“Big Break” conference changes lives

There is an endless list of things to do over spring break: take a road trip with friends, visit family, pick up extra hours at work, travel somewhere exotic, get your tan on at a beach down south — the list goes on and on.

I chose to go on a nine-day trip to Panama City Beach, Fla. for spring break 2015. Now don’t jump to conclusions too quickly — I didn’t go to PCB to party and spend too much money — although I did enjoy some good retail therapy.

Instead, I went to spread the word and love of God along the beaches. I was blessed to attend a conference called “Big Break” hosted by Campus Crusades for Christ, better known as Cru. About 70 students from different universities across South Dakota went to this conference.

As a Christian, I avoid the party scene as much as possible with the exception of going along to be a designated driver or keep an eye on a friend. Many people seek satisfaction in the wrong places, whereas I personally seek satisfaction in ways that better myself or others, or glorify the Lord.

There are people seeking something more to life, something bigger than themselves, and it was our job to help them find answers to what they were seeking during this conference.

Each day, we spent three hours on the beaches in the afternoons, talking with students from all over the country. We were able to have conversations with dozens of students as a small group each day. Conversations ranged from topics like sports and school, to spiritual beliefs and journeys, as well as what happens after life.

During my week at “Big Break,” 1,200 students attended to help spread the word of God in Panama City Beach. As a group, more than 4,500 spiritual conversations were recorded. Of these people, 1,669 heard the gospel and 150 people accepted Christ into their lives.

Talk about satisfaction and a good time. I got to spend seven days in Florida over break and personally impact dozens of peoples’ lives. I got to meet hundreds of other Christians and share in praise and worship with 1,200 other Christians.

I was also able to have fun, enjoy myself, eat some good seafood, attend seminars on different topics and affect the lives of other people to lead them on a better pathway of life. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my break.