Serve Now News

Serve Now Deployment to Angleton, Texas

On July 8, 2024, at least 13 people were killed by Hurricane Beryl as it hit Texas. Over 2 million people were left without power. Extensive and severe damage was done to numerous homes. August 11, 2024, a week before the fall semester began, ten Serve Now members and two leaders deployed on a Serve Now trip to be the hands and feet of Jesus alongside of those from Samaritan’s Purse in Angleton, Texas. These students rearranged their move in dates for the opportunity to serve those effected by Hurricane Beryl.

During this trip, the team was given the opportunity to work hard to clean up some of the mess that Hurricane Beryl had left in its wake. This work looked like mud outs, tree and debris removal, and tarping roofs. This hard work was combined with beautiful moments with homeowners which allowed the team to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs in Angleton, Texas.

From the Angleton, TX Team:

“I feel it’s very typical for people to use the expression, ‘you go on a mission trip to serve others, and you end up getting served yourself,’ but it is so true. There were so many times throughout our trip we experienced ‘God Moments,’ where we were able to see the power of God working. It was encouraging to have special interactions with homeowners and connect with them on an emotional level. It’s a blessing to hear their stories and to have many of the homeowners be open to prayer and hearing the Gospel. I think that the biggest takeaway from the trip was seeing how the Lord’s timing and provision is perfect and just when we need it. Storms come and those are times in which our faith is put into practice and the amount of relational growth that can take place in these moments can be the biggest blessing.” – F.H

“The trip was super fun. We had a great team, great leaders, and, as always, a supportive and fun environment to work in. We got to grow in our faith as well…Samaritan’s Purse has some great supervisors that were amazing teachers and eager to help us learn skills such as proper chainsaw safety and how to tarp a roof, not to mention; they were great examples of how to be a Christian leader…. Overall, the trip was amazing. Many friendships were made. Josh Griffin, one of our leaders, and other students who were on the trip actually came out to our Men’s D1 hockey game this past Friday to support the team and I, which was awesome!” – J.C

“During my time in Texas, I had the privilege of connecting with homeowners, offering them comfort and encouragement when they needed it most. Many had been waiting for weeks and were incredibly grateful for our presence. Everywhere we look, people are waiting—waiting for help, a listening ear, hope, and, above all, the message of the gospel. It’s a powerful reminder that there are often people in need right in our own communities. I’m excited for my next opportunity to serve with Samaritan’s Purse, where we can learn new skills, build lasting friendships, and support communities facing disaster.” – B.W

New Members

This fall we are welcoming 56 new members to the Serve Now program! If any of our new members were not able to make the New Member training on September 17th, there will be another training held October 1st from 5pm – 7:30 pm. Check the LU Serve Now Student Training Canvas announcements for the link to register. There will also be a reminder sent to your email!

Global Focus Week (GFW)

Global Focus Week (GFW) is an annual event hosted by LU Serve and aimed at raising global awareness among Liberty University students, faculty, and staff. This year, GFW will be held from September 23 – 27, 2024. There will be representatives from different mission organizations set up around Demoss, the Library, and the School of Divinity. We highly recommend taking the time to visit these representatives between classes.

During this week, a team from Samaritan’s Purse will be in attendance. On Tuesday, September 24th, from 7pm – 8:15pm, the organization’s disaster response staff will be sharing inspirational stories about overcoming difficult challenges and bringing the hope and love of Christ to those in need around the world using their Emergency Field Hospital.

Samaritan’s Purse will be setting up their Emergency Field Hospital on the lawn and will allow students to tour it any time between 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday of this week. This is an opportunity you will not want to miss!

Trauma Basics Training

Serve Now will offer a three-hour training course on Trauma Basics, October 21st, from 5 – 8pm. Dr. Jeanne Brooks, professor of Counselor Education and Family Studies in Liberty’s School of Behavioral Sciences, will be our guest speaker. Dinner will be provided. An email including an announcement and registration form will be sent to your Liberty emails soon.

Prayer Points

•Continue praying for the people of Angleton, Texas, that the spiritual seeds planted in August would grow into beautiful new life.

•Pray for the new students entering the Serve Now program, that the Lord might bless them and set amazing opportunities before them.

•Pray that GFW might be an enriching experience for students, faculty, staff, and representatives.

•Pray for Samaritan’s Purse as they are responding to disasters in Louisiana due to Hurricane Florence and in California due to a park fire.

•Pray as Samaritan’s Purse is responding to disasters internationally – in Vietnam because of Typhoon Yagi and in Brazil as a result of the massive flood from heavy rainfall that began in May.

•Pray for the families affected by the war in Ukraine, where Samaritan’s Purse continues to serve.

•Pray for the LU Serve Now staff. May God give them strength, wisdom, and direction as the 2024-2025 academic year is now in full swing.