DA R TM O U TH | On Campus
Thanksgiving and Praise
AGAPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP HOSTS OUTREACH DINNER By Eileen Scott , Senior Writer
Agape Christian Fellowship ’ s annual Thanksgiving banquet is a holiday staple at Dartmouth . For many years , the ministry has served a large , home-cooked meal as a way of reaching out to non-Christians with a hand of hospitality .
This year ’ s banquet , attended by approximately 100 students , was held on November 12 at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth . Preparations began days in advance as the students cooked and later served the meal .
However , this banquet is about more than food . It ’ s about sharing the Gospel message in a comfortable atmosphere and warmly welcoming those who do not know Jesus Christ as their savior .
After an icebreaker and pre-dinner prayer , Aimee Sung ’ 17 shared a compelling testimony about brokenness , healing , and hope . Sung is the chair of Agape Christian Fellowship ( www . dartmouth . edu /~ acf ).
“ I felt God ’ s presence ( at the banquet ), particularly in the speaker ’ s testimony and her courage and bravery in sharing her story ,” said Jiyun Lee , one of the event coordinators . “ Because the banquet took place the weekend after the election , and many students were extremely disappointed with the results , we focused on God ’ s healing power .”
This topic also seemed to resonate with many students .
“ We could feel God ’ s presence as He opened up honest conversations ,” Lee said . “ We also felt the Lord opening up our friends ’ hearts as they
we believe provides all of the goodness in our lives .”
Lee and other members of Agape hoped students would leave the event feeling loved , aware of the Gospel , and
Agape Christian Fellowship sponsored its traditional Thanksgiving Banquet in November .
shared with the people at their table and expressed a desire to learn more about Jesus .”
The banquet was a success because Thanksgiving is celebrated by everyone . Whether religious or not , Lee said it is easy to invite friends who may be uncomfortable at a church service , but are willing to sit down to a holiday meal . A Christian Union grant was used to help underwrite the cost of the event .
“ Thanksgiving reminds us to think about all of the things we have to be grateful for ; it is a good chance to think about who we have to thank ,” said Lee . “ This gives us a chance to introduce the Gospel and share whom more curious about Jesus and faith . And it appears that hope was realized .
On commitment cards , some guests indicated a desire to learn more about Jesus , while others expressed interest in getting more involved in a Christian community . One card , in particular , stood out the most to Lee , and affirmed the value of the ministry ’ s annual investment of time and love into the banquet .
“ One of our freshmen , who does not have a Christian background , had w i n t e r 2 0 1 7 : : c h r i s t i a n u n i o n . o r g
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