Columbia International University students attending the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s 2020 conference learned from pastors, nonprofit leaders, and elected officials from all across the world on how to make a positive impact on legislation and lives.

CIU Faith and Freedom Student Chapter President Katelyn Nichols says the event held near Atlanta this year offered many opportunities to network and grow as an individual.

“I am always challenged and encouraged by the people I meet there, as well as the informative lectures given from many different professionals and leaders that are not just politicians, but also pastors and people from various backgrounds,” Nichols said. “One of my favorite things about these conferences is the opportunity to meet with passionate Christians from all around the nation who love the Lord and hold firmly to their desire to please and serve Him in and through their lives.”

Among those the students heard speak were Vice President Mike Pence and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who has also served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

CIU student Kayla Wolfe called the event “exciting and impactful.”

“Our nation is at a crossroads at the moment and hearing politicians, pastors, and influential individuals speak, really set the tone for where we should be guided as Americans,” Wolfe said.

The five-fold mission of the Faith and Freedom Coalition includes:

• Mobilize and train people of faith to be effective citizens
• Speak out in the public arena and in the media on behalf of Christian values
• Influence legislation and enact sound public policy at every level of government
• Train citizens for effective civic action
• Protest bigotry and discrimination against people of faith

With record enrollment in 2020, BestColleges.com ranks Columbia International University the 2020 Best Online College in South Carolina, and CIU is #2 in the state for Best College Campus. CIU also consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South and a Best Value Regional University in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.