Charleston Southern University students poured into the Go Center following the Aug. 24 Love Awakening worship program. For some it marked the end of the three-day festival, but for most it was the beginning of a new exploration into CSU’s service and missions opportunities. A dozen local service organizations spread out across the room, sharing opportunities and trading information with students.
CSU freshman Beth Horne.Beth Horne, a freshman biology major from Dillon, leaned in and listened as Habitat for Humanity shared the story of Cassandra Brown and her family. As the photos, hand-written letters and words passed across the table, Horne nodded with certainty as if to say, “Count me in.” She grabbed a pen and signed up to help build a family a home – a family she’s never met.
“I’ve done service in the community, but this is so much more,” Horne said later. “The festival has helped open the doors to new students like me.”
Habitat for Humanity, Compassion International, Water Missions International, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Convoy of Hope, Miracle League, Hope House, Celebration Station, In Every Story, Eagle Harbor Boys Ranch, Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee and Run for Freedom helped connect freshman and new CSU students with service opportunities.
“They’re freshmen, leaving their homes for the first time, and their first experiences on campus are with people who have hearts that are ready and willing to serve; people who are changed by his light,” said Koryn VanDyke, a Charleston Southern junior. “Students are able to come and connect and discover a passion to serve. This is how the freshman class is being united under the banner of Jesus Christ. It’s setting a tone, and I’m excited for the freshman class.”
VanDykeCharleston native Kelly Heaton listened to VanDyke speak about service and said afterward, “Seeing the campus ministry gets you really excited. There is an opportunity here to get connected really fast.”
Heaton, a junior nursing major, served as a camp counselor at a youth mission camp in Tennessee during the summer. On Tuesday, Heaton signed up to serve at the Hope House, a safe home for victims of domestic minor sex trafficking, a reported $3 billion industry in the United States. – CSU