This summer marks Merrie Johnson’s 25th year serving as N.C. Baptist student ministries strategist and leading the BeDoTell team. In this special episode, she and Todd Unzicker explore the grounds of Fort Caswell, which this year celebrates 75 years as an N.C. Baptist retreat and conference center.


Tune in as Merrie Johnson shows Todd Unzicker places where she’s prayed for every new week of summer camp, connected with students on their questions about faith, and where students have returned to remember where their lives were changed. Merrie reflects on why staying rooted in a relationship with the Lord is essential for anyone in student ministry, and how she’s learned to watch for God at work every single day. She also shares ways you can pray for this summer’s youth weeks. Take a listen to be encouraged and challenged to never miss what God is doing around you.

For more episodes, visit ncbaptist.org/podcast. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify or listen on the N.C. Baptist app.

To download this episode, click here.

Podcast highlights:

  • “In order for me to hear the Lord … you gotta stay with Him, you gotta walk with Him, you gotta be listening and watching for Him to do things.” (2:50)
  • “It’s a daily thing for me to watch for God and them give Him the praise and glory.” (9:25)
  • “How would I have made it to 25 years if I hadn’t been daily seeking the Lord: ‘What do I do now?’” (13:00)
  • “For us, we’re to remain in the presence of the Holy Spirit, knowing He is going to strengthen us, and we get to be His voice wherever. But it’s my relationship to the Lord that gives me strength to say something.” (13:23)
  • The N.C. Baptist student ministry equips and empowers N.C. Baptist churches and leaders to reach, train and send middle and high school students in North Carolina. Learn more and find resources for students that cover a wide variety of topics at ncbaptist.org/students. 

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