Kickoff 2015: Big Things are Happening

Kickoff 2015: Big Things are Happening

“Kickoff” in NLCF is what we call the week before classes start, when students come back to Blacksburg and move into their apartments and dorm rooms. This is definitely one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year! After such a busy time, it is easy to keep steamrolling into the semester without stopping to reflect on all that happened during that week, and even beginning into the semester.

The week really started with the Corps of Cadets’ Sunday on August 16th. It was such a great opportunity to partner with other churches and organizations in giving the new cadets a place to relax and worship when they are in the midst of such an intense time of new cadet training. It was amazing to see over 90 cadets filling up Colonial Hall, excited to begin their lives as college students, and as cadets.

CadetService
Cadet Sunday

 

The rest of Kickoff Week got started on Wednesday with Hokie Helpers. We gathered together in the morning for a time of prayer and instructions before heading out in our bright blue shirts to help new students move in. Our big group of over 20 people split up into several smaller groups and spread out across campus to move students into their rooms. After welcoming countless freshmen and helping carry their belongings to their rooms, everyone got the chance to take a quick power nap before gathering again for a night of prayer and worship. That Wednesday night in the loft, it was clear that God was moving. The Spirit could be felt as we looked ahead and worshipped, asking God into our presence, and into this year.

Thursday evening we had the annual Pizza Party Extravaganza on the Drillfield, which was definitely a highlight of the week. All throughout the week, and even on Thursday, the weather was calling for thunderstorms during the pizza party. Because we knew that would affect turnout, we prayed fervently all week that God would simply cause it to not rain. After a downpour during setup, the skies cleared before hundreds of students arrived at the Chapel for free pizza, fellowship, and games! That night, I’m convinced, was the start of genuine friendships, forming the foundation for authentic community.

Pizzaparty
Pizza Party Extravaganza!

 

Friday included all sorts of activities around campus, as well as getting D2 with some new students. Once the weekend was in full swing on Saturday, several of us went bowling in Squires with new students before the Cookout in the Quad later that evening. The cookout was another night of making new friends, eating awesome food, and playing fun games for hours into the night. The event concluded with an unforgettable round of giant Jenga, drawing a huge crowd!

Last, but certainly not least, Kickoff concluded with our Sunday gatherings at 11 AM in Squires and 7:07 PM in 130 Jackson. Throughout all of Kickoff, we’ve seen so many answered prayers from the different events, our Sunday gatherings, Engage Groups, and more. God is doing something big, and we want to be walking right along with Him. This summer, we started praying for these big things to happen, so the time is now to pray for more big things to happen this semester!

-David, Staff

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