B-CU unites campus in prayerful reflection during Worship Service

On Wednesday, July 24, Bethune-Cookman University held a Worship Service in the historic Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn Chapel for unity as the campus prepares for a new academic year.

Since its founding, prayer has been an integral tradition of the daily functions and vision of Dr. Bethune.

"At Bethune-Cookman University, our work centers around keeping the charge of our beloved founder in mind as we continue to work to be a beacon of hope for our students and the local community," said Dr. William Berry, acting president. "As she dutifully noted in her last will and testament, we must 'recognize [our] common problems and unite to solve them.' Teamwork and collaboration are key for us to move the needle to have a successful academic year."

B-CU Chaplain Kenya Lovell echoed Dr. Berry's sentiments. 

"It is a privilege to continue the work that our founder began so many years ago," she said. As Dr. Bethune noted, 'I leave you with the responsibility for our young people.' “Amid this work, our faith and prayer lives are critical as we seek guidance for wisdom. Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. Faith in God is the greatest power, but great, too, is faith in oneself. “ this reminds us that our faith and prayer lives are critical as we seek guidance and wisdom from God for our lives.”

As the congregation reflected on the founder's last will and testament, key themes emerged in her final request for unity among races and the work that needed to be completed to improve conditions for all mankind.