New Orleans service trip
Syracuse University Protestant Campus Ministry
Syracuse, NY
Our Team of Twelve traded the final week of winter break to help
rebuild a small portion of New Orleans. Over seven days, we gutted
furniture and appliances that had been drowned in 12-feet of standing
water, salvaged personal belongings, stripped mold-covered sheetrock
and insulation, and ultimately reduced homes to their concrete
foundations and wooden skeletons. Memories are out sequence but the
feelings remain, like a dream. We never dreamt that we could connect so
personally to strangers and their homes through our work and presence.
We returned to Syracuse changed people and now share these messages:
- New Orleans is still recovering, but with continued
attention and assistance, its citizens will rebuild.
- Culture and spirit are not able to be defeated. They
do not get damp or grow mold and end up thrown to the curb to be buried
in a trash heap.
- Turn the dream metaphor around. New Orleans was
reality. Syracuse is the dream. Here we get bogged down with the daily
grind and stress. We don't stop and realize what an opportunity we have
and just how fortunate we are. Here, for the most part, it is an "I"
centered universe. We are inspired to change that.
Kelly Sprinkle
Third-round result
|
Syracuse: New Orleans
mission trip
|
71% |
| Houston: R.A.M.P.ing it up |
28% |
| Read
both entries |
|
|
Where everybody knows your pancake!
United Ministries in Higher Education
Springfield, MO
Pancakes. Everybody likes them. Friends. Everybody needs them. College
students like nothing more than hanging out with friends and eating.
Each Sunday evening “The House” (our campus ministry home complete with
WiFi and 42” flat screen TV) provides the setting for students to come
together, cook pancakes, share a devotion and enjoy the relaxing
company of friends. Everyone is welcome. Students are encouraged to be
creative with the culinary delights of pancakes. Pumpkin, peanut
butter, blueberry and my favorite apple often appear. “Pancakes” is one
example of a campus ministry of hospitality. It is a good entry point
for new students who may be reluctant to initially join a Bible study,
discussion group or mission experience. Campus ministry is very
relationship intensive and simple “points of human contact” need to be
maximized. “Pancakes” works.
Howard Cavner
| Second-round result |
| United Ministries in
Higher Education at Springfield, MO: (Where everybody knows your
pancake!) |
60% |
| Transylvania: Head for the hills! |
40% |
| Read
both entries |
|
Cooperative Campus Ministry
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg College has a Cooperative Campus Ministry which is made up of
ministries from several different faith denominations. We approach
campus ministry on the LC campus from an unified approach. At the start
of each academic year we host a campus-wide picnic for all students.
The event is hosted by the Cooperative Campus Ministries and we invite
churches and religious organizations from all over Lynchburg to provide
informational materials about their local churches and programs. Our
on-campus faith groups also have information about their on-campus
ministries. Students are provided with transportation schedules to
local churches and an academic year calendar of lectures, socials,
service events and other ministries so that they are well informed.
Grant Azdell
| Second-round result |
| Chapman: South Africa Education
and Work Trip |
49% |
| Lynchburg: Cooperative
Campus Ministry |
51% |
| Read
both entries |
|
|
Feeding at Peoples Park
Disciples on Campus
Chapman University
Orange, CA
A group of seven of us had driven to All People’s Christian Church in
South Central Los Angeles one Sunday morning in February. After worship
service, we participated in a Feeding at Peoples Park. Hundreds of
people were living on the streets, some lucky enough to own a tent that
was pitched on the sidewalk. The street was littered with garbage
piles. The smell of urine filled my nostrils as I pardoned myself
stepping over a gentleman lying on the street, who thanked me for the
service which I was to provide. “God Bless you”, another shouted from
across the street. I was here to help these people, if only for a day,
to give what I take for granted everyday, a warm meal. This was a whole
community whose community had forgotten them.
We walked into the shelter, hands loaded with plates, cups, pots of
hot, thick soup, sandwiches, chicken, hot dogs, fruit and vegetables.
This began, what would be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my
life. We showed people love by feeding their souls and spirits what
their bodies needed so badly, food. This was the amazing ministry of
the feeding at Peoples Park. “The King will reply, whatever you did for
one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.” Matthew
25:40 NIV
Alice Kolbe-Williams
| Second-round result |
Chapman: Feeding at
People's Park
|
63% |
| Chapman: Miracle Day |
37% |
| Read
both entries |
|
|
