By Staff Writer, Sadie Davis
Between classes, practices and deadlines, students at Ouachita rarely slow down. However, there is one week a year that students have the opportunity to trade classroom time for time dedicated to exploring the invitation of the Bible. Christian Focus Week aims to provide intentional time for learning and reflection, offering students and staff alike an opportunity to delve into the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Through a series of campus wide events, the week encourages participants to engage with meaningful speakers and worship leaders while taking a pause from their regular academic schedule.
Organized by the Campus Ministries staff and student leadership team, Christian Focus Week will take place during the first week of February and feature four to five events each day, with one event on Friday open to all students and staff. Events are scheduled throughout the day, on campus, with designated times off from class to attend. These activities are unique and community focused gatherings including things like s’mores night, art and worship, international worship, breakout sessions, dinner, hiking and guided prayers. “For students who may not have experienced the life Jesus offers, the week creates space to explore that invitation,” Senior Hannah Goodrum stated. “For those who are already seeking to grow in their faith, we are hosting meaningful speakers who will teach through Scripture.”
Ouachita has hosted weeks of spiritual emphasis since the 1920s, focusing on the spiritual growth of students and staff. This year, the Campus Ministries leadership team continues the tradition with the theme “Fully Known.” Senior leadership team member Josh Engle shared the Campus Ministries purpose statement for the week:
“We are fully known by a God of love who has known us before time began and understands us completely. Like sheep who are known by the shepherd, we are known by name and will not be forgotten nor left behind, and as members of His flock, we are called to know one another through fellowshipping and discipleship. We are to share His love in intimate, authentic relationships, being gracious and truthful in all ways to encourage fruitful growth of our faith.”
“‘Fully Known is all about the relationship we have with God and the relationships we share with one another,” Engle said. “God knows us so completely and yet continues to love us despite our flaws.” The Campus ministries leadership team and staff have worked hard to integrate this theme into the atmosphere of the events in the upcoming week to remind students of the Gospel message of the Bible through the omniscience of God. The verse for the week to encapsulate the theme is John 10:27: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
In totality, the purpose of Christian Focus Week is to provide intentional time for reflection and learning through scripture, prayer and spiritual growth. Campus ministries organized and created a schedule with various outlets to foster the theme “Fully Known” for everyone to participate in and enjoy.
Junior Avery Lewis mentioned, “I think that one of my favorite CFW memories would have to be the hike during my freshman year. During the hike, we were told to pair up with a partner and talk with one another about the reflective prompts given to us by Shane Seaton. This gave me the opportunity to talk about deep, theological topics while also forming a deeper relationship with someone who later became one of my best friends.” Like Lewis’s experience Christian Focus week provides students with an unique opportunity to foster and find Christ centered community, while growing in their relationship with Christ.
For a full schedule and more information visit https://obu.edu/campusministries/cfwschedule.php and follow @OuachitaCampusMinistries on Instagram for updates throughout the week.
