GREENEVILLE – As Tusculum University students conduct their studies and faculty members teach them, they benefit from the spiritual support of others who are invested in their success.
Student Nehemiah Storey stands by the cross in Tusculum’s chapel.
One of the ways people can strengthen students and faculty is through prayer. Tusculum sophomore Nehemiah Storey recognizes the value of that connection and has organized a prayer walk on campus Thursday, May 1, that will start at 3 p.m. He is inviting community members to join Tusculum faculty, staff and students in prayer as they walk around the grounds.
“I hope as a result of this prayer walk students who believe in Jesus recognize they’re not alone in their struggles and have community who are willing and ready to assist them in their walk within Tusculum and in Greene County,” said Storey, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sport science and a minor in business administration. “For those who do not believe, I hope this causes them to ask questions about their faith and shows them the love of Christ.”
During the walk, participants will receive a route and be led through the campus to lay hands on and pray over buildings, the students within them and the faculty who teach and work in them.
“The overarching prayer will be that those who believe will walk in the light of Jesus, honoring Him with their lives and their choices,” Storey said. “For those who do not believe, we will pray that they come to the faith.”
Storey was inspired to organize the prayer walk after reading Jonathan “JP” Pokluda’s book “Your Story Has a Villain.” The book helps readers understand Satan’s tactics to inflict damage in one’s life. “Your Story Has a Villain” empowers readers to align with God through prayer and rely on the truth and power of scripture.
Student Nehemiah Storey stands under the cross in the Scott M. Niswonger Commons living room at Tusculum University.
As a result of reading the book, Storey said he learned how Satan works through vices, people, places and things the world sees as harmless. He recognizes how those items can impact students, so he wants to use the power of prayer to help counter those forces.
“Since I cannot have a personal relationship with everyone who is struggling, the best way I see of combating these vices and strategies of the enemy is through prayer, which helps me in my daily walk and battle,” Storey said.
Storey has collaborated with Dr. Chris Shumate, assistant vice president of student affairs and campus minister, to hold the prayer walk.
“We are proud of Nehemiah and thank him for his efforts to expand the presence of Christ on campus,” Dr. Shumate said. “God is with us every step of the way, but the key is to allow him to enter our hearts and guide us along the path of life. The prayers from others are an excellent way to convey to students and faculty that they are not alone as they navigate life. We appreciate everyone who can attend this prayer walk as a way to back our students and faculty.”
Storey asks that people arrive by 2:50 p.m., so the prayer walk can begin promptly at 3 p.m. Everyone will gather in front of the Scott M. Niswonger Commons to start the walk, which will last about 45 minutes.
Additional information about Tusculum’s campus ministries is available at https://site.tusculum.edu/campus-ministries/. To learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.