November in the House of Warriors means serve month is here. Each grade was assigned a different service project, each class working together in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Seniors Madelyn Spann and Jermaine Morris, Student Government Association’s (SGA) Directors of Outreach and Service, wanted to make service a month-long emphasis, so it wasn’t rushed or  overlooked. Spreading service projects to take a full month   allows for intentionality. But what did everyone do?

     To start, freshmen worked in their Bible classes to write letters to those in nursing homes. These notes were hand crafted, doodled on, and personalized with a sweet message as a way to encourage. The sophomores spent lunchtimes compiling craft kits for students at Chicot Elementary. They worked as an assembly line, putting cotton balls, yarn, and plates in zip-lock bags for students to create a jellyfish or a rainbow cloud. Juniors went to Chicot Elementary, Vine and Village, and the Roland Crisis Center. At Chicot, they judged a red ribbon contest to prevent the use of drugs, played with students at recess, and passed out the craft kits created by the sophomores. At Vine and Village and Roland Crisis Center, students cleaned up parking lots and flower beds as well as decorated for Christmas to spread holiday cheer. Last but not least, the seniors went to nursing homes, delivering the handwritten notes, playing card games, painting nails, and having fun conversations with the elderly to brighten each other’s day.

     Students got to step outside their comfort zones, bond with new classmates, and share the love of God through acts of service. Serve Month allows us to follow what we have been called to do – put others above ourselves. Matthew 20:28 says, “even as 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 be “mini Christs.” We are here to follow as He did and serve those around us, no matter our circumstances.