BCM Participates in Spring Break Mission Trip to Utah

Shorter’s Baptist College Ministry (BCM) and churches in Northwest Georgia Baptist Associations partnered with the Utah/Idaho Baptist Convention for the second year to help support local churches in Utah. Seven students, one faculty member, and one staff member from Shorter worked with three local churches and one church plant in the Logan, Utah, area. Students who served were Alexis Bagley, a sophomore Christian studies major, Owen Lewis, a senior Christian studies major, Andrew Bearden, a junior business administration major, and Maddi Hutchens, a sophomore biochemistry. Other students on the trip included Hayden Lanier, Sydney Pledger, and Parker Wolfe, all sophomore middle grades education majors. BCM Director David Roland, and Dr. Lucas Butler, Adjunct Instructor of Christian Studies, led the trip. The purpose of the trip was to share the Gospel and to support and encourage local churches in the Logan, Utah, area. To accomplish their mission, students helped lead church services and participated in a prayer walk at Utah State University. During the church services, several students shared their testimonies, while others preached. One of the highlights of the week was assisting with a youth rally where 60 students attended, which was the highest number of students they ever had.

In addition to leading and serving with local churches, the groups also learned more about the Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) religion by touring a tabernacle and museum led by tour guides of that faith. Meeting with those of the Mormon religion opened the door for Shorter students to discuss their faith in Christ on numerous occasions. At first, the locals who were of the Mormon faith were hesitant to talk to Christians since the two faiths are so vastly different. However, by the end of the trip, both groups were better able to understand one another better. One of the tour guides said that those from the Shorter group greatly impacted them and was their favorite group to visit the area.

When asked how the trip impacted them, Bearden said, “We had numerous opportunities to share about Christ and the gift of salvation through street ministry as well as three other events. This allowed me to work on sharing my faith with unbelievers face to face. I can bring back these experiences to our campus and use them for the advancement of God’s kingdom here in Rome, Georgia.”

Serving in the Utah area for two years made such a difference in the lives of these Shorter students, faculty, and staff. All agreed that if given the chance they would go back and serve in this area again.

By Brianna Johnston Photos submitted by Dr. Lucas Butler