The nerves to serve
The Human Services Expo displayed the partnerships between Trinity Western University’s outreach and local non-profit organizations dedicated to care for the less fortunate. Some 30 of these local ministries showcased on campus in mid-October, presenting opportunities for students to open their eyes to how the Lower Mainland approaches serving the disadvantaged.
Even now, the Human Services EXPO continues to invite TWU students of all disciplines to test their comfort zones, as well as discover their talents in service to Christ’s calling. There is also plenty of opportunities for Communications and Nursing students in completing their practicum hours. Gordon Chutter, director of Outreach and Evangelism, shared that, “agencies are exceptionally pleased with the quality of work done by Trinity Western students, and their positive attitude and genuine care.” Doubtless, TWU can glorify God for this good mention in the larger Lower Mainland context. Chutter said that many of these 5600 Good Samaritan groups are ready for our outreach to step in when and where they’re needed.
No greater palette of the many mediums for communicating the Good News exists than the Gospels themselves. In John 5:1-14, the disciple of love records Jesus’ encounter with an invalid of 38 years. “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” We are told how Jesus met the man again later on, this time proceeding to exhort the cured man with a spiritual message.
Just as there are many ways for God to call us, there are many avenues to service Christ’s love through us. For those involved off-campus, the coastal environment places major emphasis on physical acts of charity; how we can help out homeless people, those struggling over addictions or other vices. There’s always room for food distribution, a safe environment, or even a kind word to show respect.
A great deal may be said to satiating one’s physical hunger in preparation for their spiritual hunger. This service takes a great deal of discipline and may be a long process—and while we engage in demonstrations of charity, there will emerge grand testimonies both from us and from those whom the Spirit touches.
EXPO participants, like Wagner Hill Ministries, and OIL teams, like Nightshift and Building 272, are part of the “bridge.” Nightshift leader Jeremy Gutjar spoke of the incredible impact he has seen this fall within the group, which showed rapid growth in the number of students involved. Overlapping with a team engaged in handing out hot chocolate and cookies, Nightshift comes in offering prayer and gentle words with those who come in for a meal or conversation.
For those still feeling called to ministry off-campus, it is easy to approach one of the crossover OIL leaders who were present at the EXPO held at the beginning of the year or Chett Fichett, leader of LOVE outreach.
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