By Kyle Peveto, Page Editor
Rance Bland issued a challenge to all students Aug. 28.
He presented his Prayer Network ministry to the student body during Chapel and asked students to work at unifying the college campuses in Abilene, reach out to the community and train the next generation of collegiate leaders.
“I really want to see college students on fire for the Lord,” said Bland, senior missions major from Lubbock.
The Prayer Network grew out of a prayer group Bland and a few others had each week last year.
“All last year, a group of us got together and prayed for God to do big things on this campus,” he said. “We’re a Christian campus … but we felt like there could be more.”
The Prayer Network is a ministry that will help students around the city to minister to their communities.
Bland plans to bring students from ACU, Hardin Simmons and McMurry together to pray in a community prayer night, involve students in citywide evangelism and send evangelism teams into the community.
The prayer network is beginning by sending a newsletter to those interested in praying for the ministry and joining them for outreach. Soon they plan to throw block parties around the city that will include music, games, food and fellowship.
Within the next month, Bland also wants to get all three universities together to pray, he said.
“God has been orchestrating the passion to pray within the hearts of this generation,” said Nick Tapie, senior interpersonal communication major from Orlando, Fla., who participates in the Prayer Network.
Mentoring to younger students is another goal in the development of the network.
“We want to invest in the lives of freshmen and sophomores,” he said.
After speaking in Chapel and making students aware of these ministry plans, Bland has seen more interest.
“I feel the response has been good,” he said. “Quite a big group came to talk to us a after Chapel, and we’ve received quite a few e-mails.”
The ministry team knows their goals are big tasks.
“It’s gotta be something God does or it’s not going to happen,” Bland said.
To participate in the network, e-mail Bland at rgb00a@acu.edu.
