Students Demonstrate Compassion and Empathy

Written by a sixth-grade teacher at Des Moines Christian School after a group of 50 students from the school spent time at our Bethel Mission facility…

Our Bethel Mission service project was AMAZING!! I was moved by the stories of redemption, the love of Jesus, and the insight of our students. Our day began with an orientation about Hope Ministries and their vision for the Bethel Mission. They visited with us about how the people get to the point of being homeless. A “homeless” man from the shelter come in wearing sweats and a hat, etc. to share his story of how Hope Ministries changed his life. As his story neared the end, he began to peel off the layers of clothing to reveal a business suit. David Burrier, who once WAS homeless, is now the Chief Development and Community Relations Officer. He was a college graduate, a father, a husband, and a believer in Christ. Hard times hit, he slipped into a depression, and he eventually found his way to Hope. The staff pointed out to us that many of the men at the shelter desire to be good dads, husbands, sons, brothers. They need someone to tell them they are valued and that hope exists.

After the orientation, we broke into small groups. One group served lunch to the men who lived in the shelter; the second group served lunch to the community members who come there for lunch; another group had to skip lunch and only eat two crackers each, yet another group could only eat canned beef stew with no utensils; and the last group stood in line to eat lunch with the community members who came to the Hope Café.

As we went through the experience, students realized they had nothing to fear. Upon touring the facility, one girl noted how blessed she is and takes it for granted. Eventually, students with growling stomachs all concluded how wonderful it is to know we have a meal and a home waiting for us every night. Several students made note of how we should not judge the homeless and assume they are free-loaders on government help. Students commented about how happy the people were, even though they had absolutely nothing.

We were so pleased with our students. They were a great representation of Christ and a great representation of DMC. I literally spent the day in tears, as one student after another would demonstrate compassion and empathy. We needed that trip maybe more than the men at the shelter!! I pray it was life changing for them. I pray it builds in them a desire to make a difference in their community. I pray that the experience brings more people to the kingdom of God.