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160+ Evangel students serve across the Ozarks during National Make a Difference Day

Published on Nov 2, 2024 by Erin Hedlun

An EU student at Council of Churches of the Ozarks fills recycled water bottles with soap for upcoming distribution.

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri — More than 160 Evangel University students volunteered their time to engage in community service projects throughout the Ozarks on Oct. 24-26 in recognition of National Make a Difference Day. Evangel has participated in this annual service-focused event for the last several years.

Participants worked with seven local organizations including Victory Mission, Springfield Dream Center, Convoy of Hope, Harmony House, Maranatha Village, Dogwood Ranch, and Crosslines-CCO.

Activities included serving meals, stocking food pantries, distributing diapers and clothing, sorting donations, tending therapy gardens, and engaging with local children.

“We encourage our campus community to practice compassionate service,” said Mark Entzminger, vice president of student development. “When we serve, we represent God’s heart toward others, and this is among our university’s primary focus areas.”

“I cannot overstate how incredibly helpful the Evangel crew was,” said Dana Lopez, director of Dogwood Ranch. “All of our staff and volunteers had glowing responses about how hard the Evangel team worked and how their servant hearts shined through.”

EU students tend a therapy garden at Harmony House.

The event is coordinated by EU’s Student Ministries team, led by Director Donnie Marsh and assisted by Chad Nelson, EU’s compassion coordinator.

The event was meaningful to Evangel students. One participant shared, “It was more than just “working,” it was building a connection with people who are in situations that I used to be in when I was younger.”

Make a Difference Day is recognized as one of the largest collective days of community service in the country, observed on the fourth Saturday in October.

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About Evangel University

Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.

EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:

  • #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
  • US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
  • Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
  • Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
  • Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
  • Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com

With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers.