Each semester, New Hope Christian College dedicates two days to investing in our students’ spiritual growth. On these two days, classes are canceled, and campus work study is paused to allow students to attend worry-free from their weekly commitments. The Spiritual Growth Conference allows the students to be filled through prayer, worship, and a message with local leaders in our community.
Our theme this semester was “Renewal,” based on Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” and Isaiah 40:31 “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Our goal was to provide a space for the students to reignite their first love passion and renew their calling in God.
To do this, we partnered with leaders who, through their testimonies, shared wisdom and showed God’s faithfulness in every season. We heard Pastor Sol Rexius from Generations Church talk to the students about what it means to keep our eyes on Jesus despite seeing the wind and the waves. We heard a testimony from Josh Bidwell, the Oregon Duck football chaplain, who shared his experience with cancer during the height of his NFL career. Jesus became real to him through that, and his influence in his current ministry to the UO football players is out of passion for Christ. Lastly, another testimony from one of our board members, Darrick Salyers and his wife Shannon. They shared how their experience has shaped their relationship with Christ and how He’s kept them steady throughout constant suffering for years due to health issues and the loss of a child.
The students not only heard these sermons and testimonies, but they were also able to ask questions in our Q&A panel with these speakers and Pastor Wayne. They were able to process what they received in our “Fireside Chat” with Pastor Aaron. Each day started with worship, and we concluded the conference with the seal of communion and worship.
What a great opportunity to hear from seasoned leaders on their experiences that the students can practically implement into their daily lives! Students were encouraged to remember that although storms will come, and although the wind may seem against us, that does not mean that God is. The presence of Jesus in our storms does not always mean improved conditions, but it means that He is with us through it. God is the One who will always be there to reach and extend a hand to those who ask. This is truly the heart of the Student Life department—making room for the Holy Spirit to fill us up and remind us to continue the race of faith with Him.
