Some 130 students and their leaders from various churches in the state gathered at WorldSong Missions Place on Jan. 19–20 for Student Missions Weekend 2018.
The two-day event, sponsored by Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), followed the theme of “Testify,” based on 1 Peter 3:15.
Bible study leader Will Spivey, a former pastor in Montgomery who is now a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, opened his time on Friday night by quoting several passages of Scripture. He urged students to memorize what God’s Word says, suggesting they place printed Scripture in places they spend a lot of time, including the bathroom, a comment that brought laughter from the crowd.
He also emphasized the necessity of being prepared to explain “what you believe” because “we never know when God will use us to speak for Him.” Readiness is key, he said.
“Pray for opportunities, expect them and be ready for them. You may not have (that) opportunity again,” Spivey told the students.
During the final worship session on Saturday, Spivey left students with several tips for sharing the gospel with others.
Listening was at the top of the list.
“We need to talk to people and hear their stories,” Spivey said.
Spivey encouraged students to not give up when friends and family members refused to respond to the gospel.
“Don’t be disheartened if they don’t respond the first time,” he said.
Be persistent
Jen, a former missionary to North Africa/Middle East who is now in seminary, shared her own story of persistence.
She told of her confusion after committing to serve internationally, only to be told she couldn’t go to her first choice.
Though God closed that door, another opened, and as her time overseas extended, Jen found a passion for counseling that she didn’t know she had.
As students headed out for their morning of service on Saturday, Jen reminded them that whatever situation they face, “Christ has given you all you need.”
That proved to be true at the two missions sites chosen for this year’s program, both churches in St. Clair Baptist Association. Several students assisted Eden West Side Baptist Church, Pell City, by clearing a trail. Other students visited church widows and did some light housekeeping.
Several groups served with New Beginnings Fellowship, a church plant in Trussville. Students and leaders stuffed more than 1,000 visitor bags with an invitation to church and information about becoming a Christian. Once the bags were ready, teams went to several nearby neighborhoods to deliver them and talk to people about New Beginnings.
‘Different sides’
Kaley Stephens, WorldSong missions strategist for Alabama WMU and director of the event, said she hoped students left with a clear vision that missions happens every day, not just for a specific time.
“We tried to really show them different sides of missions,” she said. “I hope they all left a little more aware that missions is a lifestyle and not just something you do on spring break.”
Share with others: