North Greenville University is one of only eight colleges and universities in the United States being honored with the “Courts Redford Award for Excellence in Student Missionary Deployment” by the North American Mission Board.
North Greenville is being recognized for its “strong commitment of excellence” in deploying student missionaries during 2006.
Last year, under the auspices and direction of NAMB, colleges and universities mobilized more than 1,600 student missionaries in the United States, Canada and their territories. Student mission opportunities are promoted via Baptist Campus Ministries, Baptist colleges and local Baptist churches.
Assigned to sites such as college campuses, beaches, national parks, inner cities and rural communities, Baptist student missionaries obtain hands-on mission experience while supporting the evangelism and church-planting strategies of local Southern Baptist churches and associations.
Students also utilize their personal interests, spiritual gifts and talents as they lead sports camps, worship services in resort settings, Bible studies at children and youth camps, outreach to multi-housing communities and ministry to internationals, according to Donald King, national consultant for NAMB’s student missionary deployment team.
NAMB’s award is named in honor of Courts Redford who, in the summer of 1944, mobilized more than 70 students to serve across the country through the Southern Baptist Convention’s Home Mission Board – NAMB’s predecessor – birthing the student missionary strategy.
“Dr. Redford’s legacy continues as NAMB’s student missionary deployment team maintains his vision and commitment as they assist local churches and convention partners to deploy students across North America today,” said King.
Redford (1898-1977) served the Home Mission Board for 21 years (1943-1964), the last 10 years as chief executive officer.
More than 2,000 college students are needed in 2007 to share Christ in exciting and creative ways. The deadline to apply is April 20. For additional information on service opportunities through NAMB, visit www.answerthecall.net or call 1-800-462-8657.
Other colleges and universities honored for 2006 are Mercer University, Macon, Ga.; Northeastern University, Tahlequah, Okla.; the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.; Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, Miss.; Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, Mo.; Carson-Newman College, Jefferson, City, Tenn.; and Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C.