Speaker, musician offer free show

What happens on campus after dark?\nFor some IU students, when the sun goes down and darkness sets in, the cue is to go home, grab a pack of Ramen noodles, crack the books, watch television or laze around. \nBut at 8 p.m. tonight, Christian groups on campus are encouraging students to consider attending the free AFTERdark event at the IU Auditorium. The event features speaker Joe White, the owner of a popular chain of Christian athletic camps based in Branson, Mo., called Kanakuk Kamps. \nKanakuk draws thousands of youths and adolescents, ages 7-18, every summer for Christian inspiration, athletics and other activities. He's also the author of many books for Christians, and his AFTERdark tour has reached a national scope. Michael W. Smith, a contemporary Christian singer, is also involved in the camp, and he has written the theme song for each summer session there since 1983.\nIU senior Lauren Banghart has been a counselor at White's camps for the past three summers and said she has met White numerous times. She also heard him speak last year at Purdue. \n"Joe White is not the kind of man that would force his beliefs on anyone," Banghart said. "He speaks passionately about what he believes, which is what's in the Bible. He's not going to preach; that's not what he does. He basically wants to tell college students about Christ -- that knowing him and knowing about him can change their lives."\nWhite will be speaking about the gospel by taking the perspective of a cross-builder during Jesus' lifetime, according to the IU Campus Crusade for Christ Web site. Anderson native Jon McLaughlin will also take the stage and perform a free concert. McLaughlin's self-titled debut album was recently released, and he has been touring recently with the rock band Sister Hazel.\nAFTERdark will offer students something that church doesn't, sophomore Jeramie Carroll said. \n"What this is going to do is show them what we're having communion for," Carroll said. "This is not church. The purpose of church is for fellowship, to worship and learn."\nCarroll also mentioned that those who want to be contacted after the event for counseling about Christianity have that option. \n"After the event, we're going to give them calls, and if they want to be followed up with, they can speak with someone." Carroll said. "AFTERdark isn't going to end after Monday night."\nAlthough the event is promoted by Campus Crusade for Christ, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and Christian Student Fellowship, both Carroll and Banghart said the event is not just for Christians.\n"I think that people should definitely keep an open mind and that no one should feel persecuted for believing." Banghart said.