By Emma Sells
This past week, about 40 college students packed in 3 vans, using their spring break, to make the 18
hour drive down to Gainesville, FL. Eager to see the gospel be spread at the University of Florida, students spent the week meeting students and building connections to get the word out about the arrival of the Salt Company at UF. In singles and pairs, students roamed the UF campus and approached students with a smile, a flyer, and a conversation starter. There were many short (and sometimes unpleasant) interactions, but also many meaningful conversations culminating in phone number exchanges and attendance at the soft launch of our ministry.
Outside of on-the-ground work, students were able to build community within the new Salt Church by
sharing meals and time with the church staff and their families, as well as fellow Salt Co. students. We held a worship night at Pastor Paul Sabino’s house, worshipping the Lord for the work he has already done on the UF campus and sharing the highlights and discouragements of the day.
Our soft launch service rolled around, and we saw around 150 students come through our doors to
worship, hear the gospel, create friendships, and of course, enjoy the dance party. Stephen Rice, the UF Salt Director, kicked off the first ever night of Salt Co. in Florida with a great message that clearly laid out the gospel. I’ve heard stories of students that came that were quite impacted by the beauty of Jesus that Stephen helped articulate in that space. We’re incredibly excited to see students return to Salt in the fall ready to hear more about our good good Father.
