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The Power of Prayer for a Week of Revival

October 5, 2018

By Jerusha Yoder

Director of Marketing

The Prayer Behind Revival

Andrew Murray once stated that “revival must begin with a great revival of prayer. It is in the closet, with the door shut, that the sound of abundance of rain will first be heard.” During the 2018 Fall Revival Week, Brewton-Parker recognized this same truth.

Each morning during revival week, as students made their way toward Saliba Chapel, BPC employees gathered in Fountain-New Library to pray in earnest for the spiritual condition of every student. The goal: to see revival spring from each heart.

These prayers did not just begin that week. The week before revival, the chapel was open each day for faculty and staff to pray individually. “I’ve always felt it to be a great privilege to be at work and pray with coworkers at the same time,” stated Chad Ritchie, director of advancement. “This school honestly cares about its students, and this care is evidenced in this prayer time.”

When asked the importance of such prayer, Dr. Robert Brian, provost, stated, “As faculty and staff, we are committed to the power of prayer for transformation in people’s lives, and we believe it requires action, not just lip service.”

No doubt, these moments of prayer were not offered in vain. At the end of the first service of revival, over a hundred students crowded the altar in search of God’s direction in their lives. A similar number would gather each day, and by the last service, over twenty-five individuals would come to profess Christ as Savior.

During that first service, Pastor Tony Lowden declared, “You wouldn’t be here today if you didn’t have a passion or dream. But your passion or dream is nothing without God. It’s just an empty promise.” As students and employees allowed this reality to sink into their hearts, the Holy Spirit moved in a powerful way. At the end of each service, students and employees embraced one another in tearful prayers. The result: revival spread across campus.

On the final day, Lowden stated, “You are purposefully driven because you have a powerful treasure living on the inside.” With this purpose in mind, students left revival week empowered and ready to see God’s purpose fulfilled in their lives.

President Echols expressed, “God has truly answered our prayers to send us one of greatest movements of the Holy Spirit that I have ever had the privilege of experiencing. We praise His Name! I believe this is only the beginning of what God wants to do at and through BPC in seeing multitudes of lives changed for His glory!”

The Student Experience

Current BPC Senior Morgan Page recently reflected on her experience during revival week:

“When I was first reminded that revival services were upcoming at Brewton-Parker, the first thought that crossed my mind was the opportunity to stack chapel credit for the week. I will admit, my mind was not where it needed to be; however, when I heard Pastor Lowden’s messages with my own ears, his testimony affected me to an extent much greater than I expected.

I have never experienced neglect to the extent that Pastor Lowden discussed. But I have seen God pick me up in my brokenness and prevail for me. I have seen bad days turn good and broken relationships put back together because God prevails. We have all witnessed God do something amazing through our own lives or through the lives of another.

Pastor Lowden shared several personal stories throughout revival week, each of which demonstrated how God prevails—consistently. When we walk through our crazy lives that are ever changing, He is our constant. Revival week at Brewton-Parker allowed me to be rejuvenated in my own faith and bear witness to many people who were rejuvenated in their own faith as well. Most amazing, however, was that I witnessed several come to Christ for the very first time. That, I believe, is one of the most fulfilling things to witness in a walk with Christ: gaining brothers and sisters for eternity.”

The Purpose Behind Revival and a Campus Moving Forward

While revival has always been an integral part of BPC, its recent shift to the start of each semester indicates the importance of such revival. By beginning each academic year with this week dedicated to God, the college provides students with the proper foundation for spiritual and academic success.

Steve Edwards, BPC’s campus pastor recently expressed, “We always pray for a great move of God on our campus each year. Revival week allows us to unify as a campus in our pursuit of Christ. This year, we witnessed an amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our campus and many decisions were made to follow Christ. Rev. Lowden blessed our campus by allowing God to use him. We are all in awe of what God is doing on our campus here at BPC!”

In the days ahead, faculty, staff, and coaches, will continue to pray for the students and their commitments made during revival week. Each Tuesday, employees will still gather in prayer, not only for the students but also for every individual that steps onto campus. In addition, faculty and staff are joining a prayer emphasis initiative wherein they are dedicating thirty minutes to pray for individual students. By the end of the semester, each member of the student body will be lifted up in prayer.

As a Christian college, BPC’s number one focus will always be the spiritual transformation of students’ lives. This transformation begins and ends with prayer. With this focus in mind, the college is poised to enter an era of sustained revival that will change not only the students’ lives, but the lives of those around them.

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The purpose of the nursing program is to prepare graduates who have the knowledge and skills to provide patient-centered holistic care that is safe, compassionate, honoring to Christ, and that meets the healthcare needs of diverse populations.

Mission Statement

In concert with Brewton-Parker College’s mission, the School of Nursing is committed to provide nursing education through the application of biblical truth to promote the formation of graduates who engage in evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and servant leadership through the development of clinical reasoning, professional nursing skills, and Christian values.

Joanna Phillips-Mock

Student Enrichment Director

Joanna Phillips-Mock is a proud third generation Baron, both as a student and a staff member.

Beginning her teaching career in Middle Georgia in 1995, Mrs. Mock worked with a state funded program that served some of the most disadvantaged special needs students within the local school districts. She ultimately moved into leadership positions within the organization, serving and training others in multiple initiatives. She enjoys working with students of all ages to recognize and to achieve their greatest potential.

Mrs. Mock holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brewton-Parker College, a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Behavior Disorders, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Georgia College and State University. She resides in Ailey, Georgia, with her husband Don, their son Tye Lewis, her mother Carol Joyce, and multiple fur babies. She enjoys traveling, gardening, camping, and attending concerts.

Candace Lilford

Profeessional Tutor

Candace Lilford graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Generalism in 2021 from Anderson University and with her master’s degree in English Literature in 2023 from the University of Alabama. She presently serves as Professional Tutor for the Student Enrichment Center while also teaching sections of ENG 101 and 102. 

As part of her two-year master's program, Ms. Lilford taught sections of ENG 101 and 102, while also serving as teaching assistant for British Literature Survey courses and volunteering in the university’s Writing Center. Ms Lilford has also presented papers at the Hudson Strode Conference and the South Eastern Christian and Literature Conference as well as working on various theatrical productions.

Born in North Carolina of South African descent, Ms. Lilford has lived in Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling in Mount Vernon with her family in 2016, where she attended Brewton-Parker College as a dual enrollment student. She presently resides in Mount Vernon with her family and spends her free time watching old TV shows.

Linda Armstrong

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Linda Armstrong earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Southeastern Technical College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University. Throughout her career, Linda has worked with diverse populations, including at-risk youth and families and youth in crisis because of mental health and other issues. Her empathetic nature has made her an effective advocate for those in need. In addition to her professional work, Linda is also is committed to volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours as a youth mentor, and to teaching about her faith at various Christian organizations. She believes in the power of positivity and its ability to transform not only her life but also the lives of others.

"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully." ~ Maya Angelou

Willie Ford

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Greetings, Baron Nation!

It's truly a joy to be back in a place that has shaped me so profoundly. I'm Willie Ford, a proud 2022 graduate of historic Brewton-Parker College, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education. Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in education, teaching Special Education within the Vidalia City School District. In addition to my role as an educator, I had the privilege of serving as the Unit Director at the J.D. Rabun Boys and Girls Club. All the while, I was honored to pastor at the esteemed New Hope Baptist Church of Rhine, Georgia. With God's grace, I managed these responsibilities, and now, I'm thrilled and ready to contribute to the welfare of our students, aiming to inspire through service.

Dusty Arnold

Mental Health Counselor

Dusty Arnold  is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a BPC alumnus. He has years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, grief, and challenges related to Autism. He specializes in behavior-related interventions that can help college students build on their strengths to set achievable goals while also learning how to deal with the thoughts and feelings that sometimes get in the way. He incorporates Biblical values and evidence-based treatments to meet students wherever they happen to be on their journey to spiritual and psychological health. 

Carl Anthony "Tony" Wardlaw

Assistant Student Enrichment Director & Student Success Coach

Carl Anthony “Tony” Wardlaw – For over 25 years, Dr. Wardlaw has worked in leadership, counseling, and pastoring. Beginning with working in middle management for a manufacturing company in Douglas, GA, Dr. Wardlaw has also worked in the academic, nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, he served over 7 years in the United States Military as a Military Intelligence Officer before resigning his commission as a Captain in the Army.

Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Student Enrichment Center, Student Success Coach, and Adjunct Faculty at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA, he also serves as the Pastor of The Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA.

As a member of the renowned International Gospel Singing Group, The Wardlaw Brothers, Dr. Wardlaw has traveled all over the nation and abroad ministering and singing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Dr. Wardlaw has served as a consultant for various agencies and has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator and G.E.D. instructor within the Technical College System of Georgia and participates in local and national civic and philanthropic work.

Dr. Wardlaw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business from the University of Georgia, two master's degrees from Troy University (Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology and Master of Education in Counseling), and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Wardlaw is a Lifetime Silver Member of The NAACP and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married to the former Mrs. Stephanie Scott. They have 3 Children; Chambria, Marc, and Carleigh.

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