Student spreads positive counter message

Meredith BarkerTNE Editorial Board

Meredith Barker/TNE - Chelsey Oxendine, Charlotte, N.C., senior displays a sign across from religious advocates. The display remained peaceful throughout the day.

Three religious advocates returned to the NSU Tahlequah campus April 7. The Missouri men have visited the campus several times throughout the semester.

Each time, they have displayed signs with messages including “few will be saved,” “Jesus taught us to love our enemies” and ranking the home “God-Jesus-Husband-Wife.” Another sign warns men not to commit adultery by marrying women who have been divorced.

This time, a student chose to display a sign with a counter message. Chelsey Oxendine, Charlotte, N.C., senior, stood near the advocates with a “have a great day” sign. Oxendine said he has seen the men before and did not like the negativity of their message.

“It’s discriminatory, especially toward women,” said Oxendine. “These guys seem like very angry people. I thought, rather than everyone walking away angry because of these negative messages, I could hopefully help someone have a better day.”

Floyd Graybill, one of the visiting advocates, said he and his partners travel to colleges during the week and to bar districts on the weekends. He said their message is not contradictory; it is simply what Jesus taught.

“We just want to teach other people Jesus’ teachings,” said Graybill. “Jesus taught us to love our enemies, but he also taught us that few will be saved.”

Oxendine and the visiting advocates remained peaceful throughout the day. They answered questions and offered opinions to those who asked, but they did not speak unless they were addressed.

Published 4/8/14