The Office of Spiritual Life and co-leaders of student ministries at Olivet Nazarene University have continued to say “yes” to creatively finding ways to serve God and humanity within the last year.
“Even though COVID has changed the ways we have been able to serve, it has not provided an excuse to not live out our call as the Body of Christ to love others,” says student ministries intern Emma Kindred.
This spring, the Office of Spiritual Life is finding new ways to encourage students to pursue lives of service to God and humanity both now and after they graduate. The Shalom Project, which is composed of student ministries, ministry trips and community outreach gives students many opportunities to find tangible ways to serve God in different areas around campus and in the community. While COVID restrictions have temporarily postponed the mission trips abroad, there is still Kingdom work happening in the surrounding Olivet community.
Here are just a few of the ways the student ministries are serving others:
Mission Possible has been making cards for pen pals in the Jerome Detention Center.
Best Buddies has been writing letters to their buddies at Shapiro Developmental Center.
Life Support participates in weekly organization and cleaning of the Pregnancy Resource Center.
Prayer Warriors is intentional with their teaching and practice of prayer for and with the student body.
Habitat for Humanity is providing hands-on help in community building and volunteer projects.
HeArt encourages students to express love and worship through art.
Heart for Missions is in partnership with missionaries both across the world and within the local community.
Save Our Streets has a consistent presence in relationship building with the homeless community in Kankakee County.
Upper Room hosts weekly in-person worship as a young group of believers.
In addition to these ministry opportunities and in partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB), the Shalom Project will host a pop-up food drive on Olivet’s campus, to provide prepackaged and boxed goods to those in need in Kankakee County.
Jordan Bergren, Coordinator of Student Ministries explains, “Before partnering with the NIFB, Kankakee did not have the consistent presence of this resource. We wanted to make a connection and get involved with the community outside of Olivet.”
The first food drive took place on March 27, and the second will occur on April 17 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Through the help of 80 Olivet student, faculty and staff volunteers, and through resources provided by NIFB, locals will be able to safely pick up essential food items with minimal physical contact.
“I am proud of our students and student leaders for continuously answering the call to serve God others” says Bergren. “It may look different this year, but it still makes a Kingdom impact and that’s what matters.”
For more information about the Shalom Project or Spiritual Life at Olivet Nazarene University, contact the Office of Admissions at admission@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463
Published 3/26/21
HRI
