Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, had its biannual student organizations fair on Jan. 24, 2017. Most of the 367 groups listed on MTSU’s website convened in a multipurpose room in the Student Union Building. Each group passionately sought out students who leisurely walked through the crowded room. Organizations varied from sororities to social justice causes and Christian groups.
Nelson Mercado (left), Rogelio Ortiz, and Emily Alessandra stand at the Adventist Christian Fellowship booth during the MTSU student organization's fair.
Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) interacted with several students in two hours through lively conversation. For instance, meet “Gary,” an international student from Singapore. He is pursuing a business major as an exchange student. Gary misses rice and soup, he responded without hesitation. Gary also shared about his interest in Christianity. He is searching for meaning.
ACF representatives are quick to point out that international students represent a great missional opportunity. Churches could provide transportation, food, and friendship for lonely students such as Gary. And Gary could become a missionary to his friends and family in Singapore.
Meet “Seth,” a local young adult searching for God. He attends Bible studies, and wonders if the Bible is true. He is even considering traveling to Israel with his roommate to continue his search for meaning and God.
Gary and Seth are not alone on the quest. Other students who attended the fair picked up GLOW tracks that address the existence of God in an awful world. ACF gave away almost 100 copies of the Desmond Doss story. Providentially, MTSU showed the movie "Hacksaw Ridge" six times in three days during January.
The Lord said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest,” (Matt. 9:37, 38). Is the Lord calling you to a public campus ministry near you?
Are you passionate about public campus ministries (PCM)? Consider attending a PCM Catalyst event. For those in and around Tennessee, the Nashville First Church will host a free Catalyst event on March 25, 2017, with Ron Pickell from the North American Division. CLICK HERE to register.