Campus ministries is providing a new mentorship program that will allow freshman girls to have one-on-one time with an upperclassman student.
The Women’s Discipleship Ministry is being organized by assistant director of campus ministries Terese Cox.
“The purpose of this ministry is to connect young women in the campus, so together we can pursue Christ [and] grow deeper in a relationship with Christ,” Cox said.
The ministry consists of three categories students can be involved in: mentoring options, freshman bible study and upperclassman bible study. In mentoring options they can sign up to have a mentor, be a mentor or both.
“We want the mentoring program to give freshman girls someone older and more mature to connect with and really get to know,” said senior Danielle Pickle, leader of the upperclassman bible study. “They can talk about spiritual issues as well as everyday struggles and challenges.”
Sophomore, Alyson Walker, leader of the freshman bible study knows what it feels like to struggle with becoming a part of the Ouachita community, especially during her freshman year
“I’ve been mentored and [have] been a mentor in the past,” she said. “Knowing that they [mentors] were there, no matter what happen to you, whether bad or good they can accept you as what you are. It makes you (mentor) feel like you have a family and home,” Walker said.
Relationship is a significant element of this new mentorship program according to Cox.
“Women who have similar problems or similar questions can build deep relationships and together they can pursue Christ because of that relationship,” she said.
The ministry will include a bible study each week. Freshman bible study is held every Tues. at 9:30 p.m. on the third floor of Maddox Hall and upperclassman bible study is held every Thurs. at 10:30 p.m. after Refuge on the third floor of Maddox Hall.
“We will send a purple card in the campus mailbox for every woman,” Cox said. “If they are interested in being a mentor or being mentored they can fill out that card and give it to the campus ministry office.”
Cox also believes that girls on campus should take advantage of this ministry while it is available to them.
“Get involved, you have a great opportunity while you’re here to grow your faith and connect with women,” Cox said. “Knowing that there is someone who cares and prays for you, that is very significant.”
