Student Group Fosters Missions-Minded Lifestyle

Published February 2, 2017

Student Missions Fellowship is a student-lead group that meets weekly to listen to and pray for missionaries.

Prayer as a Priority

As their purpose statement reads, SMF is mission focused and prayer driven. “A big part of SMF is prayer where we pray for the work being done and for God to send people,” says Jenna Demerly, a student and SMF leadership team member who organizes the weekly prayer time.

The focus on prayer is one of the reasons why Caleb Hanna, a junior in the pastoral ministries program, attends SMF. “I’m going to be a pastor someday. I see my job including sending people to the mission field,” he shares. “I want to learn more about what they are doing so that I can better pray for them and support them here.”

Listen to Learn

On average, 25 to 30 students attend each meeting on Tuesday nights. This semester, speakers include students, faculty and representatives from missions organizations such as ABWE, Baptist Mid-Missions and Wycliffe Bible Translators.

“I absolutely love communicating with missionaries and the different speakers that SMF hosts,” says SMF president Haley Seboe. “What I thought would only be a technical aspect of this position has turned into a huge encouragement and joy to me. I have fostered so many valuable relationships with the speakers who have come, whether it is from across the globe or across campus. It is such an encouragement to see these heroes of faith who care about investing in the lives of students.”

Ministry Put in Practice

This semester, SMF will provide several new opportunities for students to experience the practical side of ministry. At a local mission, the group will serve a meal and provide music and a message. They will serve at CSU events, such as Global Ministry Conference. “We are constantly looking for open doors to share the gospel and proclaim Christ,” explains Seboe.

Developing Leaders

Student leadership is another unique aspect of SMF. Senior and president Haley Seboe started attending SMF as a freshman. “The relationships that I made in SMF encouraged me every week and helped remind me to prioritize missions and evangelism,” she explains. “Without SMF, I probably would not be as passionate about missions or as set on going as I am.” Now she relishes the opportunity to create this encouraging environment for other students.

As vice president, Josiah Hall leads gospel-centered worship, assisted by Jonathan Jarvis, secretary/treasurer.

Chris Welman, assistant to the vice president of academics, is the faculty advisor. Seboe adds, “He has been such a help and encouragement to us. He guides us as we learn how to be good leaders in SMF.”