Prairie View’s Baptist Student Movement gospel choir attended the 65th annual National Baptist Student Union Retreat in Atlanta, Ga, March 25-27.
Prairie View’s Baptist Student Movement founded the National Baptist Student Union Retreat 65 years ago; so, their presence was powerful and readily recognized.
Baptist Student Movement prepared three months prior to the retreat with weekly practices, dedication, and hard work. In preparation for the retreat, Minister of Music John-Clifton Victor was required to come up with a musical performance under ten minutes.
“I consulted God and asked him to lead me in the right direction as in song selections. It didn’t all happen overnight. Sometimes God would speak to me while driving, while in class, or while in church. It was totally Him,” Victor stated.
The retreat days consisted of several pastoral seminars, musical midnight programs, elections for national officer positions, and worship seminars.
Junior education major Malika Walker stated, “Retreat is a great blessing for all who attended.Whether it was a point made in a seminar, a message interpreted by a praise dance, or a word ministered in a song, I guarantee that everyone felt something. That’s a blessing and above all God got the glory.”
The big anticipation came Saturday evening when nine colleges from the southern conference area competed for first place.
In the competition, Baptist Student Movement won second place with their seven song medley. Victor stated, “To be honest, it was a bitter-sweet moment. Humanly, who doesn’t want to win?”