Knowing the anxiety that new college students face, the Rev. Cornell Maltbia and the Interdenominational Christian Council welcomed the young crowd Sunday during the annual College Day, held at True Holiness Saints Center in Conway.
Maltbia said his church opened its doors to a standing-room only crowd.
"This event is to welcome all college students back to our city, in particular new freshmen leaving their support system. But it's also for upperclassmen to welcome them back.
"We're very concerned about their being part of the Christian community," he said.
Their system of reaching out to students works, as many upperclassmen return each year.
One example is Aundrea Durham of Little Rock, now a junior at UCA, who said she's been attending the welcome day each year since she began college. "I love Rev. Maltbia," she said. "He always motivates us to keep going, no matter what comes your way."
Shawanna Rodgers is another example. Now the church's executive administrator, she got interested in the church during her time at UCA, when she was ICC president.
"I've been involved about six years now," Rodgers said.
According to Maltbia, the event was sponsored jointly by First Security Bank and State Rep. Linda Tyler. He expressed thanks to both sponsors, as well as "our community for supporting this year after year."
The day began with a worship service. Students in the ICC ministry gave readings and invocations, while Conway Mayor Tab Townsell, Hendrix President Dr. Tim Cloyd and University of Central Arkansas President Lu Hardin spoke, and Maltbia gave his annual address to the students.
After the worship service, the large group was invited to a free hamburger lunch. Several businesses and organizations from the central Arkansas area were present to give advice and services to the new students.
One highlighted visitor was disc jockey Broadway Joe from Power 92 Jams, a Pine Bluff radio station, who offered his own advice.
"The decisions you are making now are very important," he said. "They're going to affect you for the rest of your life. The relationships that you build now are going to support you through your adult life."
To emphasize this, he spoke briefly about guidance given to him by his parents. "I remember growing up as a small child, my mother, she kept me busy. She said, 'An idle mind is the devil's worship,'" he said. "And my father would say, 'You always pick your friends. Don't let your friends pick you.'"
He encouraged students to follow both pieces of advice.
Another speaker was Dr. Jerry Kinder, president of Central Baptist College.
He spoke briefly, noting the line already gathered for the food. Addressing Maltbia, the leader thanked him for his commitment to the community.
"What you do in welcoming college students is phenomenal," he said.
(Staff writer Jerrica Ryan can be reached by e-mail at jerrica.ryan@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1266. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
