“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:5-7
This past year has been a whirlwind of excitement. A year ago, I was kind of like you. I transferred to my dream school (the greatest school in the country, in my opinion) (Roll Tide). I completed my first two years of college at a community college close to my home in northeast Alabama. I was heavily involved in organizations on that campus. When I transferred, I was scared. Would I adjust to living in a town with more than one red light? (Joking, sort of.) Was I going to find my niche at UA? Would I make friends easily? (Serious.)
Move-in day for my apartment and orientation day came on August 15, 2016. My parents had moved me into my new apartment. After I got semi-settled in my new place, I decided to go to the first BCM event of the year, Survival. I was nervous that I would be the only transfer student attending. To my surprise, there were several transfers! That first night I knew I had found a place at UA I could call my niche. Worshipping with about 100 other college students was amazing. I quickly became involved and found great Christ-loving friends.
One of the cool things (of many) about UA BCM is that the people involved live out Romans 15:5-7. God provided a building on campus for students to worship and glorify Him. In that building. He placed people to give encouragement who have a similar mindset as you. God created us to want to have fellowship. He never intended for us to be alone. Christian fellowship is critical for growth in Christ.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
He wants us to uplift and encourage each other. Each person in the BCM is unique and brings different gifts to the table. However, each person is striving and helping others to strive to glorify our Father. The students involved in this ministry welcome everyone with open arms.
I don’t know where I would be without the BCM. It has impacted my life so much because it provides endurance and encouragement through the love of Christ. It places Christ-loving people in your lives, so you are never alone. It is more than just a building; it is a family of brothers and sisters in Christ. College can get crazy, but with the right people cheering you on, it becomes
College can get crazy, but with the right people cheering you on, it becomes easier.
That is exactly what you’ll find at the BCM. People to laugh and have fun with, but also shoulders to cry on. But most importantly, people who all want to glorify God and lead others to Him.
Ashley McCarver Instagram: ashley_n_mcc24
