Ernest Turner preaching at the SCU chapel
By Max Barroso
During the week of October 21-23, The Awakening hosted SEND (See Every Nation Discipled) Week at Southwestern Christian University. The purpose of SEND Week is to introduce students to what World Missions Ministries is doing around the world and how they can get involved. Ethan Sellers, a student at Southwestern, said, “During SEND Week, I loved being informed about how other cultures from other parts of the world live their lives!”
On Tuesday, Russell Board, Continental Director for Asia, spoke to the students in a morning chapel service about what the Lord is doing in Asia. Later that day, Director of People to People Ministries, Matt Bennett, shared with a group of students in a Missions Forum about culture adaptation and having a missions mindset.
Russell Board preaching at the SCU chapel
On Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Harold Dalton, Assistant Director of the World Missions Division of the IPHC, spoke in a second Missions Forum offered to the students. He encouraged the students to have the attitude of a servant towards all people regardless of cultural differences. He shared the hour with Russell Board who spoke about the challenges of adapting to a new culture.
During Thursday morning’s chapel service, Ernest Turner, Continental Director for Africa, shared an encouraging word with the student body about the importance of obeying God and going wherever He wants to send them. He also shared with students some of the things God is doing in the lives of people in Africa.
Matt Bennett speaking at one of the forums
On Thursday evening, The Awakening’s team, along with the Continental Directors of WMM, attended SCU’s “Cultural Dinner.” During this event, the four directors were asked to share some of their personal stories and experiences from the mission field with the attendees.
“SEND Week was a vivid reminder to me about being a part of the Great Commission—making disciples of all nations,” said Jacobin Ainatsiferana, a student at SCU. During the week, the students at Southwestern were encouraged by our IPHC missionaries to trust and follow Jesus and join alongside Him in His mission to go and make disciples of all nations!
SEND at SCU is always a highlight on The Awakening’s calendar. “We are super thankful to VP of Student Development Brad Davis and the leadership of SCU for granting us the privilege to serve Southwestern each year,” said Max Barroso. The lasting impact of SEND on students is evident. “I still remember hearing Jeff Willhoite share at my first SEND as an SCU student in 2006!” Max, Jessica and The Awakening team pray that SEND will continue to stir the hearts of students for missions in the years to come!