August 31, 2015
MARSHALL NEWS MESSENGER (8/27/15) - East Texas Baptist University sophomores Joshua Moreno and Matthew Cavin have been looking to find a church home, an issue they said is very important to both of them.
"It's important to be involved in a church outside of what we do in ETBU because you can easily get lost or discouraged. Church is a great way to keep connected to God," Moreno said Wednesday during the university's annual Church Day in the Quad.
The event brings representatives from area churches to set up stands or booths along the Quad outdoor meeting area at the university. The church folk talk to students about their church and tell them about programs and ministries offered. Some of the churches' stands bring along refreshments or much needed supplies for the college students like packages of Ramen noodles.
"We have a responsibility as a church to come alongside the university and offer to students the opportunity to worship and serve," Mobberly Marshall Pastor Ronald Benjamin said Wednesday. "We want to offer them mentoring and mentee opportunities and allow them to grow in their relationship with Christ through serving."
Benjamin and representatives from Mobberly brought along some T-shirts to hand out to students as well as information about small groups and the college ministry program.
"Small groups offer a great, home like setting to study the Bible and build their faith with Christ," Benjamin said. "Small groups are important for growth and accountability."
Moreno said transportation is often a problem for college students who live on campus and don't have vehicles.
"We visited Crossroads Baptist Church last week because they have a van that picks you up," Cavin said.
Crossroads Associate Pastor of Worship James Runnels said the church has two vans that come every Sunday at 8:45 a.m. to the Quad parking lot to offer students a ride to the church.
"That's our main problem, finding a ride," Moreno said.
The two students also loved the hot tacos the church was handing out Wednesday.
"These are delicious," Moreno said of the food.
Almost 20 area churches were represented on Wednesday.
"We think it's very important to plug in to a local church," university Chaplain Scott Bryant said. "We want them to find a church home while at ETBU because everybody needs that community in life that a local church offers. The churches offer a cross generational opportunity for them to be apart of."
Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church member Ruby Gaut said it's especially important to be a part of a church body in today's society.
"We all need God in our lives," Gaut said. "There is so much going on in the world now that we all need a church home. We can't do this without God. He will see you through."
(Used by permission www.marshallnewsmessenger.com, story by education reporter Bridget Ortigo)