AFTERDark Shares Gospel in Unique Way

AFTERdark, a one-night campus event that presents the gospel message to college students in a unique and compelling manner, will be on campus Thursday, March 6 at 8:30 p.m.. Joe White, who has been speaking to college students for over 30 years, hopes to give students a clear and intense look into the greatest passion story of all time. One of Carson-Newman students' favorite singers, Dave Barnes, will be in concert as well. Admission is free and students will receive CLW credit for their attendance. The event will take place in the Holt Fieldhouse.

Missy Terrell, a senior who AFTERdark dubbed The Quarterback of Carson-Newman, has played a huge role in getting the event back on campus. In 2004, AFTERdark came to campus during Terrell's freshman year and she says that her life has never been the same since. AFTERdark became a part of her testimony, but when she began to feel that no one else on campus had heard of it, she knew that she had to find a way to get the event back on campus before she graduated. Deciding to take the initiative, she emailed AFTERdark about returning to campus.

"God had a hand over this the whole time," insisted Terrell. "Two days later I had a reply and then two days after that I was on the phone with the main event planner!"

Having connections from those previously associated with Carson-Newman helped move things along, as well. Erica McKamy, a 2007 C-N graduate, and TK McKamy, who was Terrell's soccer coach during her junior year, are both working for AFTERdark. Now, just fifty days after Terrell first began to pull strings and send out emails, AFTERdark will be on campus. Terrell also credits Carson-Newman students Matt Malone and Derek Voiles for their help in hanging signs and spreading the word about this upcoming event.

College students online refer to Thursday night's speaker, Joe White, as an intense and charismatic performer.. He lives in Branson, Missouri and is now President of Kanakuk Kamps, founder of Kids Across America, and of Kanakuk Haiti. According to the AFTERdark website, he hopes to be a help to the generations of college students who are asking the important life questions and seeking to find answers.

During his presentation, White will be portraying a Roman cross builder. Bringing a tree onto the stage with him, he will construct a cross as he speaks to students about what AFTERdark calls "the most compelling story in our world." He includes videos and images with his presentation that aim at a clear portrayal of the passion of Christ. He has offered this message of hope at over 100 AFTERdark events and to over 150,000 college students.

"My freshman year, I was bawling," said Terrell. Terrell insists that she has seen what a difference the program has made in her life and the lives of others, and hopes to see a similar change for those in attendance on Thursday night.

As for the concert, many students will recognize Dave Barnes, who has been on Carson-Newman's campus before. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University, Barnes moved to Nashville. Multiple colleges and several albums later, he is watching his dreams come true - just like the opportunity to get CLW credit for a free concert is a dream come true for Carson-Newman's students.

According to Terrell, AFTERdark can be a fun, intense, and life-changing event for students. "I really can't explain it. Even after having seen it, there is no real way to explain it. You just have to be there and experience AFTERdark for yourself," insisted Terrell. She sees this as a great opportunity to spread the good news and really make a difference in the lives of students.