SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — “These experiences epitomize the mission of Evangel, as we work to lead and inspire our students to a life of service and compassion,” said Dr. Donna Washburn, reflecting on Evangel University’s annual back-to-school service day.
Nearly 300 new students engaged in volunteer experiences at 15 sites on Saturday, Aug. 18 2018. The locations were coordinated in partnership with Springfield-based Convoy of Hope and Elevate Lives.
A large group of students gathered in the morning at the Convoy of Hope warehouse, 330 S. Paterson Ave., where they prepared 5,000 bags of groceries for an up-coming community outreach in Flint, Michigan.
The Fairbanks Community Center, 1126 N. Broadway, benefited from another large group of Evangel freshmen.
That historic neighborhood elementary school has been converted to a community center, and Evangel has provided teams of students there for the past several years.
“This first weekend of the school year is excellent opportunity to work alongside our students in service to our community,” said Washburn.
Evangel has increased its emphasis on community service with the Center for Compassion, a new partnership between Evangel and Convoy of Hope under the direction of Dr. Washburn.
“The Center for Compassion will serve to expand the opportunities available to Evangel students,” said Washburn. “The Center will also develop training and for-credit learning opportunities for people involved in compassion ministries through churches and various global initiatives.”
Other Service Day sites on Saturday
Students also served at:
- Weller Elementary School, 1630 N. Weller Ave.;
- Victory Mission Warehouse, 700 W. Chase St.;
- Victory Square, 1610 N. Broadway;
- City Reach, 1477 N. Broadway;
- Dream Center/Freshwater Church, 829 W. Atlantic St.
- Elevate Lives Hope House, 347 W. High St.
- First Baptist Church, 525 South Ave.;
- Freeway Ministries, 1041 W. Kearney St.;
- Grace United Methodist Church, 600 S. Jefferson Ave.;
- Life 360 Fairbanks, 1126 N. Broadway Ave.;
- Life 360 International Church, 1349 W. Meadowmere St.;
- Springfield Faith A/G, 3,001 W. Division St.;
- Vineyard Church, 634 W. Wall;
- Weller Church, 1624 E. Blaine St.
“We are thrilled to once again work with Convoy of Hope and Elevate Lives to impact the Springfield community,” said Christy Rowden, director of student activities. “Such service is an important part of the Evangel mission and experience.”
Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the church and society globally.
Evangel and AGTS serve more than 2,100 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 65 undergraduate majors and 17 master’s and doctoral degrees.
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