A group of 170 college students from 13 South Carolina colleges and universities (including three Baptist-affiliated schools) were scheduled to depart from Columbia Dec. 12 for a six-day disaster relief mission trip to Staten Island, N.Y.
CSU’s Marcus Davis is among 170 students who gave up part of their Christmas holiday break to help with cleanup efforts in New York.The student volunteers were to participate in Southern Baptist-led mud-out and other cleanup efforts for homeowners impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
The students are members of Baptist Collegiate Ministry groups on their campuses. BCM is a ministry of the South Carolina Baptist Convention that partners with local churches and Southern Baptist associations to provide Bible study, missions, and evangelism opportunities for college students.
Ken Owens, SCBC director of collegiate ministry, said, “This generation of students has a heart for their faith to be authentic. This is one more expression of how they are doing this. [Their response] does not surprise me.”
Marcus Davis, a junior religion major at Charleston Southern University, has never been part of a disaster relief effort, but he is familiar with disaster. During his freshman year in high school, Davis’ family home was destroyed by fire. He lost everything.
“I am anxious and excited,” said Davis. “I had been praying for opportunities to serve.”
Freshman Emily Sizemore experienced a similar disaster when her family home was destroyed by fire. The Duncan native was in 6th grade, but the memories are still fresh in her mind. Sizemore, a freshman nursing student at CSU, added, “I really have a call on my heart to help people in need.”
Owens said he was humbled by the overwhelming response by college students willing to serve during the holiday break. “I’m hoping more college students will understand and see the importance and value [of this],” said Owens. “They will be the next generation of disaster relief leaders and volunteers.”
In addition to Charleston Southern, students from Coastal Carolina, Francis Marion, South Carolina State, Winthrop University, Anderson University, Greenville Tech, College of Charleston, Citadel, North Greenville, Lander and Clemson were to participate in the mission trip.
There are BCM groups on 31 college campuses across the state.
– With reporting from Charleston Southern University and the South Carolina Baptist Convention.