Reunion and Reconnection
Duck Cunningham attended Samford University in the 1980s. Upon graduation, he moved to Troy, AL, to build laborers on the campus of Troy University for the lost world. During his four-year tenure at TSU, Duck led the movement on campus, taught the many college students who came to weekly meetings, and poured his life into a few men. Together, those men grew and grew up together. For years after college, they kept in touch, attending each other’s weddings and going on lake trips together. Things fell off as they all started having kids.
Early in 2024, someone had the idea and suggested that they all get together. They decided this would be a “couples thing,” not just men. Duck’s wife, Cathy, took the lead on finding a place. They picked a weekend, and all but one of the men happened to be free.
People picked back up from where they were many years ago. Cathy shared, “You literally go back! There was laughing and storytelling: ‘Remember when this happened in Alumni Hall? Remember when we did this to Sanborn and Kisselbaugh? Remember when Lisa and Bubba…’ Going into the weekend, everyone expected the fun: reconnecting, watching football, eating out, cooking together, etc. We're the same people—but the years, children, and difficulties have changed us too.”
Duck didn't want to waste the time together. “Nobody specifically said this, but I believe there was a desire to talk deeply. I think people crave a safe place to be vulnerable. I had thought of a couple of discussion starters and would throw one out at a meal. I shared some vulnerable stuff because somebody's got to step out first and do that, and the Lord used that to allow others to feel safe and share deep and vulnerable things. It wasn't as if we called everyone into a room and said, ‘We're going to talk deep.’ It was just throwing out a question and seeing what happened. God was faithful to show up.”
Ultimately, everyone agreed that sharing memories from the same ministry and understanding the lingo is great, but the real value is the deeper connection. Duck thinks everybody came away saying, “We had great fun, we had great food, but wow, we were encouraged too!”
When asked, this is what the guys had to say about Campus Outreach and their time in Florida:
Antjuan Marsh is laboring as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction/Secondary Supervisor for Autauga County Schools and a member of Valleydale Baptist Church: “I had the joy of reuniting with college friends during a beach trip, providing an excellent opportunity to reconnect with those who played a significant role in my spiritual journey. During my time at Troy University I learned valuable lessons in spiritual growth and developing gospel-centered leaders. This experience has had a lasting and profound impact on my personal and professional life. ”
Will and Lisa Richburg - Will is laboring as a Subrogation Claim Specialist with State Farm and a member of Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church: “Though it had been decades since we had seen some, it’s like we picked up where we left off. One of the things I loved was hearing about their families and how we were all plugged into our local churches. We all admitted we were grateful for the foundation we received while in college.“ - Lisa
Scott and Monica Kisselbaugh - Scott is laboring as a CPA/Tax Advisor and is a member of Northside Baptist Church: “My favorite part was catching up with old friends and sharing our victories and struggles in our adult lives. It's great to see their victories, but it's good for me to know they have many of the same struggles and are getting through those by looking to Christ.”
John and Bobbi Lowe - John is laboring as a pastor of Olive Baptist Church: “My experience helped me to define who I am in Christ and helped me to discern the calling the Lord has placed on me to serve him vocationally. The Campus Outreach community afforded me friendships, encouraging me to seek the Lord and point people to him. Those 30-year-old relationships continue today and are still going strong.”
Marc and Michelle Sanborn - Marc is laboring as a Wealth Manager and a member of Northside Baptist Church: “Training obtained through participating in CO ministries has had a definite impact on how I interact with clients. Knowing how to cultivate trusting relationships and sharing my personal testimony are tools I still use today. Beyond that, the foundation of servant leadership is paramount in the supervisory role I have today. My favorite thing about the weekend in Florida was easily picking up where we left off 30 years earlier.”
Tom and Sandy Shepherd - Tom is laboring as a Construction Project Manager and a member of Orangewood Presbyterian Church: “My favorite thing from our weekend was being reminded of the good friends God placed in my life and all the crazy, amazing, and Christ-honoring adventures we had.”