Baptist Collegiate Ministries from all over Arkansas gathered in Conway this year for the annual BCM Fall Retreat, and the music was led by the student worship team from Williams Baptist University.  

WBU’s worship team consisted of five students: Tyler Eudy, lead vocalist and guitarist; Hannah Cates, vocalist; Tabor McGraw, vocalist and drums; Hannah Estes, vocalist; and Jay Ferris, bass guitar.  “The goal of leading worship is to not lead for ourselves but for the glory of the Lord,” says Eudy, “and I felt God’s presence in the room with all of us at retreat.”

The retreat, held at Cold Springs Retreat Center in September, was attended by approximately 200 students, including 40 from WBU. “This is always a great weekend for our students.  To see a big group of college students coming together for one purpose is encouraging to myself and the students,” said Hayes Howell, director of campus ministries at Williams.

Dr. David James, team leader for college and youth leaders with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, was the speaker for the weekend.  The retreat also consisted of some friendly competition with a sand volleyball tournament as well as several breakout sessions for the students to attend.  

“My wife, Elizabeth, and I had the privilege of being the speakers for two of the breakout sessions, Battling Addictive Habits and Finding Balance in Relationships.  The breakout sessions are a great way for students to hear from someone they don’t normally hear from about a topic that they need encouragement in,” said Howell.

The retreat is growing larger every year and the planning has already begun for the fall of 2018.

Williams is a Christian, liberal arts college in Walnut Ridge, Ark.  It will become Williams Baptist University in July of 2018.