Bethel Campus Fellowship's faith makes college Fridays different

Image courtesy of Bethel Campus Fellowship Salisbury.

As other Salisbury students may be preparing for a Friday night at the bars, 12 members of Bethel Campus Fellowship came together in Conway Hall for Game Night, playing Uno and charades while enjoying snacks.

Junior J’Veona Ennis says that Game Night provides an alternative to going out. She said that God could work in any conversation, whether it's over a game of Uno or studying the Gospel with friends, providing ample opportunity for spiritual growth and personal conviction.

“It really helps you be accountable, not just to the people who are around you, but to God,” Ennis said. "I’m not coming here for these people, as much as I love them.”

President Christopher Okata says the club’s mission is rooted in ministry, proclaiming and instilling the Gospel in members. He added that members’ commitment to faith is what led to him joining his sophomore year.

“Seeing people engage in the word, it was like a fire, like, wow,” Okata said. “It just caught my attention, and I really enjoyed it and really what helped me to take my faith seriously.”

Those in Bethel Campus Fellowship are united by Christianity. For members seeking to reconnect with God, the club is a conduit.

Freshman London Ross joined during his first semester at Salisbury University. He was charmed by the sense of community, saying it keeps him coming back.

“It’s not exactly the biggest group, but there’s a closeness that I feel like I can’t really describe with a lot of other clubs or organizations here on campus,” Ross said. “It’s a nice atmosphere.

"I feel comfortable talking to people.”

Ross says he was raised as a believer but had become distanced from God over time.

Since being introduced to the club by a friend, he makes weekly appearances with his faith reignited.

“Ever since I came here, I was like, I found a part of myself that I felt was lost for a long time,” Ross said. “And I think that’s another part of the reason why I keep coming back.

"I don’t want to lose that again.”

Senior Kaleb Lowman is a member because of the community too. He says he was in a dark place when he joined, grieving a loss in his family while struggling with his own faith.

Lowman said his new, budding relationships with fellow members as a source of comfort. He expressed gratitude to the club for helping him endure the hardship.

“I kind of saw it as a little bit of a gift,” Lowman said. “I only thank God for it.”

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By MATT WESSEL

Staff Writer