Nine Charleston Southern University students joined with campus minister Clark Carter and served with Snow Memorial Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tenn., over fall break Oct. 11-14. This was the fifth year of serving in this area for Charleston Southern and was a rewarding experience for all.
From left are Clark Carter, Kevin Sheridan, Aubrey Perea, Ronda Putnam, Edith Harmon, Dustin Bowers, Koryn VanDyke, Kelly Heaton, Jocelyn Culver and Sierra Burnett.“It was a very fruitful four days of ministry,” said Carter. “Probably one of the greatest things that God did through us was to encourage Snow Memorial Baptist Church. This church has been in decline for a few years, but with the calling of a new pastor and with the help and enthusiasm of our students, the church has already seen people being added to their membership.”
Service projects that the team conducted while there included cutting down a 40-foot willow tree for an elderly couple; refurbished two trailer roofs for elderly and handicapped church members; cleaned the interior of a house for a senior citizen; and worked with Fishery Community Church to present a blacklight gospel presentation.
Rusty Wishon, pastor of Snow Memorial Baptist Church, spoke highly of the ministry team’s service. “God has used the CSU mission team to refresh and energize our churches for the past several years,” he said. “We are refreshed to see the hard work and compassion in these young men and women. They have given us a newfound energy to keep ministries going in our church. Our community and our church love Jesus more because of their dedication and love.”
The impact upon the Charleston Southern students will be lasting. “One thing I remember about the trip is the expression from the people that we helped and also how they appreciated everything we did for them,” said freshman Sierra Burnett of North Charleston. “Pastor Rusty is just a great guy; you can just see the love he gives to all who surround him,” she said.
“It’s always exciting to see God work through students. Not only were the lives changed of those we served, but our students were transformed by the joy of serving others,” said Carter. “Our prayer is that our students will come home not only with great memories, but also with a passion to live a missional lifestyle.”