It's crazy to think that it's finals week! The one week of the semester that stresses everyone out to the max. Even though this semester has flown by, this has been by far one of the best semesters I have had in my time at Jacksonville State. I felt like this week's article would be a look back at some of the best moments of the fall semester on the "Friendliest Campus in the South."
1. Engage was lit (with the fire of the Holy Spirit) every single Monday night.
I speak so much about the wonderful ministry that is EngageJSU, and with good reason. This semester has been one of the most influential and biggest reality checking semesters for me at Engage. I felt God's presence each Monday night, and each Monday night, I could feel God speaking through Jesse and the two series he led throughout the semester.
The best part of Engage this semester was seeing six people get baptized and strengthen their relationship with Christ! This baptism service was definitely lit (with the fire of the Holy Spirit), and was by far the best I've been a part of! Celebrating the rebirth of six people was truly amazing, noisemakers and all. I am truly thankful to be a part of this great ministry, and can't wait to continue to see God working in the lives of college students here in Jacksonville in the Spring semester!
2. I came out of my comfort zone.
This semester, I really came out of my shell. I began singing with the worship band at the BCM (Baptist Campus Ministry). At first, I was reluctant to, because the last time I actually sang a lot in front of a group of ,my peers was in the sixth grade play when I was at Locust Fork. I was the star in that play (well, one of them). God helped me get over this anxiety by allowing me to be with a great group of individuals on the worship band who truly love worshiping our Lord and Savior through song.
I feel like we have grown as a family throughout the semester. I also believe that God has an interesting way of working things out for His glory, because He led me to do a couple of songs for worship at my home church over the summer (Glorious Day and Whole Heart, both by Passion). I think that, through those experiences, God was showing me what He was calling me to do with the talents He blessed me with while I am in Jacksonville.
3. I started a relationship with a wonderful girl.
This semester, I found a wonderful girlfriend. Her name is Catherine. I am thankful that she chooses to get up and go to church with me each Sunday, as well as go to Engage on Monday. She was the person who influenced me to go to BCM. I am thankful that she chooses to stand by and support me in all of my decisions and goals in life.
I am also grateful that God placed her in my life, because I had been praying for months for someone like her to come along. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the future!
4. The JSU Gamecock Football team had another great season.
It has been another great year of football for the JSU Gamecocks. They won the OVC Championship for the fifth consecutive year, earning the conference's automatic qualifying bid to FCS Playoffs. Even though they lost, they took Kennesaw State to five overtimes in a 60-52 classic in the first-ever football game ever played in SunTrust Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
Regardless of whether this team wins the National Championship for Division I FCS this season, it has been great to see this team play for the community after the tornado that devastated campus on March 19. This has been the best semester for me by far, and I can't wait to see what the Spring semester has in store!