Lipscomb students came out in force to the Hurricane Relief interest meeting, expressing a desire to volunteer with relief efforts for recent hurricanes, Harvey and Irma.
When Hurricane Harvey crashed into the Houston area on August 25 leaving destruction in its wake, many students began asking what they could do to help residents pick up the pieces from the disaster. Then, when Irma hit the coast of Florida on September 10, it added to the devastation and caused an even greater need for support and assistance for those who had been in the hurricanes’ paths.
Fortunately, Lipscomb students’ motivation to help grew as well. Missions Coordinator Joshua Self said that the idea of coordinating the trips actually started with the students.
“Numerous students reached out to our office immediately and asked whether we would be organizing trips.” Self said. “Our wheels began to turn in thinking about how to coordinate relief teams, drawing upon previous relief efforts in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina.”
From there, the Missions team began to meet with the Office of Church Services to figure out where students could provide the most help for those impacted by the storms. Over 250 students have since expressed a desire to help out with the relief trips. Senior Mackenzie Lewis is one of those students and said she hopes and plans to go and help out.
“I have felt really convicted this semester,” Lewis said, “that part of my mission as a Christian is to serve others to the best of my ability through my time, resources and actions. When the opportunity presented itself during chapel, I realized this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass by.”
This semester, two trips to Houston are already planned for Fall break (October 13) and Thanksgiving break (November 20-24). Future trips this spring to Houston are in the works, with potential trips to the Florida Keys as well, depending on the determined need.
Senior Katrina Lilly plans to sign up for a trip to Houston this fall.
“I feel so bad for the people affected by this hurricane.” Lilly said. “I can’t imagine going from living a normal life to, all of the sudden, just not having anything. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus as much as possible for these people and let them know they are cared for in this seemingly hopeless situation.”
For the trip, Lipscomb has partnered with local host ministries in Houston to help meet various needs for the community, such as cleanup, demolition and reconstruction. While going on a relief trip is one way to help those affected, Self said it is not the only way students can get involved.
“Pray for the communities affected and for the relief efforts in those areas,” he said. “Join a relief team. Reach out to your fellow students who have been impacted by the storms.”
Self also added that students can contribute financially to The Herd for Hurricane Relief fund, inviting Lipscomb students to help out in any capacity they can.
“The overwhelming desire of our students to help is another example of what makes the Lipscomb community so unique. Our students are not only willing to serve. Their passion to serve is driving the relief effort.”
For more information on how you can help, contact Joshua Self or visit the Missions office on the second floor of Ezell.