2 November 2016 | Binfield, UK [Angeline Tyrokomos]
Record numbers attended Newbold’s Week of Spiritual Emphasis (WoSE) which ran from 26 September to 1 October, with guest speaker Pastor Damian Chandler from Capitol Hill Adventist Church, in Sacramento, California. Each night numbers grew to the point that, by the last night, people were standing around the edges of the room to hear Pastor Damian speak.
The theme ‘Encounters with Jesus’ led to a mix of personal testimony and Bible stories. Through them, Pastor Damian was able to challenge and inspire both young and old to step up when appeals were made. During an anointing service on Wednesday evening, dozens of people recommitted themselves to God and prayed for freedom and victory to overcome the struggles in their lives.
“During the anointing service I really felt God was there. I could feel his power in the room by the spirit of prayerfulness and genuine repentance that surrounded me. I knew that a burden had been lifted from me,” said Kroot Lobus, a theology student from Estonia.
Pastor Damian’s authentic messages about his personal struggles and his fresh interpretation of Bible stories had people both laughing and in tears, but more importantly, resulted in many attendees requesting Bible studies. “Friendships were strengthened, lives were changed and we saw a beautiful connection between college and church as we worshipped together,” one of the participants said.
A special highlight was the baptism of one of the Newbold Church youth who, having had bible studies with Pastor Villi Costescu, felt the call during WoSE to step up and make a public declaration to serve God.
The evenings didn’t end when the church service was over. Social activities followed, ranging from pizza and pancakes to a bonfire. The aim was to encourage a sense of community and fellowship amongst attendees from the college, Newbold church and also the wider community.
“This type of programme is important to the college. It definitely contributes to an increased spiritual atmosphere on campus,” explained Pastor Alastair Agbaje. As College Chaplain, he is responsible for Campus Ministries at Newbold. “This programme has led to a large number of students and church members seeking Bible studies and prayer,” he added. “Overall, the synergy and collaboration contributed to a fantastic experience.”
Newbold is more than just a place of study. Education is important, but spiritual nurture, development and fellowship is also a vital part of the Newbold experience. That is why the team is already planning for the next WoSE scheduled for February 2017. Programmes like this help build Christian community, and share an accurate picture of Jesus to our church, college and community.
To find out more about Newbold College of Higher Education visit their website. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, director; Esti Pujic, editor
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