We have all seen those in need around, but how often do we take the time to stop and do something about it? Serving others can take time and intentionality. Crossing students take ownership in helping others in their communities on a regular basis.
Ligonier Crossing students Brandy, Destiny, Kelly, and Chayenne were excited and a little nervous about what to expect as they traveled with Mrs. Ownbey to Trinity Assembly of God Church down the road to serve those in need on Friday, January 25th, 2013. Many from the community and the surrounding area come each week to get a filling, warm meal and to take some fresh veggies, fruit, bread, meat, desserts, and many other grocery items they could not otherwise afford. Many companies and people donate to make this day happen each week, but it also takes volunteers to serve the meal and hand out groceries. Some of the volunteers from the church were unable to participate and they were changing the process in which they did things each week. They said God sent the Crossing at the absolute perfect time and said it was an answer to prayer!
As students and staff arrived at the church, they had the opportunity to sit down and eat with others there. Building relationships is one of the most important parts of serving. Students got to know the community members as they asked questions and invested in them. As students sat with a couple that had been married for over 50 years, they gained much wisdom and advice from them. The lady even gave some baby formula coupons she had printed off the internet to one of the students who had her own little girl at home. This young Crossing mom asked questions about how they took care of their kids growing up and asked how close their family is now. The couple thanked the students for sitting with them.
After eating, the students and teacher went to the back youth room where they prepared to hand food out to those in need who came through the line. They were able to ask those coming through the line how they were doing and focus on them and their needs. It also gave the students a chance to see others in worse situations than themselves.
The students could not believe how much they LOVED serving and one student asked, “Can we do this every week? I want to come back!” while another said, “I’m going to come back and do this even after I graduate!” And yet another student exclaimed, “It feels good to be able to help others in need!”
SLO’s or Service Learning Opportunities are an ongoing lifestyle at the Crossing. Giving back to those in the community after they have been given so much is a small way for the students to say ‘Thank You’ and learn to look outside themselves.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
– James 2:14-18]]>
