At the beginning of my sophomore year of college, I got invited to come play for a band at a ministry called, "8:28" at West Rome Baptist Church. 8:28 is a college ministry that occurs every Wednesday night for college students in the Rome area. Now, figuring I would only fill a temporary position, I accepted the offer and filled in for a night of the worship; however, I had no idea just how this ministry would change my entire life. I have now been a worship leader with this ministry for over a year, and I cannot begin to describe the benefits of what God has shown me throughout the year I've been there. The reasons to be apart of this wonderful ministry are endless, but these are the few that I have had on my heart the last few weeks to share with all of you.

1. God speaks volumes through this ministry

Every Wednesday night, I learn something new, and that is so unbelievably hard to find in college ministries. Whether it be through the worship set or through the message that either Topher or a guest speaker gives, I leave feeling full and filled with the Spirit in ways I never knew I could.

2. This ministry is genuine

Both the ministry itself and the people involved within the ministry are so incredibly genuine. Never have I felt so in touch and so accepted into a church ministry than I have in the 8:28 ministry. As an introvert who has trouble fitting in, I had no trouble at all finding friendships and relationships with the staff that I know are going to last for a very long time.

3. The worship is so real

Being apart of the band as a worship leader has given me another perspective on worship I haven't had before, but I also get to sit and just listen every now and then, and I won't be the first to tell you that the worship set that 8:28 has is so full of exactly what I need to hear every week. Feeling the Spirit is an occurrence that isn't rare for us, and we worship with full hearts that are open to hear what God needs to tell us week after week.

4. 8:28 is fun — like, a lot of fun

I know for me, sometimes it can be hard to find a fun, yet fulfilling experience in a biblical setting. It's either one or the other, it seems. But, at 8:28—we can praise His name in a fun and awesome way, which makes the experience all the more enjoyable. And more importantly, it makes the experience rememberable.

5. There's really good food (and it's free)

Snack, especially free snacks, are always a thing for the "pro list" when it comes to finding collegiate ministries. 8:28, on top of having the nicest church members that oversee the snacks and food there, never fails to have an excellent selection of snacks. Ranging from homemade brownies and other homemade goodies to really good pizza, 8:28 always succeeds in the food department.

All in all, 8:28 is such an amazing and worth-while experience. The ministry is so much more than just the physicality of the building and the people, but it is about the heart of the people and the willingness to hear what God wants to tell us. The staff behind 8:28 is ready to serve, the worship is ready to be heard, and the message is ready to be accepted, and that's honestly all anyone can ask for in a ministry built on wanting only to build up young people.