Grace Trent: A Campus Ministries Leader
Photos provided by Rampage student photographers Gianna Sloan-Lebron and Jaxon Bast.
Bluefield University’s Grace Trent is just a sophomore, but already making a big impact on BU Student Ministries.
Trent is a native of Narrows, Virginia, who graduated from Narrows High School in the spring of 2022. She visited the BU campus that same year while trying to decide between Bluefield and another college. She was able to sit in on a chapel service and “just felt God tugging at her heart” that Bluefield was the place where she could grow in her faith and be part of an environment that fosters a relationship with God.
Now in her second year at BU, Trent is an active leader in Bluefield University Student Ministries (BUSM). She’s also a singer for the BU worship team. She spoke about how BUSM has helped her become closer to God.
“I can confidently say that I have been able to foster my relationship with the Lord and grow in my faith throughout being a part of BUSM,” Trent said. “I believe one of the main components is really the emphasis we have placed on prayer and daily union with God. I believe this has helped me grow in my faith and has placed a higher calling on my life to fully live for the Lord.”
Trent said she has also developed many relationships through being a part of BUSM. Her “awesome” friend group is comprised of BUSM leaders and participants, and they make her feel as though she “belongs to something,” and they help her feel “fulfilled” in many ways.
“I have been able to lean on my friends from BUSM spiritually and just throughout day-to-day life,” Trent said. “Our campus pastor, Mason West, and our worship leader, Ana Barros, have discipled me and continue to pour into me daily. They inspire me to do the same for others and live a selfless life just as Jesus has called us to.”
As one of the singers for the worship team in both chapel and Home services, Trent said she has only just begun to understand the responsibility she has as a believer to lead worship corporately.
“I would like Bluefield University students to know that Campus Ministries is a place you can come and feel welcomed,” Trent said. “We want to be vessels and show the love of God to you through our time, prayers, hugs, and just having conversations with you.”
Trent said she’d love to see more students involved in Home services, which take place Mondays at 7 p.m. She also invited students to email her if they want to know more about the weekly worship sessions.
“If you have never been to a Home Service, I urge you to take a step of faith and reach out with any questions,” she said. “I would love to talk with you, pray for you, and even see your smiling face at a Home service.”