Spring Break Team Updates

This week's blog post consists of updates from three spring break teams that went out from Bob Jones University to minister in Michigan, California, and Ohio. We're so thankful for the impact they and others have made for the gospel during this one short week!

Phi Kappa Pi in Detroit, MI
Today was the first day on our society’s mission trip to Detroit. We have the amazing opportunity to shadow and learn from leaders that have planted and revitalized churches in inner-city Detroit. This morning came early as we got up to meet with Pastor Dave Doran who gave us two amazing lectures on the biblical vision of church planting. He walked us through Scripture, pointing out God’s command concerning the importance of church-planting in our lives.
Once we were finished, Aaron Berry took us out to a Mexican restaurant for lunch. While this restaurant showed us a small part of the incredible diversity in the city, David Doran Jr. later opened our eyes to a significantly larger understanding of how diverse Detroit really is. David is a church planter who has such vision for making disciples for Jesus.  The passion this pastor has for winning souls for Christ is inescapable. He is a living testimony to all of us, and an example we should all follow. We saw the different social classes as well as the different religious backgrounds of Detroit while David shared his burden for all of them. We saw such a need here in Detroit today, but God is sovereign and we can find hope in this truth as we seek His will for our lives, whether that’s here in the inner-city of Detroit or not.  
To finish our day, the seven of us were split up and taken to Gospel Community groups which are a part of Inter-City Baptist Church. We all enjoyed the fellowship we had with fellow believers and getting to know their stories of how God led them to Detroit. Tomorrow is approaching soon and we all must get rest as God has much in store for the following day.
 
Zeta Chi in San Francisco, CA
Yesterday we were able to tour San Francisco with Pastor Innes and Pastor Pelletier. The weather was absolutely perfect. We got to visit the Golden Gate Bridge and several popular tourist locations around the city. It was kind of a "vision casting" day to allow us to see the city and understand the culture better. It definitely gave us all a burden for the city and the people.
Today, we are spreading out to different coffee shops and places around the church to share the gospel and spread word about the church. It's very rainy today, and that's pushing a lot of people inside. Obviously, relationship evangelism is difficult in such a short time frame, but we have tracts and New Testaments to hand out.
I just spent about an hour and a half talking to an elderly man named James. We talked about politics (of course), San Francisco, California taxes, and the Bible. He quickly asked the common questions like, "what about the people in the jungle that never hear…," but he allowed me to share the Gospel with him and do my best to answer his question. I left him with a New Testament and a tract as well as my email address. I hope he contacts me with questions.
Later, we are going to visit a construction site adjacent to the church during the workers' lunch break. We will invite them to the church and advertise a children's ministry that will start in a few weeks. We've had a great start to the trip. God has given us safety and a great place to talk about Him with others.
 
Chi Alpha Pi in Orrville, OH
Chi Alpha Pi has always been a society that loves to serve. When the opportunity arose to embark on a mission trip to Ohio to minister to a local church, seven Cavaliers jumped at the chance. Cross View Church, located in Orrville, Ohio, was started in 2015 and is currently being pastored by Bob Jones University graduate John Marino.
The Cavaliers’ main goal is to host a community kids program (titled Friday Fun Night) to present the Gospel message. The night will include games, songs, Bible verse memorization, and most importantly, a clear presentation of the Gospel.
While planning the community kids program, the Cavs team members have kept themselves busy with landscaping and other yard work. On Wednesday, the team assisted an elderly couple from the church with a few outdoor projects. One of the other larger projects the team began was clearing seven pine trees and two oak trees from Pastor Marino’s front and back yards. The team hacked and chain-sawed away from morning till dusk on Thursday, and most of the day on Friday.
Aside from the kids’ program and lumberjacking projects, the Cavs have enjoyed time encouraging the church and one another in Bible studies and fellowship in song. The Cavs have specifically enjoyed the hospitality and encouragement of the Bauman family, praising God with hymns and sharpening one another in the Word. During the Sunday services, the team will minister to the church in musical ensembles and help host a college and career night at the Bauman’s in the evening. On Monday, the Cavs will set off to Greenville again – spiritually refreshed and encouraged after ministering to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.