CAMPUS MINISTRY

Jacob’s initial calling to ministry can be traced If asked who he owes his success to, Jacob’s initial back to his freshman year of high school. On a cold answer is God before all. He has witnessed the Lord’s November night, Jacob found himself over at a friend’s providential care, keeping him on the path of security, house. The backyard pool had slightly frozen over, but always working toward success. A close second is Jacob’s wasn’t enough to halut the force of Jacob slipping and mother. Although his parents divorced when Jacob crashing into the water. Hunter was in fifth grade, above the first recalls losing consciousness pain he remembers his mother's followed by a keen awareness that "To whom be glory for ever perseverance that instilled an he was drowning. Jacob remembers and ever. Amen." unshakable work ethic, driving feeling completely helpless, waiting Hunter to perform to the best to die. Then suddenly, someone Galatians 1:5 of his abilities in college and in miraculously pulled him out before life. Jacob’s mother went out of he took on too much water. Jacob her way to not only supply his had known others who drowned and his experience left basic needs, but to provide a sense of security so her him wondering why God had saved him. This near death sons could focus on their studies and sports rather than experience gave Jacob a new perspective; he had woken worry about where their next meal would come from. up to God’s plan. Throughout his current ministry, Hunter equates his diploma to a thank you note for his Jacob uses this story in his testimony, a platform to reach mother in honor of her perseverance. others who are drowning and need saving. Currently, Jacob is furthering his education at

He describes being a ministry chaplain as an utter Georgetown University studying cyber security. This blessing. His job on paper is to have a comforting, career choice gives Jacob a chance to use his criminal spiritual presence in dorms around campus. But his justice degree while immersing himself in opportunities daily pleasures center around connecting with fellow to minister to his colleagues. Although Jacob’s four year athletes who are struggling with their faith or life’s journey at Chowan was not what he initially anticipated, problems. Jacob enjoys simply being present for his his legacy is a testament that though his plans changed, peers in their time of need. His strength is his ability God’s appointed path leaded him through hardships to to listen and perpetuate healing. He also recognizes that clarity and a purpose driven life. Without his dream his relationship with his peers is a sacred one; many at five years old to play collegiate football, Jacob would students feel more comfortable talking to Jacob, a fellow never have found himself on the turf in Garrison student, rather than a faculty or staff member. Hunter’s stadium. Chowan University quenched Jacob’s football journey as a ministry chaplain at Chowan gave him the aspirations and gave him a new thirst to further Christ’s opportunity to touch students’ lives as well as have a kingdom through ministry. more grounded, interpersonal relationship with himself. Jacob’s personal approach to ministry is to give a blend of scriptural and logical counsel, providing a balance of religious and personal advice. But his basis is the Bible, both for his ministry and his life. Jacob’s life verse is Galatians 1:5 where the Bible encourages believers to give glory to God in all things. This reference has given Jacob the capacity to appreciate his struggles as well as his successes; they all had influential roles in molding Jacob into the best version of himself, the man God wants him to be. For Jacob, the struggle validates the success, the best rewards are earned, and the trials make him stronger. Similarly, the story of Samson is one Jacob frequently returns to. It reminds him that there is strength in knowing his limits and even greater strength in trusting God’s omnipotence.

At Georgetown University

Chowan Cares Week - Make one Take One Socks for Christ House in Washington DC.

IN A PANDEMIC, WE SERVE WHERE WE ARE AND SHARE WHERE WE CAN!

Annual campus-wide ministry project

Campus Ministry

The last "normal" event was the spring break mission to Waiane, Hawaii before the height of the pandemic and the shift to virtual learning in spring 2020. When students returned to a "new normal" on campus for fall 2020, all campus ministry events had to be reimagined.

Chowan Campus Ministry kicked off the 202021 school year with its annual campus-wide ministry project. This popular event had to be reinvented, as the previous year involved students standing shoulder to shoulder assembling meal packets. The pandemic nixed this usual plan and left Minister to the University, Rev. Mari Wiles, challenged to find a safe way to serve. Together Rev. Wiles and Lou Ann Gilliam, Director of Church and Community Relations decided that making goodie bags for local seniors would be this year's project. Rev. Wiles designed a safe way to pack the bags by limiting touchpoints and practicing social distancing. Then mask-wearing students slathered on hand sanitizer and formed well-spaced lines. One by one, students stopped at each table, collecting items for the bags. Campus Ministry supplied useful items like lotions, lip balm, stress balls and other goodies. Campus Ministry staff and students passed out bags at the Murfreesboro Nutrition site to go with the curbside meals. The rest were sent to be given out at the other sites.

An annual tradition for Chowan Campus Ministry is Chowan Cares Week which promotes ministry through service. Creatively, Campus Ministry staff has given students, faculty, and staff a safe way to serve amid the pandemic. The emphasis of each of the days was to serve locally or to places where Chowan has been on mission trips. There was a "make one, take one" event where students made tie dye socks, one pair to keep, one pair to send to Christ House in Washington DC. Students also wrote Thanksgiving cards for Preble Street in Portland Maine, for those experiencing homelessness.