Hazel Creaghan is a student at York University and goes to G2, part of St Michael le Belfrey. She writes here about her visit to the Fusion Equipping Day.
On Wednesday 7th March I was extremely privileged to be invited along to the Student Equipping Day that was held in Loughborough for student workers and student leaders.
From the very start of the journey down from York it’s fair to say I was a little apprehensive and not sure what to expect from a day of being a slight ‘outsider’; as a first-year I was undoubtedly overwhelmed but stayed on track as an eager student, committed to following Jesus. As soon as I stepped through the doors into the building, the whole place buzzed with the same expectancy, the same anticipation and a palpable sense of togetherness.
It really struck me that everyone there knew they were part of something bigger, and there are so many out there who don’t know what it is to be connected through such an enormous and invigorating relationship with God. Looking back, the body of students and their workers felt like a great force, united and committed to discipling. The nature of the day was balanced with some incredible worship, powerful, enlightening prayer and short, seminar-style talks on discipleship from excellent speakers.
As the event progressed, I found myself taking down seven pages of notes, references and thoughts. At the forefront of my mind was “What can I do now?” and how can I build upon this picture of creating disciples that naturally disciple others to live in full for Jesus, right now? It’s all very well talking about it, but I left wanting to act upon the words, the notes, the messages.
The student workers that surrounded us on that day were dazzlingly alive, with Christ at the centre of their lives and demonstrated their passion through their work. In this day, in the everyday, what can we do to step out and be that encouraging disciple? It stood out for me that no one there was doing this to enrich themselves, but they were there for the student body, the corners of the Church where discovery and growth is at the forefront of modern, student culture. If we are considered to be ‘individually members one of another’ working with Christ in mind and building Churches of people, then our generation needs to speak up and out now.
Lastly, a big thank you to everyone who was at the equipping day and especially the group that I was privileged enough to travel down with. The ripple effects of this day are definitely at work in many lives already.
The next Equipping Day is on 30th May. You can book here.
