Creative Ministry

There's always those that attempt to shut you down when you are doing something for God. This college campus we minister on is no exception! During the summer, one of the most effective outreaches has been the SOAR program. Organizations take their places in a designated area at least 18-20 times during the summer, being available for freshmen and transfer students to glean from what is available to them on campus when they arrive in the fall. For the past two summers, we have made personal contact with over 400 students. Many of them see us, speak to us, know where they can find us, and have attended Bible studies.

This summer, a certain director of this program has rearranged things so that this will no longer happen. Jeff heard him last summer make the comment that mainly only Christian organizations were taking part in the summer program. And what's with the older people (i.e. Jeff??) sitting at the tables. Where's the students? It was obvious that Mr. Director did not like 1) that Christian organizations were about the only ones taking advantage of this outreach, 2) that older people were manning the tables, and 3) that it seemed to be effective for us for some reason.

Now, I will not judge Mr. Director and his spiritual state because of these new developments, but I can't say that I haven't tried! It's hard to believe that a Christian would want to shut down Christians from getting themselves out to the students. This summer, ONLY students can participate in certain activities during the summer. There will be NO literature tables. ONLY students (have I mentioned that ONLY students can participate?) can represent any student organization!

Okay.........so this is where we get creative. First of all, we will soon be electing officers for next year. We are praying that these will be proactive students (some who will be staying in Charlotte for the summer and can participate in these opportunities). Also, Jeff is looking into seeing if we can just set up literature tables on an independent basis around campus during the summer. We will advertise in the magazine that is mailed out to every potential and registered student during the summer. We will distribute flyers. We will hold Bible studies right on campus in open view of others.

God has given us a job to do on this campus: to shine His marvelous light onto this campus so full of darkness. Pray we'll find creative ways to do this. As Emeril Lagasse so often says, "We'll just kick it up a knotch! BAM!! BAM!!"