Nathan Mahand is the Baptist Student Ministries Director at Houston Baptist University. He has served in this position since August of 2017. His focus as Director is empowering students to cultivate meaningful relationships that help them follow Christ and be transformed by His power. Nathan earned his Master of Divinity from Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary and his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from East Texas Baptist University. Nathan is an engaging communicator who seeks to share his story, and how God’s story has connected with him and how God desires to do the same for every person. Nathan believes that young people are always making decisions that shape who they become and he desires to be a voice for truth in the decision. Nathan is married to Kristen and together they have two boys, Dean and Andy.
Meet our Camp Director, Sarah Smithson! Sarah holds a BBA in International Business from Houston Baptist University, which she graduated with in May 2019! She was an integral part of Rex Fleming Players and the Husky Ambassadors in her time as a student. Sarah has been a part of Camp HBU since it’s first year, where she was a camp counselor to fifth grade girls. She cannot be more excited to be this year’s Camp Director! Camp is her favorite holiday, and she cannot wait for this magical summer!
I was raised in the church and saved from a young age. Growing up, my favorite thing to do was tell people about Jesus. My grandpa was a pastor, and I’ve heard many stories of myself running up to the pulpit during service, talking about how I wanted to be up there. Throughout my youth, I trusted in God through all the hardships I encountered, knowing that everything was a part of His plan. I started to immerse myself in Christian communities. In middle school, I held leadership positions in our Christian Student Union group, in high school, I was a part of my youth group’s worship team, and in college I started my own bible study on campus. Time and time again, Christ has shown me His grace, His mercy, and His love. I cannot wait for the rest of the adventure He has planned for me!
Campers will select two- 2 hour sessions to take part in led by HBU’s own faculty, staff and students!
Sessions will be updated on the Camp HBU 2019 Registration form!
Camp HBU 2018 Sessions included:
- Cheerleading
- Dance
- Theater Production
- Theater Improv
- Intro to Engineering
- Law & Liberty
- Journalism
- Videography
- Basketball
- Marketing
- and more!
Houston Food Bank
Founded in 1982, the Houston Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. They distribute fresh produce, meat and nonperishables and prepare nutritious hot meals for kids in their state-of-the-art Keegan Kitchen
Campers will spend a morning volunteer at the food bank in their assigned task. All of their efforts will help provide for families in need around the Houston area. At the end of the volunteer service, campers will receive a tour of the Houston Food Bank facilities and learn more about everything they have to offer, how they help the community and why it’s important.
More information
Refuge
In 1996, Refuge was created to be a sister group to the already established group FOCUS. Similar to FOCUS, Refuge was a worship ministry that traveled to many churches, schools, and special events to share their gift of music. In 2008 Refuge had reached a new milestone, it became a full worship band that served in the weekly Quest service. Since then, Refuge has grown substantially and is now the official worship band for the Convocation held every Wednesday afternoon and the monthly worship night, Fuego, at Houston Baptist
University.
