by Julia Haggard

This spring, Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) had the privilege of hosting two mission teams from across the mainland United States, creating a season of service, outreach, and meaningful spiritual impact across Oʻahu.

The first team arrived from Carson-Newman University in Tennessee, serving from February 28 to March 6. During their stay, the students helped host the first-ever “Sip-N-Shop.” Designed as a free thrift shop for local low-income families, the event offered clothing and essentials, along with complimentary lattes and boba drinks. In addition to the event, members of the Carson-Newman team joined BCM Oʻahu students to serve breakfast at the OBN’s men’s gathering.

Their outreach extended to the campus of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, where they spent two days engaging students through creative yet intentional methods. These included streetstyle interviews with college athletes, spiritual life surveys that facilitated gospel conversations, and a Super Smash Bros gaming table inviting students to connect in an approachable setting. Beyond campus ministry, the team also dedicated time to service projects across the island, including Pu’u Kahea Conference Center’s workday and Hamama Community Church.

Shortly after, a second team from Louisiana State University arrived and served from March 6 to 14. The team of 42 students divided into smaller groups to maximize their reach, spending three days across four campuses: the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Leeward Community College, Kapiʻolani Community College, and the University of Hawai’i – West Oʻahu. They spent three full days meeting students and engaging with them, primarily through our spiritual life surveys. The LSU students also served at the Pu’u Kahea Conference Center and Hamama Community Church.

Over the course of two weeks, these mission teams engaged in more than 300 gospel conversations, with 15 individuals making decisions to receive Christ! As the impact of their work continues to unfold, BCM invites the community to join in prayer for these students and for lasting influence from these encounters.

Carson Newman University

Louisiana State University