Exploring God’s Nearness It’s ironic but true … even students at a
leading Christian university can end up setting aside God and sacrifi cing an active church life in pursuit of academic excellence. As part of an ongoing campaign to help young people stay
connected to God, Amazing Facts partnered with Generation of Youth for Christ Southeast (GYCSE) on the campus of Southern Adventist University (SAU) near Chattanooga, Tenn., to provide a unique perspective about God’s nearness in everyday life. Over the two-day event beginning February 17, nearly
Responding to the altar call
3,000 students and community members gathered to hear Pastor Doug offer an array of practical advice and spiritual insight on keeping a close connection with Jesus amidst life’s constant string of distractions. He told students, “The greatest adventure life can offer might not be crossing the Andes, but rather discovering
“My hope is that you feel God’s
presence wherever you are challenged.”
that the most powerful being in the cosmos is right beside you. My hope is that you feel God’s presence wherever you are challenged. You are at the very peak of life, and God can do so much through you.” The series struck a powerful chord with
students and community. Lynnette Allcock explains, “It was a good reminder of how close and personal God really is, as well as how soon His coming is.” Jose Dechamps adds, “It pushed me to listen to God more, to follow Him, and listen to Him without complaining.” Hundreds in the audience responded to
an altar call after Pastor Doug’s message about how God used even the reluctant prophet Jonah for His glory. About 30 people requested baptism by the end of the series and even more asked for Bible studies. Priscilla Bernal, an SAU student, says, “The series taught me that God loves me even though sometimes I reject Him . God has a purpose for everyone. … Like Jonah, in spite of our stubbornness, God still wants to use us.” Dr. Alan Parker, professor of missions and evangelism at SAU
and event sponsor, says, “Students have often told me that they know about God but struggle to connect with Him personally.
Many feel like their prayers hit the ceiling. But young people can provide the enthusiasm, skills, and energy we need to reach the world in this generation. We need to make sure they connect with the source that makes this possible, and Not Very Far was a relevant way to get that message across.” Not Very Far was a prelude to a more extensive
GYCSE Bible series for college-age students scheduled in the fall in the Chattanooga area, with Pastor Doug slated as a keynote speaker. Daniel Arroyo, president of GYCSE, says, “Our purpose is to target the spiritual problems and questions that college students are dealing with.
Due to the fact that so many are leaving the church today, we not only want to fi nd the problem but also the solution. Pastor Batchelor’s series this weekend was a powerful step forward in the right direction for hundreds.” Archives of the series can be seen at www.gycse.org.