FHU Student Body Prays for International Community During November Chapels

Freed-Hardeman University spent time learning about and praying for international communities in mid-November as part of the university's International Student Days (Nov. 13-14).

Dr. Richard England Jr., executive director of FACE (French African Christian Education), gave a presentation about his work and travels in Africa. "Be a bridge - reinforce God's love for all and embrace diversity," England said. "Understand peace and joy, and begin to embrace what God has promised us - hope and life."

England challenged the students - "Are you prepared to do the things that are hard?" He said when someone asks him why he makes trips to Africa, England has a three-point response. "I work in Africa - there's great food, wonderful friends and beautiful music," he said. England encouraged students to "go above everything you see and hear - the conflict, the number of the dead and the terrorists - the reality is when we see people coming together to say, 'Thank you, Lord, for the promises and blessings that we have,' we can then begin to embrace the reality of diversity and come full circle."

On the second day of prayer, BRIDGES offered prayer for international communities at work, in need of economical and environmental support. The prayer was led by Dr. Justin Rogers, Dr. Jeremy Northrop and Maurice Williams. BRIDGES aims to foster diversity and inclusion on FHU's campus. BRIDGES is an acronym for Belonging to the FHU community, Reinforcing God's love for all, Integrating an inclusive learning environment, Developing a kingdom culture, Growing together, Embracing diversity and Strengthening our communities.