There are many different on-campus clubs and organizations at Central Arizona College, and one of them is Christian Challenge. According to their website, their main goal is to, “Partner with the local church to reach local college communities.” Christian Challenge is involved on 18 college campuses across the state of Arizona, including Signal Peak and Maricopa campuses of CAC. 

Steve Dokka, the volunteer campus missionary, said, “We exist on campus to help students follow Jesus, and we do our best to be welcoming to everyone who attends Christian Challenge meetings. We do our best to help them know Jesus personally.” Dokka feels passionate about leading Christian Challenge. Many people who graduate from a seminary school will lead an organization such as Christian Challenge for one to two years before transferring to a large church, but Dokka guarantees the students at Signal Peak Campus that he will be serving there for much longer, so they will never be without a leader. 

According to Dokka, the group was started by Beka Elliot in August of 2017. In January of 2018, Steve and his wife, Lysette Dokka, took over. The group began with four members and has since grown to around 12 students who regularly attend meetings. During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and campus closures, the group was meeting at Pinal County Cowboy Church in Casa Grande. PCCC financially supports CAC Christian Challenge organizations.   

Signal Peak Christian Challenge group meets in room I-108 twice a week, on Tuesday evenings from 5:45-6:45 p.m. and on Wednesday afternoons from 12-1 p.m. Free pizza is served at the group meetings weekly.  

There is also one Christian Challege group that meets on the Maricopa campus and averages around four students weekly.  They meet in the cafeteria on Tuesday evenings from 7-8 p.m.  

The large Challenge nights happen once a month at SPC in rooms I-400 and I-401. November’s Challenge night will be held on Nov. 16. These events consist of fellowship, a time of worship, a short sermon, and free food.  

The Challenge band is one of the organization’s biggest assets. It consists of five members who practice monthly leading up to challenge nights. It includes a lead vocalist, a keyboard, drums and a bass. The band practices at Pinal County Cowboy Church, the original meeting place for the SPC Christian Challenge group. Princess Kara, the lead vocalist, said, “I love to worship, and I never would feel alright without worshipping. Christian Challenge helps me in doing that by giving me platforms to serve God. Christian Challenge is a blessing and has impacted me positively.” 

On Nov. 30, Christian Challenge will host the Christmas party in room I-401 on Signal Peak campus. There will be food, drinks, games and music. There will be many other events before the end of the year, including game nights and evening hikes as the weather gets cooler. 

You can find this information on www.challengeaz.com. Steve Dokka has also provided his contact information for students’ convenience. He can be reached at 480-465-1130. Princess Kara, a student and the president of Christian Challenge at SPC, can be contacted on WhatsApp at 234-812-734-7493.