Nora Ryan never anticipated how a weekend retreat like CONVERGE could change the course of her life.

Attending CONVERGE for the second time, Ryan was prepared to deepen her faith and understanding of God’s love. Little did she know, she would leave the event with a calling to missions.

Finding Community at BCM

Her journey began as a freshman at Winthrop University, where she found solace and community within the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM). Seeking companionship among fellow Christians, Ryan discovered much more.

“BCM has not only helped grow my relationship with the Lord immensely but has also given me a home away from home,” Ryan said. At BCM, Ryan found support during a challenging period in her faith journey.

CONVERGE, an annual conference that challenges and equips college students to passionately follow Jesus, became a pivotal moment for Ryan. “CONVERGE ’23 allowed me to see my best friend give her life to the Lord and learn so much in one weekend,” she said. Inspired by the supportive atmosphere and eager to delve deeper into her faith, she returned the following year, eager for what lay ahead.

A New Willingness

Throughout the weekend, Ryan grappled with the idea of missions. “This was not the first time the Lord put the idea of missions on my heart, but this was the first time I was willing to listen to it,” she said. During a breakout session, she resonated deeply with a missionary from Vermont, as if her words were directed specifically at Ryan. Fueled by conviction, Ryan approached her campus minister and voiced her newfound calling.

That night, Ryan and her BCM group attended a midnight prayer session for the nations. As she prayed, she experienced a sense of peace and clarity that confirmed her decision to pursue missions. “It felt so good to say that no matter what, I was fully putting my trust in the Lord in this next big chapter of my life,” she said.

Moving in Obedience

In the days following CONVERGE, Ryan wasted no time. She met with her campus minister and submitted her application to BCMGo, a program facilitating missionary work. Through prayer and reflection, Ryan sought guidance and direction for the journey ahead.

Brogan Gaskill, Assistant Campus Minister at Winthrop BCM, said, “God has graciously used the ministry of BCM to foster growth in faith, joy in Jesus, and boldness to share the Gospel. It is a privilege to consistently see the Lord’s transformative work in college students.”

Reflecting on her experience, Ryan emphasizes the importance of CONVERGE and BCM for young adults like herself. She feels it is a space where individuals can explore their faith alongside peers facing similar challenges and questions. Ryan encourages others to attend, believing it offers a unique opportunity to witness God’s work within her generation.