By Linda Waggener

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Over 150 Campbellsville University students, faculty and staff fanned out from the Larry and Beverly Noe Somerset Education Center to serve 27 churches in four counties on the Day of Kingdom Advance Sunday, Nov. 12.

In Laurel County, Jeff Sheppard, member of Faith Assembly of God Church and former Kentucky Wildcat basketball player, said, “There are a lot of Christian institutions that promote their stance by Christ with words. I am thankful that Campbellsville University promotes Christ in word and deed.”

“Hosting four CU students at Faith Assembly of God in London was a true blessing,” he said.

His Faith Assembly of God Church in London, Ky. welcomed Dr. G Ted Taylor, Campbellsville University vice president for university outreach, and his wife, Sheri, Bethanee Tate, Anna McKinley, Dakota Stevens, Jocky Denguessi and Austin Greer.

“Campbellsville University has been a wonderful addition to our local community and the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with this faith based organization any time we can,” Bobby Clue, Somerset Chamber of Commerce director, said.

“Their recent Kingdom Advance Day in Somerset allowed 150 students and staff the opportunity to help pastor 27 local churches. The chamber greatly values our partnership with Campbellsville University and looks forward to supporting them in similar endeavors in the future.”

In Pulaski County, Victory Christian Fellowship pastor Mark Harrell and his congregation welcomed Campbellsville University president Dr. Michael V. Carter, and his wife, Debbie, Steve Hadden and Herve Metsam.

Carter thanked the congregation for welcoming CU to share. He said there's no better way to tell the story of what is happening at Campbellsville University and introduced Metsam, a master of arts in sport management student from Cameroon.

Metsam's message went right to the hearts of those who had been celebrating veterans in their families. He said, “America is a second home for me, I love this country. I'm from Cameroon, where we have terrorists, so it's a blessing to be in this nation, by far the most blessed nation on earth. You guys have no reason not to wake up every morning and praise the Lord!”

In Casey County, where Liberty United Methodist Church pastors Kim and Rodney Koger and congregation welcomed Devan Bishop, Connor Mattingly, Chimrila Quinker, Tanisha Bruce and Milam Watkins, it was Bruce who shared about when her mother lost her newborn baby brother, after having four miscarriages, and Bruce began one of her “darkest phases” in life.

She said she ran away from God. She said she became sick, and told God, “I let go and I give it all to you.” God's hands reached out for her. She thought God had forsaken her, but she said God allows life to get tangled and he can untangle it. “God's love is unconditional and unchanging,” she said. “God still loved me.”

In Burnside, Ky., Richard Held, pastor of Burnside United Methodist Church, said, “We thoroughly enjoyed the visit by Jason and Amanda Roop, along with Austin Greer. With all the unholy things happening in today's world, they thrilled us by showing us how Campbellsville University is producing solid Christians to spread the Good News! Thank you.

At the Somerset Education Center where everyone gathered for a prayer of dedication before heading for their respective churches, Choe Sergent, pastor at First Baptist Church Junction City, said, “Campbellsville University continues leading the way among Christian universities with its largest Day of Kingdom Advance.

“It was amazing to witness over 150 students and staff gathered together in one location to be launched out as servants in the local church.

“There is only one thing that can bring so many people of such diverse backgrounds and varying denominations together to unite for a Day of Kingdom Advance, and that's the gospel. On the Day of Kingdom Advance in Somerset we saw the Glory of God shine through their servant leadership.”

In Waynesburg, Ky., Greg Lockard, pastor of Poplar Grove Baptist Church, said,  “What an impact for me to see college kids want to be involved in churches today! Having a child at Campbellsville University and to see what is going on through this Kingdom Advance Day touches my soul!

“Our church was truly blessed to have the Kingdom Advance as a part of our service!” pastor Greg Lockard, pastor, said. Lockard and his congregation welcomed Jim Hardy, Zack Wright and Deana Shelton.

In Liberty, Ky., “It is a blessing that Campbellsville University's Outreach crew were able to be here and spread God's seed all around Kentucky,” Jeric Devore, pastor of Creston Baptist Church, said.

In Monticello, Ky., “Our Kingdom Advance experience at Mill Springs was awesome. Gage did a great job leading worship, and Max's story was an example of how God can truly change a life! Always excited to welcome Campbellsville!,”-Jim Daniels, pastor at Mill Springs Christian Church, said.

Mill Springs Christian Church, Monticello, pastor Jim Daniels and his congregation welcomed Rusty Watkins, Gage Young and Max Vitori.

In addition to the churches mentioned above, CU Church Outreach teams and where they served for the Sunday of Kingdom Advance included the following:

Carter Ridge Baptist Church, Windsor, Ky., pastor Mark Yadon and congregation welcomed Dr. Shane and Jennifer Garrison. They were joined by CU students Sara Jean Hughes, Aubrey Coppage and Craven Logsdon;

Creston Baptist Church, Liberty, Ky., pastor Jeric Devore and his congregation welcomed Joey Bomia, Casey Jones, the Rev. Ed Pavy, Abraham Varghese, Sami Toler, Deja Thompson, Michaela Wright, Lindsey Magruder and Lucas Humphry;

Duke Memorial Baptist Church, Somerset, Ky., pastor: Randy Smith and his congregation welcomed Dr. G. Ted and Sheri Taylor and Ashley Neal, Lydia Usou, Mitchell Saget, Christine Park, Virginia Case and Chris Hughes;

Eagle Heights Baptist Church, Somerset, Ky. pastor Scott Pastore and his congregation welcomed Aron Neal, Fontez Hill, Janae Boling, Jackie Johnson and Sara Jo Rolsted;

First Baptist Church of East Bernstadt pastor Norm Brock and his congregation welcomed Dr. G Ted and Sheri Taylor with Abraham Varghese, Sami Toler, Deja Thompson, Michaela Wright, Issiah Jones and Christian Naylor;

Ferguson Baptist Church pastor Steve Dunn and his congregation welcomed Darryl Peavler and Christie Minor, Ross Allen, Matthew Taylor, Shelby Stringer and Lydia Manley;

First United Methodist Church, Somerset, Ky., pastor and his congregation welcomed Jacob and Katy Johnson;

Green River Valley Baptist Church, Liberty, Ky., pastor Casey Davis and his congregation welcomed Wes and Ariel Carter, Eli Wood, Cassie Emery andVictor Nunes;

High Street Baptist Church, Somerset, Ky., Children's Pastor Rachel Riquelme and congregation welcomed Leanne Weddle, Wyatt Burton, Jessica Maybrier, Madison Roberts and Alisha Waters;

Jennies Chapel United Methodist Church, Windsor, Ky., pastor Doug Stutz and his congregation welcomed Benji Kelly, Samuel Haralu, Bailey Nall and Will Shultz;

Journey Assembly of God, Eubank, Ky., pastor Don Spiro and his congregation welcomed MacKenzie and Trent Massey;

Middleburg United Methodist Church, pastor Clark Durham and his congregation welcomed Tim Heilman, Ufouma Elvis, J.P. Howard and Gabrielle Velez;

Mintonville and Bethel Ridge United Methodist Church pastor Darrell Vance and his congregations welcomed Dr. John and Pam Hurtgen, Samarah Lovins, Colten Gaither, Jacob Peters and Kali Goins;

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Science Hill, Ky., pastor Phil Scott and his congregation welcomed Paula Caldwell, Dr. Stephanie Holcomb-Kreiner, Anna McKinley, Dakota Stevens and Ashley Goodnight;

New Direction Worship Center, Somerset, Ky., pastor Eddie Dick and his congregation welcomed Angie Travis and Jason Travis, Logan Robinson, Jacob Hixenbaugh, Skylar Lanham, Alli Monfalcone, Caitlyn Odom and Britany Boling;

Oak Grove Baptist Church, Dunnville, Ky., congregation welcomed Fontez Hill, Janae Boling and Ashley Goodnight;

Resurrection Life Christian Center, Strunk, Ky., pastor Braxton King and his congregation welcomed Jamie and Elisha Lawrence and Lela Rucker;

Science Hill First United Methodist Church pastor David Green and his congregation welcomed Jasmine Barnett, Greg Gover, Christian Naylor, Tristen Raines, Issiah Jones, Jason Beasley and Cole Smith;

Thomas Ridge Church, Dunnville, Ky., pastor Hershel Lawhorn and his congregation welcomed Otto and Pam Tennant, Esther Chan, Caleb Darley, Sheyann Hunt, Natalia Escamez and Caleb Darley;

Word of Faith Church, Somerset, Ky. pastor Scott Tipton and congregation welcomed Don Watson and Jocky Denguessi.

For information on scheduling a Church Outreach team at your church, please contact Jasmine Barnett, director of Church Outreach and associate campus minister, at (270) 299-6321.