KELCI PASCOE
The Corsair
College students are constantly being bombarded with information. They have to learn how to juggle the stresses of everyday life with the worries of school. Don’t you ever just wish you could have some way to get away from all of this, a temporary relief? Well now you can!
BLAST is a once per week Bible study program at PJC that offers students a way to hang out, grab some free food, and listen to an encouraging message and relatable student testimony.
Anthony Olesky, head of both UWF and PJC Baptist Collegiate Ministries divisions said, “Everyone is welcome! All denominations and even those who do not have a faith.”
“It is a haven where you can just fellowship,” Tori Clement, a PJC student and an attendee of BLAST, said. “For me, it is a way to get away from school, at school. People who might not normally come to church come to BLAST because it’s so chill and relaxed. They accept everyone!”
Some of the best parts about BLAST are the great music, fellowship, teachings, and free lunch. It’s a great way to meet new people on campus.
“My favorite part is being able to get to know people you don’t know in your classes,” Clement said.
“It is student- planned and student-led,” Olesky said. “No two meetings are exactly alike. First we eat, and then we have a student share a testimony from scripture or their own personal journey with Christ. Sometimes we will show a video that is student-friendly, we have a time of worship which involves a bible study, musical worship, prayer etc. Our Bible studies are led by the BCM leader, guest speaker or students.”
The group’s mission for PJC is profound.
“Our mission statement is ‘To Know God and Make Him Known,’” Olesky said. “We provide opportunities for students to grow in their faith in Christ and knowledge of the Bible. We also know the importance of friends so we provide a lot of fun activities to build community.”
The preeminent part about BLAST is that they are full of love and accepting of everyone, no matter whom you are or where you come from.
“I love college students and love watching them grow and mature in their faith and as a person and student,” Olesky said. “I love to see them get passionate about something and go out and try to make a difference in the lives of others in and outside our group.”
BLAST meets at noon on Wednesdays in Building 96 room 9663.