“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13-14)

There is truly nothing like working alongside a community of fellow students who have the same passions as you. I, as well as all of the other student leaders in Local Outreach, have a love for others and a passion for serving. Local Outreach is a department within Spiritual Life that is divided into eight different ministries, all serving a unique demographic with their own mission. Through these ministries, the people of Phoenix are impacted by GCU students on a weekly basis and are shown the love of Jesus Christ.

I am a part of the Habitat for Humanity ministry within Local Outreach. Habitat for Humanity is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that offers discounted home repairs, as well as home builds. As of two years ago, this ministry has become an official campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity (yay!). I love having the opportunity to fulfill the tangible needs of others, to witness the brokenness in the homes and be a part of that restoration. It reminds me so much of Jesus and how He sees me: broken and in need of new coat of paint.

Local Outreach also offers children, youth and senior citizen focused ministries. All of the people encountered through these weekly meetings have an incredible past, and have often endured tragedies at a far too early age. They are need of attention, food and shelter, and most definitely love. There is always a place for volunteers to serve and get to know the people that Local Outreach interacts with.

Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

As Christians, we are called to model our lives after Jesus. He made serving others a priority in His life, which should be all the more reason that we make it a priority in our lives as well. I believe that we are called to help others and love them for exactly who they are, because that is the best way to represent the love and acceptance found in Jesus. I also believe that through serving, we are changed and humbled. We begin to tailor ourselves to be more like Christ and in turn become kinder, gentler and more how the Lord created us to be.

To learn more about Local Outreach at GCU, watch the video below:

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