Since the start of the school year, some students have been making efforts to build their relationship with god through the help of Christian-based clubs and events on campus. The events range from Bible study and community service to “create your own prayer board” events.
Eyana Dixon is a fourth-year business administration student from Orlando who is excited about having the opportunity to gather with other students who are also maintaining their busy college schedules in the midst of growing their relationship with god.
“I am honestly so excited to see how God will move this year. I love that there are multiple clubs with all around availability – If you have class, practice, or meetings at a certain time there are many other Bible studies and events throughout the week that allow you to still be active and up to speed on what is going on,” Dixon said.
With students living away from home, a sense of community can be an important element, specifically when growing your spiritual or religious relationship.
Dixon says that participating in Christian clubs and events will impact your spiritual journey in a positive way.
“The impact is that these organizations accept, guide and encourage you no matter where or what your walk with Christ looks like,” Dixon said. “It is impressive and important to see how many people are on fire for God. Everyone is welcomed in these spaces, and it creates an environment essential to staying connected with God,” she said. “Community is one of the key aspects of this journey. At these events, people share their testimonies, opinions, thoughts, and struggles. It shows that you are not alone, and you can find partnership, accountability, and prayer within your newfound friends.”
Wynton Johnson, the president of the FWPC Collegiate Prayer Group, says that having these spaces is important because when life becomes hectic, these groups of people and events can help ground you.
“Starting this prayer group is so important because it is so many times that we can get caught up in our own college lives outside of our Christian lives,” Johnson said. “Just to be reminded outside of the church what it is like to be closer to God and just to be surrounded by people who are going through the same problems that we are going through.”
While there are spaces for students who believe in Christianity, there are also students on campus who value different beliefs.
Abdulahi Emiola is a third-year biology pre-medicine student who is Muslim. He says he’s indifferent about there not being any clubs catering to other religions. However, Emiola says there have been different ways the community has been formed for him.
“There have been ways that I have gained a sense of community with other students because they respect my religion and others love learning about it which makes me happy,” Emiola said. “My hopes are that there will be other clubs and events which are more inviting to other religions because everyone can learn new things — especially when it comes to new religions. You can definitely learn other peoples’ culture as well.”
The FWPC Collegiate Prayer Group has Bible study at 7 p.m. every Monday in the Village game day room. For more information, iStrike is a handy resource to find a club that best suits you.