Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Wake service welcoming for students, community

STAFF WRITER

[email protected]

For Eastern New Mexico University students and fellow community members, the weekly service Wake allows them to celebrate their Christian faith in a welcoming environment.

Staff photo: Kurt Munz-Raper

Brooke Steen, left, and Casey Steen, executive pastor at Trinity Church, perform with the worship team during Wake at Trinity Church. The weekly service is held for Eastern New Mexico University students Monday nights.

Wake is hosted at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Trinity Church.

“It’s a great organization because it allows individuals at their own pace to come to a better understanding in Christianity and the role of Jesus Christ in their lives,” said faculty advisor Doc Elder. “It’s a good bonding exercise.”

Elder added the service is welcoming to students whether or not they are Christians.

Wake is already having an impact on freshman ENMU students such as Ruth McClain. “Everything so far has been amazing,” said McClain. “It just spoke to me in a way I physically needed.

Thomas Hattaway, an employee an accounting office in Clovis, said the service helped gradually bring him closer to his faith and help others follow the same path.

“When you’re a leader, you’re given the tools to help college kids,” said Hattaway. “My favorite thing is being able to change someone’s life. I hope they gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be a Christian.”

“It’s definitely the people,” said attendee Candice Wagner. “Everyone is unbelievably, overwhelmingly welcoming. No matter how broken or hurt you feel, the group of people here make you feel loved.”

Senior ENMU student Bianca Nunez agrees with Wake’s welcoming nature.

“It’s like family,” said Nunez. “Everyone’s so inviting. We’re just really supportive of each other here.”

Justin Robertson, master control operator at KENW, participates with the service’s worship team who perform worship songs.

“The energy you get from the crowd is amazing,” said Robertson. “I think there have been a lot of good, loving relationships.”

ENMU graduate Clint Turner has attended Wake since 2012 and said he enjoys the “genuine” group environment.

“Everyone’s driving to get closer to Christ,” said Turner. “I hope that they see that no matter how hard their lives are, they can find strength in Christ.”

Trinity Church Executive Pastor Casey Steen said he strives to maintain the welcoming environment among the attendees.

“No matter your past, no matter your present, we believe God has an awesome future for you,” said Steen. “To reach people who are far from Christ and bring them to life in him, that they can come as they are and that Jesus just wants them as they are.”