BUIES CREEK — Richard Brunson, executive director of North Carolina Baptist Men, encouraged Campbell University Divinity School students to answer the call to service as they prepare for a life of ministry.
Brunson spoke at the 2008 Service of Convocation and Commissioning Sept. 16.
“This service honors our newest students who have heard God’s call and have said, ‘Yes,’” said Michael Cogdill, dean of the divinity school. “They come together today with their families, friends and church members to celebrate that call.”
Brunson explained the ongoing efforts of Baptist Men to help those in areas devastated by Hurricane Ike.
“Many of our members are in Baytown, Texas, as I speak,” said Brunson, whose organization is feeding 70,000 people daily during the hurricane. “They are cleaning out homes, Sheet-rocking and providing much-needed supplies.”
The Baptist Men also helped during Gustav and Katrina.
"Our life is about missions,” he said. “That is what Christians are called and gifted to do. God made us this way in order to prepare His people to be the body of Christ. All Christians are called to be ministers, to be the hands and feet of God.”
A total of 49 new master of divinity students and six new doctor of ministry students received their commissions.
Aurora resident, Jessica Cruz, who was one of those commissioned, decided to enter the master of divinity program at Campbell while serving as the worship leader of her church, Faith United Methodist in New Bern.
“As I was praying and seeking God’s plan in my life, I just came to the realization that I not only needed to prepare myself mentally, but spiritually as well,” said the mother of three. “A good carpenter carries all of his tools with him. I wanted to be a good carpenter for what God wanted me to do in my life.”