This year’s Bible Conference was a huge success on campus, featuring great speakers and exciting events. The theme was “The Goodness of God.”
Dr. Alan Benson, Bob Jones University’s 2023-24 acting CEO, opened the conference as the Tuesday evening speaker. Other speakers included local pastors Drew Conley, Gary Reimers, Greg Stiekes and Mark Minnick. Gospel Fellowship Association Missions Executive Director Jon Crocker spoke on Wednesday. David Doran, the president of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke twice on Thursday. Tim Potter, the president of Arch Ministries, closed the week.
Each speaker offered a new perspective on the goodness of God. The overwhelming message was to rest in God’s perfect plan, even when it feels unkind or unfair. God is always loving and totally sovereign. His goodness is expressed through His daily provision, through His Son, through nature—and the list could go on and on.
Students, faculty and community participating in the Bible Conference were encouraged to reflect this goodness through donating to Jonathan’s House, an orphanage, school and medical clinic in the Central African Republic. Jonathan’s House’s “gospel-centered mission” is to “bring hope and healing” to vulnerable children and the community.
BJU raised $115,359 by Feb. 21 at the closing service of Bible Conference, surpassing the $100,000 goal for Jonathan’s House to begin the process of building new housing for the ministry’s orphanage.
A few new fundraisers debuted. Bryan Bears introduced axe-throwing Tuesday and Friday night. Tuesday evening was also the Nu Delta Chi Vikings and Tau Delta Chi Kangas annual (in)famous speed dating event. Dr. Benson announced these events during the Tuesday 7 p.m. service.
“I wonder if you could combine speed dating and axe throwing,” Dr. Benson joked from the stage. “Eliminate the competition. That’s how my mind works.”
Students could participate in a real life Among Us, many different sporting events, bread-making and mini-golf. They could also watch an event like “Stage, The Production” or “Alpha’s Got Talent.”
Of course, students were overwhelmed with options for coffee, snacks, drinks, breakfast and dessert. The International Student Organization even hosted an International Food Fest during Wednesday dinner. Brokenshire residence hall introduced “PandaShire Orange Chicken.”
“It seems like all the fundraisers either help you put on ten pounds or burn it off,” Dr. Benson said.
The campus can anticipate an enjoyable and memorable Bible Conference each year. The student body enters midterms with the encouragement of God’s continual goodness and kindness to His children each day.
