Story by LINCOLN MYERS Photo by KADEN JOHNSON
Tiger Media Network
Students had the chance to meet leaders from Christian Challenge at Fort Hays State University’s back-to-school picnic, where the ministry introduced its weekly gatherings and opportunities for involvement. Christian Challenge meets every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. at CrossPoint Church, offering worship, teaching, and community for students.
Christian Challenge staff member Cameron Brandenburg said college is a pivotal season in life, and Challenge aims to walk with students during that time.
“I think college years are an important time of really figuring out and determining who you are and what you’re going to be about,” Brandenburg said. “Faith and belief and religion should be an important part of that…so I think it’s important for us to be here to help them in that journey.”
For Challenge staff member Sarah Stackhouse, the group’s presence on campus is about being both welcoming and purposeful.
“I think it’s important for Christian Challenge to be on campus just as a light for the campus,” Stackhouse said. “We just want to be a group that welcomes and loves on people and just encourages them in their walk wherever they’re at with their relationship with Jesus.”
At the picnic, Challenge offered students a chance to win a $300 Walmart gift card. Challenge staff member Tarah Myers explained that the giveaway was a way to connect with new students.
“We are giving away a $300 Walmart gift card, and the reason we’re doing that is so we can get some contact information from students so that we can reach out to them and introduce them to our community,” Myers said.
Beyond Tuesday nights, students can get involved through small group Bible studies, service projects, and leadership opportunities.
“We have a lot of outreach and service opportunities at the beginning of the year,” Brandenburg said. “Students can serve by welcoming others, joining a small group, or stepping into leadership to help lead worship, promote events, or lead a group.”
Stackhouse also highlighted simple but meaningful ways students can help.
“We’re always looking for people to serve, whether you’re making snacks, getting snacks, or just being involved with hosting large group events,” she said.
Myers added that serving is open to everyone, whether or not they’re on the leadership team.
“Being a part of Tuesday nights is a really great way to get plugged in with the community…and we have community service projects throughout the year as well as other opportunities to serve at events like the back-to-school picnic,” she said.
More information about weekly gatherings and opportunities to get involved can be found at fhsuchallenge.info.