In the midst of a global pandemic, it is important to have some sort of escape that allows you to get your mind off of things. Rock climbing has become a great way for these students from Missouri Baptist University to get outside and enjoy creation. When they spend time on the rock wall all of the stress from the pandemic goes out the window for a bit.
Missouri Baptist University alum Wesley Smith, from Quincy, Illinois, makes his way to the toughest part of the climb up a vertical rock wall at West Tyson County Park in Eureka, Missouri. Smith, who is currently enrolled at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, was one of several men from MBU to venture out recently for a day of climbing. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Luke Little steps up as Wesley Smith belays. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Luke Little pulls himself up as Wesley Smith belays. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Patrick Griffey hangs onto a cliff with one hand. Photo by Luke Little
The view from the photographer. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Patrick Griffey leaps back from wall. Photo courtesy of Patrick Griffey
Wesley Smith makes his way up the rock wall. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Wesley Smith takes some time to write about his experiences. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Luke Little climbs as Wesley Smith belays him below. Photo by Patrick Griffey
A vibrant sunset reflects off of the railroad tracks. Photo by Patrick Griffey
Patrick Griffey rappels down into a tunnel. Photo by Alex Menz
“Welcome to the real world, kid,” “It’s time to grow up.” Do these phrases sound familiar? The idea of growing older is often associated with stepping away from our childlike playfulness and curiosity. I would like to propose that when we reclaim our sense of whimsy we will live a life with a greater connection to the people around us and even to ourselves.
Patrick Griffey stirring up sand as he cuts back and forth down a sand dune in Michigan. Photo Courtesy of Luke Little
MBU Honors continues to inspire students five years after its establishment as the growth rate of membership has soared nearly 200 percent. While this year is presenting unique challenges never seen before, the group is managing to stay focused and connected.
A group photo of MBU Honors students , taken pre-COVID, shows how much the program is growing, and continues to grow this semester. Photo by Shelby Boos
Front row, left to right: Olivia Dixon, Madisyn House, Alexander Menz, Mikayla Williams, Kati Brummet, Kirenda Brown, Grace Hahn, Jenny Rice, Emily Kohnen, Lorraine Linson Middle row, left to right: Mikayla Harrison, Krista Biesiadecki, Luke Little, Sophia Slay, Cherith Laubinger, Sophie Karase, Elma Sulthana Mohammed, Savannah Rodgers, Meredith Linn, Victoria Zilke, Brianna Fischer Back row, left to right: Gavin Harrell, Christopher Williams, Jessica Davlin, Guy Danhoff, Larry Smith, Robert Lee, Andrew Andersen, Daniel Heinrich, Olivia Leek, Alyssa Beaudoin, Allyson Trask, Zander Smith, Rafathulla Mohammed-Sulthan
MBU’s Service Day is dedicated to bringing together faculty, staff and students to demonstrate the grace and mercy of Christ by serving others. The MBU community had the opportunity to package meals for Meals for a Million to feed families in need throughout Missouri, stuff bears for hospitalized children with Sharing Smiles and donate their lightly used shoes to the less fortunate in Haiti.
Photos by Dylan White
Lindsey Peters, founder of the charity Sharing Smiles, talks to fellow MBU students while making a stuffed bear. Peters began Sharing Smiles in 2008 when she was 8 years old to spread the joy of God to children in local hospitals. Click on the photos in the gallery to see larger images.
Here are some interesting facts about MBU Timeline, the student newsmagazine of Missouri Baptist University, in St. Louis:
*Our mission statement is: MBU Timeline is the student news network of Missouri Baptist University, a private Christian university that embraces the essential core value of “social change through service and leadership.”
*The Bible verse that drives our mission is 2 Timothy 2:15 (Worldwide English Version): “Tell the true message in the right way.”
*The WordPress website has been up since late-fall 2013. We average about 3,000 sessions and about 5,000 pageviews per month.
*Our stories and galleries get as few as 40 or 50 hits, or as many as 8,000 hits.
*We have readers in every state and more than 90 countries around the world. We have several readers in South America, the United Kingdom, India and Australia.
*Most of our readers are in Missouri, followed by Illinois, California and Texas.
*We do not accept advertising as we are a not-for-profit online newsmagazine.
*We welcome contributors from all walks of MBU life, regardless of your major. Reach out to us on Twitter at: @mbutimeline.
