Love changes your perception of things. What would you do for love? The theme for the first Andrews University Student Association (AUSA) lighthouse vespers of the 2020-2021 year was intriguingly entitled “The Gospel in Motion.” Andrews University students sat socially distanced from each other in the Howard Performing Arts Center to enjoy Friday night vespers. It was wonderful to experience live praise music at Andrews University after in-person activities were canceled last year due to COVID-19. The praise music was spiritually enriching, people were touched and some were even brought to tears because God's presence was experienced. Chase Wilder, Religious Vice-President (RVP) for the AUSA, was the speaker for the night. He captivated the audience and actively engaged with them in the message. He spoke about Genesis 29, in which Jacob loved Laban’s daughter Rachel and worked for him for seven years since he could give no dowry. Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah, Rachel’s older sister. Instead of giving up, Jacob put in the effort and worked another seven years to marry Rachel. Chase explained that God often utilizes marriage as a symbol signifying His relationship with us.
Faith Kaluba (junior, biology pre-med) said, “God’s love is expressed in so many stories in the Bible. I did not expect to see it through this story. His love for me is unconditional whether or not I reciprocate it.” No matter what we do for love, God has first loved us by sending Jesus to give the ultimate sacrifice. Just like how Jacob loved Rachel, God loves us and is always willing to put in the effort. The essence of Christianity is love, as it is the solution to all of the ills in society. However, as Christians, we often lack love in our hearts towards others. If the gospel could be represented by one word, it would be love. Love is the gospel in motion because we need His love to have inherent meaning for us, and it will manifest in our lives.
Chase Wilder (sophomore, theology & sociology) wanted to thank all those involved in putting together the event. He said, “thanks to all of AUSA, my AUSA president Kyara Samuels, the Center for Faith Engagement, Student Life Leaders Dean Yeagley and Asley Neu, the program participants, telecommunications, and everyone who attended and prayed for the vespers to go smoothly.”
When asked about what she enjoyed most at this vespers, Lisa Kamikazi (junior, chemical engineering) said, “I enjoyed worshipping with other believers and that Chase gave a different perspective to the story. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit working through Chase.” Certainly, the Holy Spirit is working through Chase and the AUSA team as the concert hall was at its social distanced occupancy of 150 individuals, and the live stream was well viewed. We are excited to see what the Holy Spirit accomplishes on campus through Chase Wilder and the AUSA team this year.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.