March 28, 2019
East Texas Baptist University students traveled to Birmingham, Alabama from Sunday, March 10 through Friday, March 15 on a mission trip as a part of the national Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge. Led by ETBU Dean of Spiritual Life Scott Stevens, the ETBU students earned service credit hours while being involved in hands-on mission work through home construction and rehabilitation.
“Habitat provides a hand-up, not a hand-out, for families in need of affordable housing solutions,” Dr. Stevens said. “It was rewarding to see our students choose to invest their vacation in ministry and work hard to serve others. It was incredible how quickly we completed the homes with the right number of volunteers. As working together provides a venue to get to know others well, our team developed strong relationships with students and staff from other schools, Habitat for Humanity supervisors, and residents.”
Through the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge, six institutions worked together in Birmingham to replace roofs, remove wall braces, clear debris lumber, and grout tile floors. Working closely with Blackburn College, Sam Houston State University, and Washington University, the ETBU team served local families in low-income and tornado-affected areas.
“Overall, this week has been a true blessing as we spread the joy and love of Christ to homeowners and other college students through our mission,” ETBU freshman Colton Haynes shared. “I am truly grateful to be a part of the Tiger Family, who provided this opportunity to share the Gospel in a hands-on environment.”
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries to build and improve places to call home. ETBU and Habitat for Humanity share a belief that safe and affordable housing plays a critical role in developing sustainable and transformative communities.