For a team of Carson-Newman University students and staff, it was a December to remember. Composed of seven students and three leaders, the group traveled to Denver, Colorado, during Christmas break to serve those in need.
In coordination with the North American Mission Board, the trip represents a partnership that has allowed Carson-Newman students to engage in multiple missions opportunities the last five years.
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C-N Director of Campus Ministries Jeremiah Young, who helped lead the trip, said the experience was one that proved impactful for the group.
“Our team worked with a nonprofit called ‘Jesus on Colfax,’” said Young, noting the arrangement allowed the group to feed and minister to those living in motels and on the streets. “Our students had opportunities to meet needs of people, restore their relationships with others and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Shaleia Barger, C-N’s director of Counseling, said the team was able to minister in many ways to those they came in contact with and that at one point, were able to step in during a time of crisis.
“We encountered an individual who was actively experiencing a drug overdose. With a background and experience in nursing, one of our Carson-Newman students, remained with me to assist in providing care.” Barger, who drew on her clinical background in substance use disorder treatment, noted they were able to provide care until emergency responders arrived. “[They] informed us that our actions had saved the man’s life. God’s guidance allowed us to respond with clarity, courage and compassion.”
‘Eye-opening’
It was one of the trip’s many moments when the team felt they were able to make a difference.
According to C-N student Josh Menza, a senior from Tazewell, Tennessee, the experience of helping others in Denver was eye-opening. “This mission trip completely changed my perspective on people, poverty and compassion. The skills and tools I gleaned in evangelism give me the ability to bring the mission field anywhere I go and even to my own backyard.”
That’s exactly the takeaway that Young said desired for the group. “I hope they realize that the issues we encountered in Denver are also prevalent in East Tennessee. The difference is, hopefully, they have the eyes to see them now rather than overlook them.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Carson-Newman and published by the Baptist and Reflector.
