Following God into a Week of the Unknown

Bethany Davis

Lights dimmed and music soft, the atmosphere reflected the mood of the people gathered in Harbor Hall. Mission Emphasis Week’s kickoff started with a night full of worship and time to reflect on personal relationships with God. Students gathered with friends and teachers, opening themselves up to receive prayer and encouragement.

The other nightly sessions proved to be different but extremely beneficial. Instead of a whole night of worship, guest speakers, well known around campus, came to share their experiences and advice about following God into the unknown. Mr. Strong gave a great analogy about what to put in and take out of our “backpacks” as we prepare for our journey into the unknown with God. Other speakers chose to entertain the crowd with personal stories or encouragement to follow God with support from Scripture. These night sessions helped the students have a chance to meet with God for a longer period of time, rather than the short 45-minute time allotment during the daily chapel.

The chapel sessions, although short, were packed with action. Ranging from worship to skits and sermons, the midday sessions helped students remember the purpose of MEW. “I liked how the students were able to share about the spiritual life so openly. It really inspired me because I found out I’m not the only one going through troubles,” said Timothy Lin (11).

On Thursday, the students ditched their books and instead armed themselves with Bingo cards and instruments and made their way to different areas to help serve the community. Including a service day was a new addition to MEW but was very well received by students, staff, and the community. After a morning of service, the high schoolers enjoyed a lunch on the Deck and then hurried to serve the middle schoolers. As the juniors and seniors went around playing games organized by the sophomores with their buddies, they took the opportunity to form new friendships with the middle schoolers. An afternoon together benefited both middle and high schoolers, and everyone went home tired but fulfilled.

As the final worship session drew to a close and students began winding down for the night, it was clear that the Holy Spirit was present. Not only was He changing lives during Missions Emphasis Week, but He would continue to do so through the seeds planted during these very extraordinary four days.