At Howard Payne University, the Great Commission – Jesus’ command to his followers in Matthew 28 to “go and make disciples of all nations” – is a closely held belief. As a result, several departments and organizations, including HPU’s Baptist Student Ministry, send students to a variety of locations each year to spread the love and Gospel of Christ. This tradition will be continued during HPU’s Spring Break, March 9-13, as the BSM takes 19 students to minister to vacationers at South Padre Island.

The students will work alongside ministry teams from churches and other universities in a collective project known as Beach Reach. The purpose of the ministry is not just to evangelize to the beachgoers but to adopt the servant-like attitude modeled by Jesus Christ.

Beach Reach volunteers from across the nation will serve those vacationing at South Padre Island by giving free, safe van rides throughout the island, preparing and serving pancake breakfasts on the beach and lending a helping hand to those in need.

This year marks Beach Reach’s 35th anniversary.

“This is a great opportunity for college students to witness to their peers and share the Gospel,” said Kim Garner, HPU’s Beach Reach coordinator. Garner is a 2014 HPU graduate serving as the BSM intern. “The BSM requests prayers for both the volunteers and the beachgoers.”

Pictured above: Nineteen HPU students left for South Padre Island Friday afternoon to minister to beachgoers during Spring Break. They are led by Kim Garner (front row, third from left), BSM intern and Beach Reach coordinator.