Opinion: Can We Do More?

David Mwansa

Growing up in Zambia, a small country in southern Africa, was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The culture, environment and people are unique. My siblings and I attended Christ-centered schools and became actively involved in the youth ministries at the local church. Fellowship and Sabbath worship was a full-day event, starting with church service, followed by afternoon programs of beautiful tribal choirs in concert, continuing with Bible study and discussion until the sunset. The moments we shared in praise and prayers are ones I can never forget.

Southwestern Adventist University has also been one of my best experiences. SWAU is unique because of its various cultures, people and the spiritual environment.

I feel strongly about our spiritual experience on campus, and wanted to find out what others thought. After extensively asking several students how they feel about their spiritual experience on campus, I received answers from all across the board. As great as their responses were, I didn’t want to turn this into a never-ending debate between styles of worship and whether or not playing the snare drum is acceptable in church. Simply put, I wanted to know if as an Adventist university we could more to increase spiritual development.

Ashley Feliciano, senior nursing major, says, “I’ve really become closer to God in my time here at SWAU, and I love being a part of the services and outreach.”

“I enjoy vespers and joint worships, but I wish we could incorporate more music,” says Dashel Stinson, junior biology major.

Tony Hola, a senior theology major says, “As much as I love being involved in churches across the Metroplex, I believe we can step up and outreach more to our own community.”

As a university, I think that’s important. Having more programs and choirs allows for more time to praise and to get more students involved. A healthy spiritual life is more than attending the Sabbath service and receiving the Word of the week. A healthy spiritual life includes involvement, ministering, and fellowship.

As a school resembling the body of Christ, we can organize more Bible study discussions, invite more students to perform special music or even create more morning and evening worship sessions. Christ is the center of our learning, and the time we spend in praise and prayer are the moments that lift us up and we won’t forget.

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