April Lemaire vividly illustrates the crucifixion of Christ.The weather forecast April 4 called for severe thunderstorms in the Lowcountry. The prediction threatened to wash away months of collaborative planning for the downtown community event in Charleston involving Charleston Southern University, The Citadel, College of Charleston, and Trident Technical College.
“We had been praying hard for two things: weather and witness,” said Clark Carter, CSU collegiate minister. “The weather was great – and more than 300 people heard the gospel and hundreds more who were in the vicinity heard us celebrating the life of Jesus!”
Earlier in the day, students prayerwalked in downtown Charleston. By early evening, curious spectators were drawn to Marion Square by live music, drama, food and excited college students.
Jon Davis, pastor of Summit Baptist Church, Charleston Association, spoke to the gathering crowd about Pilate’s dealings with Christ and challenged them by asking, “What will you do with Jesus?”
Two students found the downtown community event to be a time of celebration, sharing and worship.While Davis spoke, CSU student April Lemaire powerfully illustrated his message by completing a painting of the crucified Savior. The painting was given away during a drawing, as were other donated items including area business gift cards.
CSU Baptist Collegiate Ministries coordinated with the three other Charleston area colleges to celebrate together Christ’s life and reach out to anyone who came. “All the groups came together for one common purpose,” said Brianna D’Abundo, a Charleston Southern junior. “It was such an eclectic group of people brought together by worship.”