Rising Christian Club Connects Niagara University Students To Jesus

Venessa Arieno

“Soar 40:31 is a student run Christian ministry passionate about connecting students to Jesus,” says NU senior Joel Gerberich. The club recently held their first event of the semester, ‘7 Days of September,’ running from September 1st until September 7th. This week of festivities included a Volleyball game, a scavenger hunt, a game night, a bonfire, an ice cream social, a game of capture the flag, and a worship night to conclude the first activities of the semester.

Everyone is encouraged to check out Soar 40:31, especially if you have any spiritual interests. “We think college is a great time to explore spiritual truth and we would love to welcome anyone into our community,” said Gerberich.

Throughout the semester Soar 40:31 holds two consistent weekly meetings. On Mondays, students come together to hear from a guest speaker and are then broken up into smaller groups to chat about what was said. Thursdays, the club is divided between guys and girls for student-led Bible studies.

More events similar to ‘7 Days of September’ will take place along with weekend retreats and outreaches. Oct. 6-Oct. 8 a Fall Getaway will take place. This is a multi-school weekend retreat any members can attend.

“We usually do a big Buffalo event for Thanksgiving, as well as for Christmas, where students from UB, Buff State, Daemen, and D’Youville all get together for fun holiday celebrations,” said Gerberich.

The club was founded in October 2016 after officially being recognized by campus but is now wanting to be recognized by campus activities. Baseball players Christian Vangeison, Thomas Rodrigues and hockey players Kevin Patterson and Chris Paulin kick started the club after starting a Bible study in January 2015.

Members of Soar 40:31 have a relationship with an interdenominational Christian ministry known as Cru who helped form the foundation of the club.

“I think God kind of founded the club; it would be hard to give the credit to any one student,” said Gerberich.

If anyone is interested in becoming apart of Soar 40:31 contact Joel Gerberich at jgerberich@mail.niagara.edu or Autumn Fries afries2@mail.niagara.edu.