Morehead State University - Raconteur Yearbook (Morehead, KY)

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Kelly O'Connell, a Morehead freshman, rehearses her speech during the one hour practice sessions everyday. PHOTO BY: Kevin L. Goldy The Individual Events Team placed first in the Kentucky Forensic Association State Champi- onship. Hours ofpractice from Carol Tyler, 3. fresh- man from Montgomery county, and Darin Black- burn, a sophomore from Elkorn City, aided the win. PHOTO BY: Kevin L. Goldy :, 2 , Lisa Kirkendall

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II was about eight years old when I became a Christian. Of course I I was raised in the Church from day one, so it was just the thing to do. I understood the implications of ac- cepting Jesus into my life, but I didn't re- ally dedicate my life to him until a few years later. These were the words of Geoff Petit, a freshman social work major from Lafayette, IN. Petit is involved in several religious groups on campus, but he devotes his time primarily to the United Methodist Student Center. I have found a really strong support group at the Wesley Foundation. I've made a lot of friends there, and they are all really good people who hold me accountable for my actions. It's always easy to find a listen- ing ear at the Foundation, commented Petit. Kevin Mackin is a junior from Louisville majoring in business. He was not raised in the church, like Petit. Instead he dedicated his life to Christ just three years ago. In June of 1985 I was locked up for drunk driving. My whole life reflected a history of alcoholism. At the time I was put in jail, I had hit the very bottom. For the eight hours I was in the cell I felt so empty. I knew it was time to put my life back together, he said. I quit drinking for a while, but I always found myself back in the party scene. Fi- nally I did some honest soul-searching, and discovered that my life meant noth- ing. That's when I picked up the Bible and began to pray. There has been no turning back for ei- ther Petit or Mackin since they became Christians. Both are involved in their own forms of ministry to people on campus. My ministry began when I went back to speak to prisoners at the jail, said Mackin. I was invited by a local church to go with them and talk with prisoners. Since then, I've gone faithfully, twice a week. The most important message I share with them is that they are not condemned. I tell them that there is hope, not in their way of living, but in Christ's. Mackin said that the jail ministry pro- gram was the strongest he has ever partici- pated in, in terms of the number of people who have become Christians through it. He is also involved in a tract outreach min- istry, in which he hands out religious pam- phlets. Petit is involved in the Wesley Founda- tion's Travelling Chancel Band, a singing group, which visits churches in many dif- ferent areas. The group practices once a week on Tuesday nights and anyone is welcome to sing with them, even if they do not intend to tour with the group. Petit also witnesses to people he knows on campus, often just by talking with them one on one. 'There is an incredible number of peo- ple who are searching for God. They know He is out there, but they aren't sure how to find Him. It says in the scripture that our hearts will be restless until they find their rest in God. Christians must seek out those restless hearts and share the love of Jesus with them, he said. Mackin shared Petit's sentiments. IlPeo- ple think another person or even alcohol can fulfill them. I try to tell them that I don't have to look for peace and joy; they live inside of me. Nothing in this world can change you; just the love of the one who is not in the world, but inside of your heart. Mackin went on to say: The peace He gives you is unquestionable. When you receive Christ you also receive I-Iis righ- teousness. We can come to Christ, because He loves every part of us and understands that we sin. Petit reaffirmed the fact that God gives peace and joy to those who pray to Him. IIMy best tool for witnessing is through Christ-like actions, attitudes and works. It seems like Christians are always happy, and people who don't know Him don't understand that. I tell them it's Jesus, there is no other explanation. He has lifted my burden of guilt and sin, he said. llBeing a Christian has made me know that I can accept myself, said Mackin. l'You begin to love yourself because God loves you, even your faults, and he for- gives you. Through his forgiveness you learn to forgive yourself.'I Mackin and Petit agree that it is not diffi- cult to be a Christian, even at college, with opportunities to sin all around them. My walk has been easy. I just think of where I came from, and of the joy I felt when God picked me up and helped me to start over, said Mackin. Petit remarked, The pressure of the world tells us other things are more fun than studying the Bible or going to church. I think that is Satan trying to tempt us. Overcoming the difficulty of fitting God into your daily life is necessary, but the rewards far outweigh any work you put into it. He added, There are so many advan- tages to having Christ in your life. The most meaningful one is that we get to spend an eternity with our Father in Heaven after our time on earth is over. Mackin concluded, God is sensitive to our needs and pains. When I was con- verted to Christ I cried for the first time in 10 years from the joy I felt. Being a Chris- tian is a joyous experience. The more I yield to Christ, the more I grow. . Religious Life 83

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Speak for yourself iiThe Individual Events Team teaches you a lot of discipline and responsiblity. It is defi- nitely a worthwhile educational experience? said Kellie Crump, a freshman speech major from Cynthiana. The Individual Events Team is a speech team open to all interested students. TI think the team is a good foundation for any career? said Crump. The twelve members of the team, under the direction of Cathy Thomas, assistant profes- sor of speech, select and prepare their own speeches for competitions held throughout the country. We must be aware of what is going on in the United States as well as in foreign coun- tries, said Krystal Lynam, a freshman radio- television major from Cynthiana. T We have one-hour practice sessions everyday, and we consult news magazines, such as Time, The New York Times , and Newsweek to keep on top of current events? The team competes in such events as persuasive speaking, im- promptu speaking, prose interpretation and dramatic interpretation. The teams hard work has paid off. The Individual Events Team placed first in the Kentucky Forensic Association State Champi- onship at Georgetown College at George- town, KY for the 1 2th consecutive year. They compete against nine other schools, including Murray State and Georgetown College, among others. iiThe competition is funf said Lynam. We have the opportunity to meet many different people and learn more effective communica- tion skills? Crump, who won first place for her rhetori- cal criticism of speeches by Earnest G. Bor- man and President Ronald Reagan, contends that being a member of the team has taught her to appreciate communication in society. TI realize how important it isf she said, iiandI am a great believer in the speech program? A lot of hard work is involved, but the mem- bers of the team cited a special advantage, traveling. TIES great! We get to travel to so many interesting placesf, said Lynam. iiOn March 11 and 12 we will be in East Orange, New Jersey for a speech competition being held at Upsala College. We will do a lot of sightseeing? Another upcoming event for the team is the Nationals speech tournament held at Arizona State University in Arizona on April 18. Lynam said the members of the Individual Events Team feel a close bond. were all good friends. We enjoy what we are doing, and were learning? . - By: Melody Cooper Modem Student Association l