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Curtis “CZ” Zachery addressed Louisiana College Sunday night at “The Awakening” and challenged the incoming freshmen class to find their calling and be encouraged. Regardless of the situation, Jesus changes everything.

Zackery is a member of the pastoral staff of Church of the City in Nashville, one of the fastest growing multi-campus churches in the country.  He is the author of Soul Rest: Reclaim Your Life. Return to Sabbath.

He referenced John 9:1-12, sharing the story of the man who was blind from birth and was healed by Jesus. In biblical times, people believed those with disabilities of any kind were a result of sin in their lineage, Zackery said, and Jesus taught them otherwise.

“Today some of us may feel like we are cursed because of conditions we are born with,” he said, “but remember we were created in the image of God.

“We may not always get it, but we are born in His image. We are born so God can receive glory.”

Zackery told the students to be encouraged, even in dark seasons, or when they have things in their own lives they wish were different, because Jesus can change everything.

Nashville-based worship band Rose Factor began the service.  The group’s lead vocalist Thomas Rose, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, dedicated a song to his home church, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the site of a mass shooting that killed nine in 2015, including Pastor Clementa C. Pickney.

Rose told of his father’s salvation and overcoming drug and alcohol abuse because of the love and support of Pastor Pickney.

“Pastor was 42 and died that night,” Rose said. “But my father is still walking with the Lord because of Pastor Pickering and what he did in his life.”

Rose Factor had a special guest musician Sunday night. The band was joined by LC President Rick Brewer on piano.

“We are so thankful to have such wonderful Christian leaders to speak and lead our students into the fall semester,” Brewer said. “They are both living examples of the power of Jesus in their lives, and they are humble servants sharing their stories of what He continues to do in their lives.”

“The Awakening” ended Wildcat Welcome Weekend and kicked off the first week of the semester. This freshman class is the largest in the College’s 115-year history.

“Seeing students throughout the weekend come together to make connections has been such an amazing feeling,” said sophomore student navigator Victoria Watson, a journalism major from Lafayette. “Students truly have something special for them at Louisiana College.”

“The Awakening” continues Monday and Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in Guinn Auditorium and is open to all students and the community. Attendees should wear masks.

The Awakening may be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.