Clarksville, Ark.-It wasn't a typical beach experience for a college-age kid. While many students flock to beaches in Florida to enjoy the sun and fun, University of the Ozarks student Josh Ferrell spent part of his time sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ on a beach in popular Destin.

The junior-to-be shooting guard for the Eagles spent nine weeks with Kaleo, a non-denominational Christian organization that provides college students with faith-promoting experiences and evangelical training in Florida, Texas and Alabama. Ferrell was one of 250 college students and the only U of O representative at Destin.
    
"It was more than I expected in regards to how much I grew with my faith," he said. "It was great to meet so many college students who love the Lord and are willing to give up their summer to grow. It made me more confident and more knowledgeable on how to approach people about Christ. And, it made me more outgoing on speaking about my faith."

With a curfew every night and a 40-hour work week at a parasailing business, Ferrell's time in Florida was far from a vacation. Every night was packed full of activities, ranging from evangelism training to bible study classes.

"We would go out on the beach in Destin and share the word of God," he said. "We gave out cards that included a bible verse to the people. Other nights we had training that helped us study the bible more clearly as well as training on effective ways to share the word. We also heard testimonies from different university speakers."

Ferrell's favorite activity included Thursday night group functions.

"We held a church service and dinner, then worshiped with a band, and finished by hearing a sermon," he said. "It was great to see 250 college students worshipping God and singing together."

Ferrell and his group were assigned to area churches, and served as ushers at Sunday morning services. But it was at an evening bonfire that Ferrell felt God the most.

"One night after worship, we went to the beach and had a bonfire," he said. "We sang worship songs together. It was a moving experience."
    
Ferrell joined his sister Jassa, a three-year veteran of Keleo, in Destin.

"Jassa has enjoyed all three years she's attended," he said. "I enjoyed the experience so much and would go back again if I get the chance."
    
Ferrell hopes to apply what he learned in Florida on Ozarks' campus.

"I can now share what I learned with others on campus who are curious about God or their faith," he said. "And I can find other believers who want to grow and we can fellowship together."

Ferrell is a native of West Fork, Ark., majoring in Health Science. He was named the American Southwest Conference Men's Basketball Freshman of the Year in 2013-2014. He is the son of David and Kelly Ferrell.