On Monday night, April 20, in the Bowld Commons, the Greek community sponsored Abraham’s Altar, a time of praise and worship open to the student body.
Adam Reinhard, junior nursing major and interfraternity council president, opened the evening with an introduction and prayer.
“Abraham’s Altar is a great opportunity for the Greek community to host an event where the entire student body is welcome to come worship in unity,” Reinhard said. “It’s about community and coming together as one to praise God.”
Hallie Shephard, senior music education major, and Mack Burns, a 2013 Biola University graduate, led the music portion of the service. Shephard sang with Burns, who also played the guitar.
Oliver took the stage to lead a devotional after the music portion of the service. The focus of the message was Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Oliver spoke on the significance of Abraham’s Altar and applied it to his own journey that led him from Baylor University to East Texas Baptist University and then to Union.
Oliver concluded by leaving students with a question: “What is it that you need to lay down on Abraham’s Altar?”
“What is it keeping you from seeing and doing God’s will,” Oliver asked students. “What is it that you are clinging to that you have turned into an idol in your own life? What is it that you need to say ‘yes’ to or lay down and let go of?”
Oliver then closed the ceremony with a prayer, and students stayed afterwards to fellowship.
Graham Gardner, freshman economics major and member of Alpha Tau Omega, was excited about the turn-out of the event.
“It is Greek Week, but it is so great because Abraham’s Altar is an activity that is open to the entire student body, not just those in Greek life,” Gardner said. “It is our chance to invite them to be a part of our time of worship in order to exhibit community, which is a really awesome opportunity.”
