March 30, 2009
Christian apologist and inspiring author Mary Jo Sharp will speak in Oklahoma Baptist University's chapel service Wednesday, April 1, at 10 a.m. in Raley Chapel. Speaking in honor of OBU Women's Missions and Ministry Day, Sharp is the first woman to become a certified apologetics instructor through the North American Mission Board.
The day's message will focus on the love of God, coinciding with the OBU chapel annual theme, "Lost and Found: Reclaiming the Knowledge of the Holiness of God." The public is invited to attend the service.
"Mary Jo will give us a strong apologetic approach to sharing the gospel," said Lindsey Ruthart, OBU campus ministry coordinator. "It is my hope that our students will catch a vision for their role in defending the faith. No matter their field of study, background or role, each student can share with gentleness and reverence."
Sharp is a former atheist from the Pacific Northwest who thought religion was for the weak-minded. She became a believer in God after reading through a Bible given to her by a high school teacher. Two years later, she professed Jesus as her Savior. She earned a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Oklahoma and a master's in Christian Apologetics from Biola University in La Mirada, Calif.
She is administrator of the Web site www.ConfidentChristianity.com and the Facebook group, "Two Chix Apologetics," where she engages people from around the world in dialogue concerning the truth of Christianity. Both efforts were started in collaboration with her friend Deanna Huff.
Sharp is a member of the Evangelical Theological and Philosophical Society and has spoken at retreats, seminars and conferences across the country. She is working on her first book, which is a challenge for women to get involved with the defense of their faith. She said she desires to challenge people to provide reasons for why they believe in whatever they believe. She hopes to encourage other Christians to ask the hard questions about their faith and to find out what they really believe.
"We are very excited to host Mary Jo Sharp, as she has long-time ties with Oklahoma," said Dale Griffin, OBU dean of spiritual life. "Many churches have responded positively to the announcement by reserving tickets to attend the Women's Missions and Ministry luncheon that will follow the chapel program."
For more information about OBU Women's Missions and Ministry Day, contact OBU Campus Ministries at (405) 878-2377.