The Bible teaches that serving others is central to the Christian life. Jesus Himself declared in Mark 10:45 that He came “not to be served, but to serve.” That same spirit of compassion was on display as Regent University’s incoming freshman class joined Operation Blessing for its third annual service project.
Excitement filled the air as hundreds of students packed hunger relief bags, hygiene kits and disaster relief supplies to bless those in need. “Very excited. I am very grateful to be here,” one student said as they worked alongside classmates.
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Operation Blessing and Regent University partnered to combine their missions of service and leadership. “They have a passion to raise up Christian leaders to change the world. And we have a passion to help provide help and hope to a hurting world in tangible acts of love in times of crisis,” Dan Moore of Operation Blessing explained.
Some 500 students prepared 1,100 hunger relief bags for local residents, while also assembling nearly 3,000 hygiene kits and 2,000 disaster relief kits for Operation Blessing’s response teams. The timing was significant, as hurricane season is predicted to be active this year. “It makes a huge difference,” one staff member said. “They’re going to be packing these hygiene kits, these disaster relief kits full of cleaning supplies that will go into communities that are impacted by disasters.”
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Students said the effort not only gave them a sense of purpose but also showed them how serving can be a powerful witness. “We don’t just seek to provide physical help, but through that physical help, we can then extend spiritual help and show these people the love of Christ,” one volunteer said. Another added, “It just shows you that your purpose is more than just yourself.”
As Regent celebrates the largest freshman class in its history, leaders noted how service is built into the school’s mission. “Giving of yourself is actually the best thing you can do. And that emulates the life of Christ, which we’re trying to do here as we create Christian leaders to change the world,” a Regent representative said.
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Service like this echoes the heart of Christ’s teaching. For believers everywhere, it is a reminder that when we lend a hand to those in need, we reflect His love to a hurting world. May we all seek opportunities to serve others in the name of Jesus.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
