A night motivated by community, purpose, and faith, “Carry the Love Tour” is a two-day event where students were able to join in on a night of worship and teaching.
The tour began on Jan. 23, though the second date, which was supposed to be held on Jan. 26, was canceled due to inclement weather. Day one consisted of worship and preaching, while day two was meant for evangelism training and outreach.
“The purpose of this event was really just to allow people to experience Jesus, to worship and give Him praise,” Khalia Rouse said, a junior sociology major and vice president of the club Strong Tower Family. “Also, for people who might not have heard about Jesus, for them to learn more about him.”
The night, held on the floor of the Chamberlain Student Center Expansion, was co-sponsored by Christian clubs, such as Strong Tower Family and Jesus Club. This partnership was inspired to create unity amongst the Christian clubs at Rowan and create a space to welcome those who were interested.
“There’s so many things that are occurring, and with college you deal with a lot of stress, anxiety, and pressure, and this event should have given you peace and hope,” Lowanda Joseph said, a senior majoring in exercise science and president of the club Strong Tower Family.
The clubs invited a group called the Circuit Riders, along with Black Voices Movement, who are worship bands, to help host the night. It began with people on their feet and instruments being played as people sang along. Students trickled in as the night went on, and preaching followed shortly after.
“We want to create an atmosphere where anyone and everyone could come into, and ask more questions, and encounter God’s presence,” said Juel Hayes, 28, a leader of the event.
The night was devoted to encouraging students and providing an opportunity to worship God with one another. The preaching was centered around the biblical story in John 4, of a woman at a well who was met by Jesus in her time of need.
Rajahn Dixon, a junior advertising major, heard about this event through the Jesus club.
“The teaching was about encountering Jesus in your shame and in your guilt. It really touched my heart immensely. And so, I feel like I received more than what I could ask for,” Dixon said.
Anna Peterson, 23, is a full-time missionary who is one of the leaders of the event and a part of the group Circuit Riders.
Their group travels college campuses across the country, with the motivation to encourage younger Christians and touch those who do not have a relationship with Jesus.
“So we’re just seeing that there actually is a trend that people want God, but they just don’t know what that looks like,” Peterson said. “Even with that, there’s this study group called Barna Research Group. They did a research panel with Gen Z specifically and found that 70% of Gen Z found it important in their lives to learn about Jesus as a historical figure, but also a religious figure.”
This curiosity is what helps inspire gatherings like these. The night was intended to inspire people and, with a room full of others, show them they are not alone. The love of Jesus was the main emphasis of the night.
Students were given the opportunity to be a part of an altar call where they were able to openly accept and commit their lives to Jesus Christ. After the preaching, the night ended the way it began, with praise and dancing throughout the room.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, it doesn’t matter your gender, it doesn’t matter your race, the gospel is for everyone,” Peterson said. “And if you know Jesus, you can bring the gospel to anyone around you.”
Victoria Anyam, a senior majoring in public health, heard about this event through Strong Tower Family and attended because she enjoys worship nights and time spent with God.
“I know a lot of people are looking for spaces where they can feel welcomed, and this space really did feel welcoming, even just walking around, people are smiling, saying hi to me,” Anyam said. “So I would definitely recommend ‘go,’ even if you don’t believe, you know, just to be around the community and hear something different.”
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