DENTON — Students from the Baptist Student Ministries at Texas Woman’s University spent their recent spring break serving a church in Brooklyn, N.Y., participating in ministries ranging from organizing a clothing closet to feeding the homeless to ministering at a women’s shelter.
“Even in a place as large as New York City, people are still looking for personal connections without any strings attached,” said Devin Perkins, a senior psychology major.
“No matter where you are the desire for unconditional love is the same, but without Christ it is hard to accept it.”
Students saw the needs of the homeless and responded by making and delivering lunches where several homeless people gathered to cash-in recyclable items for food money.
“The people there aren’t looking for handouts. They just want to talk to a loving person,” said Andrea Eberly, a political science major. “That’s how they saw Christ in us, just through our willingness to listen.”
In addition to the homeless ministry and work at the church, the students were involved in a special night at a women’s shelter for women dealing with substance abuse issues. As they shared testimonies through music and words, students noted the women at the shelter were encouraged by the message of hope and of Christ’s mercy. After the program, the students were able to visit with the women while giving manicures and serving refreshments.
“They just need someone to listen to their story and not judge them. That was the best part of working with the women’s shelter. I was glad to just sit and listen to their stories that they were open to telling,” said Hope Melson, an occupational therapy major
