Photos by Alex Blankenship
MARIANNA, Ark. – On the weekend of April 12-14, more than 160 students from 12 different churches gathered in Marianna for the annual Spring CONNECT student missions event. First Baptist Church, under the leadership of pastor Steven Price and the entire staff, served as the host church for the event.
Churches from the Tri-County Association and the Arkansas Valley Association provided ministry projects and volunteers to help lead each project. CONNECT participants ministered in Marianna, Moro, Cherry Valley, Forrest City, Marion and Helena-West Helena. Projects included prayer walking, evangelism, canvassing, block parties, yard work, drive through prayer stations, and much more.
Before heading out on Saturday morning, students were trained to share their faith using Gospel bracelets. They were challenged to find someone to share the bracelet’s message with and then to give their bracelets away. Students took the challenge to heart as they shared the Gospel over 100 times that day with one reported salvation decision.
In all, more than 200 participants, counting volunteers from area churches completed over 20 projects and touched many lives. For many of the students at CONNECT, this was their first-ever mission trip of any kind. Students and their leaders paid $25 each and came from as far away as Texarkana, Texas, to serve the people of the Delta, and to share the Gospel.
Many of the students noted that praying with people and getting opportunities to share the Gospel was their favorite part of the weekend. Whatever project they completed, students were able to return home with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed passion for telling others about Jesus, serving others, and making disciples who make disciples.
CONNECT student missions weekend is for all students in grades 7-12. The next event will take place this fall, Oct.11-13 at East Side Baptist Church in Mountain Home. Be sure to check out www.absc.org/connect for more information and to sign up when registration becomes available.