Fall Challenge Chapel Services Kick Off Semester

OBU will host the annual Fall Challenge chapel series Aug. 18-21. The first chapel messages of the semester are traditionally known as the "Fall Challenge" and are a part of OBU's Welcome Week, where students are welcomed and oriented to life on the OBU campus.

Services will be held in Raley Chapel's Potter Auditorium Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m.; andFriday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m.

John Meador will serve as the 2015 Fall Challenge speaker. He is a 1979 OBU graduate and a leading voice on the topic of evangelism. He has served as senior pastor of First Euless (Texas) since 2006. He is passionate about the Word of God and committed to teaching it creatively. Meador spoke on campus during aNovember 2014 chapel service as well as during the OBU Pastors School last month. He preached the convention message at the 2014 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently serving as president of the 2016 SBC Pastors Conference.

Part of his story is born out of adversity, as he is profoundly deaf due to a fever and illness at age six. As a small child, he could not speak clearly and felt uncertain about his future. He has watched God turn his disappointments into hope and purpose, and he has a powerful message to share with students. Though John does not hear his own voice, he preaches to thousands every week. His story is featured on iamsecond.com.

Students will lead worship throughout the week, with David's Creed and Voce Vera leading during the Wednesday morning services. Student Ministry Worship Leadership will lead worship during the remainder of the week.