By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Correspondent
Salisbury University junior, Colleen Reeping, led an effort to erect a prayer tent on the secular campus for round-the-clock prayer for a one-week period.
SALISBURY, Md.—Salisbury University junior, Colleen Reeping, led an effort to erect a prayer tent on the secular campus for round-the-clock prayer for a one-week period. Passersby were curious as Christians in and around Salisbury flocked to the campus to keep the tent occupied and to offer the continual sacrifice of prayer.
“It was an amazing week and experience!” Reeping exclaimed.
Reeping, who is majoring in international relations and German, was inspired when Campus America representative, Stacey Cunnigham, spoke at the campus. Cunningham shared a Campus America vision of having prayer in American colleges continually from January 1 to December 31 in 2010. Cunningham suggested either a dedicated prayer room or a tent, but encouraged the tent because it would be more of a witness.
The idea of a prayer tent on campus was exciting to Reeping. There were logistical obstacles, such as security and placement, but God cleared the way. Reeping and other volunteers erected the tent near the University Center on April 5. The area, Reeping said, turned out to be perfect—visible but not intrusive.
Christians rose to the challenge of the prayer-a-thon. College students, local churches and Christian schools signed up for slots—they came and prayed, gave testimonies and worshipped.
“There aren’t sufficient words to describe how amazing God made this. People came because that is where God’s presence was dwelling,” Reeping said.
There were quite a few curious glances as students and teachers strolled passed the tent. Some stopped to add their prayer requests to a box just inside the tent. Others penned their prayers and praises on a bed sheet that now hangs in the Baptist Student Ministry room.
“Not only did God show up, but He stayed to say ‘Here I Am.’” Reeping shared that one of the highlights of the week for her was meeting so many other Christians.
“It was very edifying for the body of Christ. People who have been praying for years over this campus, community, and beyond really encouraged us by their stories and commitment to how God is using them. There are so many members of His body and God is using them in so many ways,” she said.
“This is the beginning of something big. I have no idea what is coming.”