1 Groups

Convergence students on the way back from New Mexico

For a typical college student, the weekend may be the best thing about the week and a weekend road trip is one of the best weekends around.

This past weekend, a group of our university students made the trip from Lubbock to Albuquerque, New Mexico to watch Texas Tech take on the University of New Mexico. Game day was bookended by a stay at a cabin just a stone’s throw from the Santa Fe National Forest. (Think quiet, cool, beautiful mountains of New Mexico, complete with a stream running right in front of the cabin!) Relaxing in the mountains… hanging out with friends… getting away from the rush of college life. For most of us, it would be the perfect weekend.

There was only one problem. Those same college students had recently signed up to be a part of some of the 1 Groups at South Plains. Many students would opt to skip group for a weekend in order to extend their trip just a few hours longer. Not these students. They were serious about their commitment and excited about the relationships they were forming in their groups. To them, 1 Groups were not just another thing to do at church, they were a place to be encouraged, but also bring encouragement to others. They were a place where people grow as disciples.

So, rather than spending the entire weekend away, the group got up very early Sunday morning, left the beautiful mountain scenery, and headed back home in time to join the rest of their group members.

Our university students often surprise me with their faith and commitment and this weekend was no exception. I am grateful for the example they are to me and to all of us who participate in 1 Groups.

Rob