By Christi Mays
For many young college students, finding their calling and knowing their purpose in life is an integral part of their years in college. That’s why, several years ago, UMHB leaders developed an initiative to help students do just that. The UMHB Meaningful Life Initiative helps students uncover the remarkable potential God has for their individual callings.
To bring awareness to the cause, UMHB hosted “Called: A Week of Purpose” this February. The week-long event featured interactive activities, classroom discussions, art displays, and signs throughout campus to help spark thought and deeper understanding.
“The purpose of Called Week is for our campus community to set aside time to be more intentional in how we understand and carry out the calling in which each of us has on our lives,” said Dr. Brandon Skaggs, vice president for Student Life. “This is a week the entire campus is actively participating in helping students better understand their call and purpose. Through active and passive programming, students got the opportunity to learn, discuss and actively carry out how they understand their calling and purpose.”
Skaggs said students actively engaged throughout the week, which he was excited to see.
“I believe it is important for us to understand the many ways each of us is called,” he said. “Whether a direct calling from God, like Moses and Abraham, or a general calling to glorify God’s name through our work and actions, we are all called to something. It is important for us to have a common language and help students understand that our calling is much more than simply the work in which we are called to do; it is how we are called as leaders, community members, neighbors, etc. We are made for a life of meaningful purpose.”
Dr. Emily Prevost, associate provost for academic engagement, loves that Called Week reminds students, faculty and staff to pay attention and listen for what God might be doing around us and what role we have to play in that.
“I’m confident that God was whispering, inviting and nudging individuals to become a part of something greater than themselves,” she said.
During the event, she attended a dinner with some sophomore and junior students, and they discussed how God is opening opportunities for them.
“One talked about how natural it was becoming to share what Christ is doing in her life as she is intentionally spending time with some new people,” Prevost said. “Another was dreaming about the possibilities for future work that would be connected to her vocation of serving families. As I listened to them, I thought this is what this week is about. It’s what we’re about at UMHB.”
