Mission Emphasis Week Starts Today

By Mackenzie Wing

Mission Emphasis Week is a yearly event on campus to spread the word about missionary work. It will take place from Wednesday, Sept. 25 to Saturday, Sept. 28 on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus.

Students will have the opportunity to speak with missionary groups, learn more about the purpose behind missions, and find ways they can become involved.

Each year the event is centered around a theme, and this year’s is based on a Bible verse from First Chronicles 16:24-25, “Declare his glory to all the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.”

Yeslem Arredondo, the co-director of MEW, is a sophomore transformational development major. Her responsibilities include outreach to the community and publicity. Two months into her freshman year, Arredondo joined the committee. Her passion for this event is centered on the opportunity for others to grow more in their faith.

Arredondo will be leading a group of students on a mission trip to Puerto Rico this winter through Global Outreach, a UMHB mission-led organization. Arredondo encourages others by saying, “If God has put it on their hearts, they should check out the event.”

Brea Stidham, a senior communications major, is on the MEW special events committee. This involves coordinating with food vendors, gathering decorations, and organizing tents for the events. She joined the committee in February and has been enjoying it.

After the committee chose “Declare” as this year’s theme, the team began working on collecting resources, contacting vendors and catering companies.

“I was inspired to join after seeking opportunities to be involved with mission trips,” Stidham said. Despite enjoying her involvement with the group, she shared overcoming obstacles was part of the process, such as finding specific resources, working on a limited time schedule and seeking out approval from administration.

“Faculty representative Tiffany Horton has devoted her time to helping MEW address any conflicts or concerns with the upcoming event,” Stidham said.

The organization has been able to reach out to the UMHB students by putting out chalkboards on King Street inviting students to attend and setting up tables in Bawcom Student Union.

“The understanding of the event has largely been impacted by word-of-mouth from many committee members,” Stidham said. Through these efforts, they have shared their love and devotion for the event with others.

Stidham encourages students to attend MEW events, saying, “You never know what the Lord can do.” She also asks others to “be praying for the missionaries and the people that come across the missionaries to soften their hearts so they can spread the gospel.”

Missionaries arrive on Wednesday to begin the four-day event. The week’s schedule is posted on the university website.

www.umhb.edu/students/spiritual-life/global-outreach/missions-emphasis-week

Schedule from MEW webiste:

Wednesday, September 25, 2024: