strengthen his relationship with Christ. “God used fall retreat to show me areas in my life that I need to trust him and many idols that I fail to recognize. It also reminded me that my relationship with Christ takes priority above all else, and that will positively affect all other aspects of my life.”
Landri, a sophomore from Texas, had an excellent time at the retreat. She was especially impacted by the emphasis on missions. “Fall retreat was so special. The speakers really left their mark. In the closing session one statement resonated in my mind ‘God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.’ That is something that will stick with me. All it takes is stepping into obedience and allowing him to give you the tools you need.” After this retreat, Landri feels strongly about using her summer to serve overseas in an area that desperately needs the Gospel message.
“Fall 2021 retreat was great! I loved the atmosphere of believers from around the state getting together to worship the Lord. It was a great reminder that we are all one body in Christ.” Alex, another sophomore from Bryant, shared how a breakout session would give him the tools needed to reach out to international students around him. “I was taught how to share the Gospel with international students and how to reach out to them. It was a very enlightening session!” Alex has a unique position of influence on campus and has built many relationships. One of his goals is to be able to use those relationships, specifically with international students, to start a discovery Bible study.
Colt works on staff at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Henderson State University and appreciated how this retreat gave him the ability to learn as well. “Fall retreat was a great time for our students to worship, be encouraged, and learn how to daily live a life that honors God. It was also a great time for me, as someone who spends a lot of time pouring into our students, to be poured into as well.”
Please continue to pray that the hundreds of students gathered this past weekend will put into practice all God taught them!