While I was home for Spring Break, I got to take part in sharing what God has done for me in my time at JSU so far. This is something that we have all been challenged to do at Pine Mountain Community Church, and we call it "This Is My Story." I wanted to share mine with everyone who reads this.
I want to start by saying that, prior to coming to JSU, in the weeks leading up to move in day 2017 (I was just transferring in from Snead State Community College), I prayed that God would provide ample opportunities to grow closer to Him and be sharpened and encouraged by fellow students in my walk with Christ. This had been a big prayer of mine, as I had been strengthened by studying and leading the student-led campus ministry at Snead.
God truly did not disappoint. I found a church family at First Baptist Jacksonville, right across from campus. That first Sunday I went, I felt like I was at home. I discovered the college ministry they put on each Monday night called Engage. I instantly got plugged into that and felt myself relating to many of the messages Jesse preached each week.
I also have had the opportunity of helping with the youth at FBC on Wednesdays. Helping with the youth has taught me many valuable lessons that I will take into my future career as a math teacher. I have also been fortunate that God has allowed Shane, the youth leader at Pine Mountain Community Church (my home church) to allow me to lead the youth some while I'm home. It has truly been a blessing to see them grow and develop hearts for the Lord.
Tragedy hit our beloved campus and my small group on March 19, 2018, when an EF-3 tornado ravaged the JSU campus and the surrounding neighborhoods of Jacksonville. Our campus in ruins, the future became unknown. However, it was during this season of the unknown that I saw God work in the lives of many individuals.
Several of the youth at Pine Mountain Community Church gave up a portion of their Spring Break to help with Samaritan's Purse, who was stationed at FBC Jacksonville as the cleanup process began. Seeing God work through the four youth who came to help total strangers was truly humbling to me.
By far, the most significant and humbling part of this trip was the morning of the second day we helped. We were cleaning an older man's yard, and at the end of our time with him, he came up to me and said some truly humbling words to me that almost made me cry. He said, "I know God is going to use you for big things, young man." He didn't know me, and I may never see that man again, but to this day, his words have impacted me, and I strive daily to be an individual who allows God to work through me.
When we came back after the tornado, we were told that, while Samaritan's Purse was here, a man came to personal faith in Christ, and was baptized in a bathtub. It was truly amazing to see God use this tragedy to show people that He is still in control.
This past fall semester, I was asked to go to the Baptist Campus Ministry by some friends. Little did I know that God had something very special in mind. I met a lovely girl by the name of Catherine, and soon enough, we began dating. I am thankful for her, and she has been a blessing to my life.
Leading me to the BCM, God opened up an opportunity for me to use my talents to glorify Him on campus. I have been a part of the worship band this year, singing various songs that I have come to truly love. I have also been led to leadership in the BCM and will have my own small group in the fall. It is my prayer I can have the same impact on those who will be in my small group as the people in the small group I've been in through Engage have had on me.
My story is a story of how God provides for our every need. My story is a story that God can use even an average college student to further His kingdom.
This is my story.