Partners, April 2017
CAMPUS FOR CHRIST
Chris Buxton JONESBORO, Ark. — The campus ministry at Arkansas State University plans to send a team this summer to plant a new campus ministry at the University of Washington in Seattle, said Chris Buxton, who is leading the team.
“Those of us who are connected to the Campus For Christ organization are working to begin a movement that we hope will launch many new campus ministries in the coming years, and the team going to UW will be the first,” said Buxton, a Campus for Christ board member.
“We are sort of building the plane as we try to fly it, but we are excited we are finally about to have a team on the ground soon.”
cOMMUNITY OUTREACH AGAPE CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ministers from across the city came together recently to connect over food and fellowship at Agape Child & Family Services, which is associated with Churches of Christ.
Led by Agape board members and ministers Stacy Spencer of New Direction Christian Church and Josh Ross of Sycamore View Church of Christ, the luncheon served as a platform to discuss the current political and social climate and the effect both are having on congregations and communities throughout the Mid-South.
Greg Diaz, left, greets Jim Harbin at the Agape luncheon in Memphis, Tenn. (PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMIE ELKINGTON)
“This luncheon is a conversation starter among those who inspire others week after week to grow in their relationship with God, but also instill hope for those in need when all hope may seem lost,” said David Jordan, Agape’s executive director.
Attendees explored opportunities for outreach through community service programs at Agape.
For more information, see AgapeMeansLove.org.
HIGHER EDUCATION
FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY
HENDERSON, Tenn. — The Association of Theological Schools has granted accreditation to Freed-Hardeman’s Graduate School of Theology for an initial period of five years. At that time, the school will complete its next self-study in pursuit of reaffirmation.
The ATS Commission on Accrediting also granted approval for two degree programs, the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in New Testament.
“This specialized accreditation validates the quality of the programs in the Graduate School of Theology and strengthens the resumes of our graduates,” said Mark Blackwelder, the school’s director.
ROCHESTER COLLEGE
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. — Rochester College — formerly Michigan Christian College — has waited for a real arena for more than 50 years. That wait finally ended with the recent opening of the Garth Pleasant Arena, named after the Rochester Warriors’ retired coach.
In 38 seasons, Garth Pleasant compiled 720 wins, four small-college national championships and a long list of former players who credit him with helping develop their faith. His son Klint succeeded him as coach.
(PHOTO PROVIDED BY BORA HUTSON)
The opening game was sold out, and people lined up around the parking lot to get in.
HOSPITALITY
HANDS OF COMPASSION
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Hands of Compassion, a ministry that has provided soft beds and warm hugs to thousands of Mayo Clinic patients and their loved ones, is preparing to build a third house.
The new facility will sit on the lot between the ministry’s existing houses and provide more access for people with limited mobility, leaders said. It will give Hands of Compassion the ability to support families with younger children and to accommodate longer-term medical stays. A fundraising campaign has begun.
