Community outreach: making a difference

Union Adventist University is known in the community for its service and outreach programs. This year there are some exciting opportunities for students to participate in these programs through individual events that make a direct impact on the community. 

The Campus Ministries team at Union Adventist University organizes and facilitates a variety of meaningful events. Halie Garrett, the Campus Ministries Public Relations Director, shared more on their outreach program. “I believe our highlights include our work with the Prison Ministry and supporting People City Mission, which has made a significant impact on many members of our community. Of course, Project Impact has also been the biggest event helping 25-30 different organizations.” 

The first community outreach event of the year was Project Impact, however, the CM team organized a ton of smaller-scale events this fall. The first individual event took place on October 19 where Union volunteers headed over to the Lexington Assisted Living Center. Nyambay Puok, a student at Union Adventist University, said they went there to “play bingo and card games, sing, and engage in meaningful conversations with the residents.” Heidi Jacobo, a Union student and volunteer, said, “The elderly there were so kind and loved playing bingo. They don’t get visitors often and when they do they get really happy and excited and that’s what I loved when going to Lexington.”

On Saturday, October 26 from 2-3 p.m., at a local gas station, student volunteers handed out free gas cards to individuals in the community. There was another event that happened on November 2nd where Union students fed the homeless in downtown Lincoln. Volunteers made sandwiches and hot chocolate to distribute to unhoused individuals. They were able to share Jesus with them and hear people’s stories. 

Brooke Bushman, a Union student who organizes these types of mission events said, “I have met the most incredible people while doing outreach in Lincoln, from serving food and connecting with people at People's City Mission, to playing bingo with the residents at The Lexington, to praising God at the Nebraska State Penitentiary…I cannot recommend getting involved in outreach enough. Allowing yourself to be the hands and feet of Jesus may change the lives of others, but it is just as possible that it will change your life like it changed mine.”

There will be an event on November 16 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that will be helping out with People City Mission. If you have any questions regarding these events or the program, please reach out to Nyanbay Puok, Ashira Campbell, or Hailee Garrett through email.

by Olivia Sweet