Buies Creek, N.C.-Nearly 600 senior citizens from around the region gathered in Campbell University’s John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center to attend the inaugural SeniorFest, an educational and social opportunity for senior citizens, held Tuesday, March 9. The event was sponsored by Campbell University and the North Carolina Baptist Foundation.
An inspirational opening ceremony, enlivened by the music of divinity student Kia Walker and the words of award-winning journalist and WRAL-TV news anchor David Crabtree, was followed by informational breakout sessions dealing with issues important to seniors. From estate and financial planning to what one should know about mixing medications, the sessions were designed to answer questions and guide seniors in critical decision-making.
Crabtree, an ordained deacon, who focuses on death row inmates and Hospice patients, spoke about the value of seniors.
“I want to encourage all of you who have so much wisdom, to give this wisdom over to those who are hungry for it,” he said.
Dr. Clay Warf, Executive Director of the North Carolina Baptist Foundation, said he was happy to partner with Campbell in this important event. “We’re in the business of helping Baptists be good stewards with whatever the Lord has blessed us with,” he said. “The same can be said for Campbell University.”
The N.C. Baptist Foundation offers church building loans and Christian estate planning through its North Carolina Financial Services ministry.
Breakout sessions included “End of Life Decisions: Taking Charge,” conducted by Professor Roger Manus, director of Campbell’s Senior Law Clinic; Mixing Medications and the Risks of Falling,” conducted by Dr. Amber Peoples, assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice; “Doing What’s Right with What’s Left,” conducted by Jerry Wood, assistant vice president for Institutional Advancement, and Dr. Tom Denton, of the North Carolina Baptist Foundation; and “Everything’s Changing but God,” conducted by Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship Dr. Daniel Day.
Participant Mary Lloyd from Yates Baptist Church of Durham, N.C. said she was excited to hear about the event.
“It sounded great because of the information and fellowship it offered and the chance to see David Crabtree,” she said. “I also wanted to learn more about Campbell. It has renewed my interest in Campbell and in Baptist work.”
Dr. Michael Cogdill, dean of the Campbell Divinity School, said he believed it was one of the largest gatherings of Baptists on the campus he had seen in years.
“It was a delight to see old friends and meet new ones,” said Cogdill. “We hoped to provide a day of fun, fellowship and learning for these people who, through their lives, have given so much to others, and we believe that was accomplished.”
Photo Copy: Wral-TV news anchor David Crabtree speaks to senior citizens from around the region at Campbell University’s first SeniorFest.