Wake U service held at ENMU

STAFF WRITER

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Hundreds of students at Eastern New Mexico University came together for a night of outreach, worship and fun activities, according to organizers.

Staff photo: Kurt Munz-Raper

Trinity Church Executive Pastor Casey Steen, front, leads the worship team for Wake U. Organizers said the annual service is held at Eastern New Mexico University to reach out to students on campus.

A service called Wake U was held on Oct. 18 at ENMU by the Wake organization from Trinity Church. According to Alyssa Conway, one of the leaders for Wake, the service is an expansion of their weekly Monday night service.

“Wake U is an event that Wake puts on once a year on campus,” said Alyssa Conway, one of the leaders for Wake. “It allows more students to come and participate. It’s more energetic and obviously we have more people to fit in. Last year we had over 60 students who received Christ. Hopefully we can make it a bigger thing this year.”

Trinity Church Youth Pastor Zach Cathey said Wake U is a good opportunity to spread a loving message to students.

“We’re able to bring our ministry on campus. We really want to reach out to the students we haven’t reached out to yet,” said Trinity Church Youth Pastor Zach Cathey. “I hope they realize we serve an amazing God. We’re excited.”

Trinity Church Executive Pastor Casey Steen said 424 students participated this year, not including late arrivals.

“We’re the only church that has done a service on campus,” said Steen. “A lot of people want to go to a church and a fun event on campus. Church is fun. It’s a time of celebration. We want to show them who Jesus is according to the Bible.”

Steen said since last year’s service he has seen more attendees at the weekly Wake service.

“I hope they realize that it’s not about us,” said Steen. “It’s about reaching out and the joy that is ensuring the love of Christ with others. God’s awesome and I’m just incredibly excited.”

“I’d say it’s a good opportunity to learn about our church and learn what our mission is,” said ENMU graduate Skye Arnold. “I think one of the things we’re trying to do is get people to our church who normally wouldn’t come. It kind of gets people in a zone, an atmosphere they’re most comfortable with.”

Senior ENMU student Kyle Bates said Wake organizers collaborate with Wake Albuquerque.

“We work together to make it a big event,” said Bates. “More games, same service, but we make it bigger, bring people in and make it a real exciting event.”

Portales resident Kristen Wagner said she hopes the on-campus service attracts more people to the weekly Wake service.

“What I want to see is lives giving into Christ,” said Wagner. “I hope someone leaves here knowing that they’re loved, that they’re important, that they have purpose.”