B.A.S.I.C

Amal Zeidan
Staff Writer

It is uncommon for students in a new environment to find a club on campus that they immediately connect with. Some students may want to join any club to make new friends while others want to be a part of something more than just a club. To be part of a community that can be called family, to form bonds that will last forever, and to create a culture on campus that has an unshakable foundation is what I was looking for, and I found it at LIU Post’s B.A.S.I.C.

This club in particular caught my eye just from the name of it: Brothers And Sisters In Christ, B.A.S.I.C. The name of a club says a lot and is one of the first things students see when looking to join. When I think of brother and sisters, I usually associate it with family. However this is a different kind of family; actual brothers and sisters in Christ. You may have guessed by now, B.A.S.I.C. is a Christian club, but is not limited to Christians. In fact, it is encouraged for non-believers and students of other faiths to come and ask questions they may have or discuss matters of Christianity. All are welcomed.

So how does a club like this get started in such a secular world? I sat down with the president of B.A.S.I.C., Joshua Manning, for the details.

In the fall of 2011, Manning sought Don Mann, Information Technology Systems Manager, who introduced Manning to the club. However, it had been inactive for some time due to the lack of students. Manning, a junior Electronic Media major, along with Karena Roberts, Treasurer of the club and President of the Anointed Voices Gospel Choir, decided to reignite B.A.S.I.C., but had somewhat of a different vision for the club. “It’s different than the traditional stuff,” Manning says. “It’s not a Bible study or a lecture, students get that all day. We look into a scripture, talk about it and keep it moving.” Manning feels strongly about keeping Christianity pure. “[Some] tradition is dangerous, people try to Americanize Christianity, and in doing so it has stunted people’s spiritual growth.” He says it can teach values but can also cause social issues, “but to fight against this and fight against that is not always what God wants from us. Sometimes he calls us just to be different and keep our focus on him and not on the differences between us.”

Roberts, a junior Social Work major, feels that B.A.S.I.C. is serving its purpose. “It brings fellow brothers and sisters in Christ together in union. It’s not your average club, it’s a family and I’m glad to be part of it.”

Manning describes B.A.S.I.C. as being a group here for the students. “We’re not Bible thumpers and we’re not here to make people feel bad about themselves. We’re here to help students get through whatever is going on.” He adds, “We want to establish B.A.S.I.C. as part of the community that’s built on faith with social responsibilities.” It looks like the club is just getting started.

Manning and Roberts both have high hopes for the future. In their last meeting, they spoke about upcoming events in the spring. B.A.S.I.C plans on having a Valentine’s Day event, calling it LIU’s ILU which stands for I Love You. Very creative! You can be sure that love will be the theme there. The club also plans on hosting or co-hosting an event for Spring Break, but that’s still in the works.

The reason I advocate B.A.S.I.C. is because I personally know how much their message can change a person’s life. Not one of us students can say we are perfect or are problem-free. Not one of us can say we don’t struggle with everyday issues or personal situations where we wish we just had someone’s help. There is an answer and a solution for everything, but we’re so blinded by temporary fixes that we fail to see the real solution. Now I know what the world has perverted and twisted Christ to be, but I embolden those who are looking for something more to life, to put everyone else’s view aside and draw a conclusion for yourself.

The meetings are laid back and relaxed. Almost like break from your busy day. It’s not like every other usual “meeting.” Come as you are and check it out for yourselves. B.A.S.I.C. meets every Thursday at 12:45 during common hour in the Hillwood Commons Cinema. Bring your lunch and bring your friends. Even bring issues that you may be struggling with, B.A.S.I.C. is here to help.