Madeline's perspective - SEND @ SCU 2012

By Madeline Lafferty

Last month the Awakening team stepped onto Southwestern Christian University’s campus with the mission to minister to the student body and emphasize the importance of Jesus’ words recorded in Matthew 28:19 where He said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.” The week started off on Tuesday morning during chapel with worship led by the Awakening followed with a powerful message by guest speaker and missionary, Joshua Ben King demonstrated the word and spread the gospel message while sculpting a clay pot. It was so amazing to see our lives from the perspective of the potter’s hands. Only the Potter (our Creator, God Almighty)knows the plans he has for the clay. We, the students, were encouraged to remain in His hands as he works to make us usable and complete.

Wednesday night’s service was a more intimate setting with fewer students. Matt Bennett, director of People to People Ministries, brought to our attention what Jesus meant by telling us to be a good “neighbor”. The service was great but what made the night so special for me was the conversations that occurred afterwards. While talking to a couple of my friends, freshmen here at SCU, I was very inspired because I could hear the passion in their voices as they talked about wanting to make a difference in the world- here and abroad.

Thursday morning’s worship set ended on the sweet sound of students singing, “I Surrender All” which are words so pleasing to God. The Awakening’s director, Max Barroso spoke from the passage in John 20 and his message concluded with the point that we are to be like Jesus-willing to sacrifice our lives for the sake of others. SEND (See Every Nation Discipled) Week has been a tradition here at Southwestern for many years and many of the events that take place during this special week have made huge impacts in the lives of many of Southwestern’s students-including my own. It was during a SEND week here at SCU that I surrendered ALL of my desires and dreams to him for the sake of seeing lost people come to know Christ. I am so thankful that this tradition has been continued and I hope that it carries on for many years to come!

The Awakening team interacting with the students