January 25, 2016
MARSHALL, Texas (1/22/16) - The morning started out with temperatures below 40 degrees for volunteers from East Texas Baptist University as they assembled in the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center to participate in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. As soon as the volunteers received their assignments and left campus to serve, the chill was no longer noticed as they worked hard in the Marshall Community.
Even though ETBU classes were cancelled because of the federal holiday, some 100 students, faculty, and staff went out in teams to 12 different locations to serve. Small teams of three to four picked up trash along many of Marshall's most traveled streets. Two large groups served either at the current home being constructed by the Habitat for Humanity of the Marshall Area or the DaySpring Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center of Harrison County.
Student Government Association President Gavin McAdam, a University Studies major, concentrating in religion, served for two reasons. "My first reason was to give back to the community as a personal endeavor and second, to encourage other student organizations on campus to be involved." Gavin along with several student organizations served at the Habitat for Humanity home under construction.
"It is crucial to me that we take every opportunity Christ gives us to serve so that we can live out our missional obligations to our fellow brothers and sisters who may need our help," added Gavin. "In a small act of giving of oneself, a bigger impact that we may never understand is made."
The Lady Tiger Basketball team was just one of the many ETBU athletic teams that participated in the day of service. The Lady Tigers served at DaySpring Ranch with part of the team cleaning horse stalls and oiling saddles. The other half, along with their fellow students, volunteered clearing fallen limbs on the wooded trails that the horses use during therapy sessions.
"I had been looking for something the team could do and I think it is really important not only for the team but all students in general to give back to the community whenever they can," said ETBU Lady Tiger Head Coach Edsel Hamilton. "One aspect of the ministry of DaySpring is that they do a lot equine therapy with veterans who come back from wars. It is very good for us to do anything that benefits veterans who serve our country."
Cathy DeRousse, Director of the Bennett Technology Lab and University Organist, served by being part of a small team picking up trash along busy East Grand Avenue. DeRousse, who is a new faculty member in the School of Communications and Performing Arts, volunteered because she saw it as good opportunity to minister to the City of Marshall. "I was very impressed by the enthusiasm of fellow faculty and the alumnus who served with me. We enjoyed a good time of fellowship as we worked," she said.
According to ETBU Great Commission Center Director Dr. Lisa Seeley, servant leadership is encouraged among all students, faculty, and staff of the university.
"ETBU is a light on the Hill in Marshall. That light is the life of Christ lived out by our students, faculty, and staff in our community through spreading the gospel in word and deed," she shared.
One small group picking up trash along Poplar Street, near Lee Elementary and Second Baptist Church, reported that someone stopped and said "thank you" for what they were doing.
"My hope is that those who served became more aware of the needs of our community and also felt empowered to make a difference," said Dr. Seeley. "Sometimes the needs around us seem too overwhelming. My prayer is that by serving, the students, faculty and staff who participated saw that they can impact our community for Christ."
Campus student groups, ETBU Cheer, Student Foundation, Student Government Association, and Sister?s United, participated in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade as well.
Another ETBU community wide service day is scheduled for Feb. 20 in conjunction with the Inauguration of Dr. J. Blair Blackburn as the 13th president of the University.