The Baptist Collegiate Ministry’s annual fellowship weekend, Disciple Now, drew 355 children from Baton Rouge, Bogalusa, New Orleans and other surrounding areas.
“The main objective of Disciple Now is to show these children that there are other Christian friends in the community,” said University Baptist Church older children and youth minister Larkin Harris.
BCM Disciple Now coordinator Elizabeth Walker and BCM volunteers organized the weekend-long children’s retreat that focused on introducing Christian children from the area to each other. Presbyterian churches as well as Baptist churches participated in the retreat.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids to make friends and learn about God,” Rebekkah Turner, a music education freshman said.
“The Baton Rouge community and BCM volunteers have been involved with Disciple Now and Tiger Olympics for nearly eight years,” Josh Britton, a mass communication sophomore said.
The participants began their weekend activities Friday. Children from third to sixth grade visited designated houses where they participated in Bible studies and group activities.
Volunteers from LSU and Baton Rouge area high schools participated in Bible studies with the children.
“We asked the kids if they had any spiritual questions or input, and they impressed us with their questions,” Britton said.
After spending the night at designated houses, the children participated in more team activities Saturday at the Tiger Olympics at Parker Coliseum.
At the coliseum, teams of children divided by age partook in games. Groups made up cheers to support their teammates and tried to be the loudest group.
Some groups also cheered and encouraged the other teams to perform their best.
“The main purpose of the team activities was not to compete against others,” said Elizabeth Walker communication disorders sophomore. “The children had to learn to work together to have a successful team, and they wanted everyone to do well.”
After Tiger Olympics, the children went to various churches in the Baton Rouge area, where they discussed family relationships and respect with their college and high school-aged leaders.
“Disciple Now is a great way to learn about God and have fun,” said Bailey Zito, a fifth grader from Bellingrath Elementary.