Feb. 4, 2016
For Immediate Release

 

By Josh Christian, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - With local churches canceling services during the recent snowstorm on Jan. 24, Campbellsville University students had nowhere to go to worship, so they took matters into their own hands.

At 10 o'clock that morning, the campus community assembled for a worship service in Ransdell Chapel. The service had a variety of parts, all led by students, including: worship, testimony, and preaching. These students were part of CU's Church Outreach team, which leads services each Sunday at local churches, ministering and preaching the gospel.

Daniel Banister, freshman, of Glasgow, Ky., Kathryn Weeks, freshman, of Louisville, Ky., Cassie Emery, freshman, of Cloverpot, Ky., Ross Allen, sophomore, of Bowling Green, Ky., and Jamie Lawrence, Church Outreach pastor and head coach for the CU Tigers men's bowling team, of Danville, Ky. led the congregation in song.

Cody Jones, freshmen, of Glasgow, Ky., delivered the message to students in Ransdell Chapel. (Campbellsville University Photo by Jordan Snider)

Hope Weird, freshman, of Shepherdsville, Ky., gave a personal testimony about her life experience and keeping eyes on Jesus even when things get tough.

“He filled me up when I was empty, and I know he can do the same for everyone here,” she said.

Cody Jones, freshman, of Glasgow, Ky., delivered the message.

“I had faith the spirit of God would draw people here and draw people close, and I can say to you, right now, God is here,” he said.

Jones read from Matthew 14: 22 of the Holy Bible, a passage that described Jesus walking towards his disciples on the water in the midst of a storm. This passage also described Peter, a disciple of Jesus, stepping out of the boat and walking towards Jesus.

Peter walked on the water, but took his eyes off of Jesus and fell in. Jones used this passage to speak about God using the storms and hindrances of life to his glory.

“Jesus will do that. He sent his disciples to go out and preach the gospel. He will often separate himself from his disciples, not to create a spirit of fear, but a spirit of faith,” Jones said.

Jones also used this passage to illustrate looking towards Christ for faith as to abolish fear.

“When we have faith and look at Christ, we begin to see what He wants us to see - Him,” he said. “Until fear has died in us, Jesus won't live.”

“Revival starts with God in us. Until we want it and desire it with our hearts, it won't happen,” he said.

An alter call, where students could come and pray, concluded the service.

Dr. G. Ted Taylor, associate vice president of development and church relations, and Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, welcomed the campus community to the service and provided the invocation.

Students walking to Ransdell Chapel in the snow. (Campbellsville University Photo by Rachel DeCoursey)

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering over 80 programs of study including 24 master's degrees, seven postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is Campbellsville.edu.