A group of students work hard to sort through a pile of blankets, organizing them by size for Operation Safehouse, one of the compassion projects Sept. 16 through the Office of Spiritual Life.
Compassion Ministries, an organization within the Office of Spiritual Life, paved the way for students to serve their Riverside community Sept. 16.
Students from California Baptist University gathered at the Office of Spiritual Life before serving at different locations that morning.
The volunteers visited The Grove Community Church, Riverside Life Services, The Sheepfold, Sandals Church and Harvest Christian School and assisted with tasks such as cleaning and maintenance.
“Our main goal with these projects is to help our students put their faith into action,” said Julie Dobbins, director of Compassion and Women’s Ministries in the Office of Spiritual Life. “We believe that Jesus was the ultimate servant, and we want to reflect that and really model service for our students.”
Dobbins explained that these projects offer CBU students the chance to connect with each other, grow in compassion and serve others.
Jack Kerchner, junior graphic design and leadership studies double major, said his past experience with Compassion Ministries has been impactful for others and himself.
“It is important to be serving in this way as it expands your view of the needs in the community and your respect for other people’s stories,” Kerchner said. “I loved getting to meet new people from both CBU and the community, growing in my appreciation for other people, and growing in thankfulness.”
Kerchner noted the projects are great ways to support organizations and meet needs in the community of Riverside.
As the semester unfolds, students will have many opportunities to serve.
While future Compassion project dates are to be determined, Urban Excursion with Spiritual Life will take place Oct. 20-22 and Nov. 3-5.
