A group of local college students has started holding monthly meetings in a Clanton restaurant.

Fusion College Ministries, co-founded by Justin Caton and Bridgett Young, meets every third Friday at Whistle Stop Coffee & News at 6:30 p.m.

The group does volunteer-led Bible studies and plans upcoming events at each meeting, and they are looking for more college-age students to get involved.

Fusion grew out of a local event, Disciple Now, which is held annually in host homes and area churches for both teenagers and college students.

“We were talking about how Chilton County has all these ministries for everyone from preschoolers to senior citizens, and how there’s nothing for college students. That’s kind of how Fusion was born,” Caton said.

About 15 students consistently attend the meetings. The primary target group ranges from recent high school graduates to those in their late 20s, regardless of denomination.

They are currently studying the popular “Experiencing God” Bible study series.

“We said if we want to start a ministry, we’ve got to start it based on who God is,” Caton said.

Fusion’s concept of ministry also extends into different areas of the community. They have initiated several projects, such as assisting with a Sunday School class for the residents of Hatley Health Care. They also provided a Christmas meal for Clanton police officers.

Fusion recently partnered with SWAT (Students with a Testimony) Ministries for a weekend retreat, and there is talk of a possible mission trip to Guatemala.

“We don’t want to be just a group that gets together and meets. We want to be a ministry,” Young said.

Fusion will hold a worship rally called “Whispers in the Dark” Friday, March 27 at West End Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. The rally will feature praise and worship music, a guest speaker, testimonies and drama.

Because the original location of the event was changed, Caton and Young stressed that although Fusion is supported by local churches, they are not affiliated with any denomination.

“We want to shine the light for Christ and raise awareness of this new ministry,” Caton said.