Cedars, November 2019

November 2019 10 CAMPUS When Global Outreach Goes Local How Cedarville students are serving their Cedarville neighbors by Zach Krauss U niversity president Dr. Thomas White famously warns students that if they haven’t gone on a missions trip through Global Outreach during their four years at Cedarville University, he might decide to hang on to their diplomas a little longer. However, Global Outreach doesn’t just send students across the world. Sometimes the need is just across the street. ProjectDavid, foundedand ledby senior Accounting major Garrett Agans, provides volunteers to serve the various needs of the Cedarville area. The organization’s mission is “to use physical labor as a means to show the love of Christ.” This often takes the form of doing odd jobs such as raking, shoveling, trimming bushes, or anything else the team can do to help out. Agans started the ministry last year in response to the need he saw in the community. Residents often call Global Outreach if they need work done, and now, they are pointed straight to Agans. “My favorite part of being involved with this ministry is that it is completely student- founded and student-run,” Agans said. “My favorite project was when we helped out at the senior center, putting up sheetrock to help with renovations they were doing last spring.” Agans said his ministry with Project David has helped him and his team become more aware of the need in the community, as well as learning what it means to truly serve others. “Being a part of this ministry has deepened my heart and given me a greater glimpse of what it means to serve like Christ,” Agans said. “Jesus was always going to those who might have been overlooked in the community, not necessarily themost popular. He served when no one was watching.” Another local ministry that Global Outreach coordinates is CU Outreach, which reaches out to college campuses within an hour radius of Cedarville. Micah Gerber, senior Broadcasting and Digital Media major and ministry leader for CU Outreach, said that the group goes to college campuses to have conversations with anyone and everyone willing to talk. Depending on the campus, Gerber said that conversations can be gospel-focused or just relationship-building with the hope to eventually get people interested in the gospel in the future. Gerber said that it can be uncomfortable talking about tough issues with strangers. “The most challenging part is fear of man,” Gerber said. “The pressure that you feel to just ignore talking about Jesus is huge. But the awesome part of being on a CU Outreach team is that that’s what you are there for; it forces you to just do it.” He went on to say that while the conversational nature of the ministry can be challenging, it is also the most impactful. “It solidifies you in your faith and makes you more and more likely to talk to people about Jesus,” Gerber said. “It grows you in being comfortable directly obeying Jesus.” Both Gerber and Agans welcome any newcomers looking to serve, even halfway through the semester. Students wanting to get involved can contact Global Outreach or directly email Gerber or Agans. Zach Krauss is a senior pharmacy/music double major from central Texas and campus reporter for Cedars. He loves music, theatre, biology, community and meeting new people. Photo courtesy of Amar Payton The Project David team works together to renovate Cedarville’s senior center on South Main Street.