Nik Ripken, author of “The Insanity of God,” presented a talk to students about his personal life in missionary work Thursday in the Bettersworth Auditorium.
First Baptist Ministry at Mississippi State University sponsored the event.
Lisa Ziegler, a senior economics major, First Baptist Church member and volunteer, welcomed guests with free copies of Ripken’s book.
“I’m volunteering because it’s a cool opportunity to learn more about fellowship,” Ziegler said.
The event was open to everyone, but targeted college students specifically.
Nathan Taylor, University and Missions Minister at First Baptist Church, said he believes college students can make a major impact on the world.
Taylor opened the presentation by telling attendees the effect “The Insanity of God” had on his own life. Gifted to him by a friend, Taylor said he shelved the book for several weeks. When he finally picked it up again, he finished the novel in three days.
After being introduced by Taylor, Ripken and his wife, Ruth, took the stage. The couple told stories of their 30 years of missionary work alongside their three children. The Ripkens said when journeying throughout the horn of Africa, they met many believers who were persecuted for their faith.
While living in Somalia, the Ripken’s 16-year-old son died of an asthma attack on Easter Sunday. He was buried at the school where the other two sons graduated.
Nik Ripken said when his third son graduated, he offered to get his youngest child anything as a graduation gift. The son’s request was to go on a mission trip with his father.
While some were there because of Ripken’s novel, others simply came to hear his story.
Audrey Claire Henderson, a freshman political science major, was one of the latter.
“I wanted to hear his testimony of what he’s been through and how the Lord has worked in his life,” Henderson said.
The First Baptist Church’s goal in inviting Ripken to speak to college students was to show students their ability to reach out across nations.
“As a college minister, I want to give students access to older, wiser followers of Jesus that have been obedient and faithful to the mission given to believers in the Bible,” Taylor said. “Nik and Ruth fit that role well.”
The presentation concluded with a prayer from Ruth Ripken. When the talk was over, the Ripkens stayed to chat with the students and community members in attendance.
The First Baptist Church said it is currently planning another campus and community-based event early next fall.