Photos by Ralph Freso / Slideshow / Livestream
Dave Donaldson of Canyon Hills Church, the co-founder of CityServe and Convoy of Hope, urged Grand Canyon University students in his Chapel talk on Monday to be the salt and light of the world.
The new GCU Board of Trustees member spoke during GCU Missions Week about helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, then emphasized how Jesus used salt and light to describe that mission:
“If you have godly character, if that’s the root system, you will be salt and light in this world,” said Donaldson, who praised GCU CityServe Director Nathan Cooper and POD Relations Manager Ashley Hunter for their work with CityServe and saying he loved GCU because “this place is filled with Jesus Jedis.”
Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world, where Roman soldiers were compensated with salt. The word salvation also is derived from the Latin word sal, which means salt, Donaldson said.
“Jesus said you are the salt of the earth. You are the preservatives. We are the preservatives of the world.”
But in referencing Matthew 5:13-15, he warned that when you see decay, there’s corruption in cities, states, nations and politics.
“There is too much salt in our saltshaker,” Donaldson said.
He then shifted his talk to light, citing that Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. You’re like this city that cannot be hidden.”
“There are so many examples of how God has used GCU to be salt and light,” Donaldson said. He recalled talking to those who have served for Habitat for Humanity in providing homes for those in need, as well as those who partnered with CityServe to provide tens of thousands of food boxes to families in need through the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
And after Russia invaded Ukraine, “You stayed up packing 500,000 meals” for the people of Ukraine, Donaldson said.
During a trip to Kherson, which had been under Russian occupancy, Donaldson saw a poster with a pastor described as a terrorist and a bounty placed on him.
The pastor’s youngest son had been captured and tortured.
Donaldson and his friends lent support by driving to Kherson in an armored car on a road crewed up by Russian tanks with undetonated bombs on each side.
With darkness cast over the city, Donaldson noticed light illuminating one building. It was the church, thanks to generators throughout Ukraine provided by Convoy of Hope.
The GCU audience watched a video of a service without the sound of bombs outside. Donaldson asked worshipers why they weren’t leaving for safety.
He was told, “because Jesus said He’s building His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail. We refuse to give up our city to the enemy.”
“Light teaches us that it conquers darkness,” Donaldson said.
He also pointed to a dark problem in our country: An average of 23 military veterans committing suicide every day and “how light is needed in our lives.”
In June, CityServe took the initiative, with the help of the Las Vegas Raiders, to host a Day of Gratitude to 15,000 veterans and military families at Allegiant Stadium.
Military officials saluted veterans, and their children were treated to gifts and games.
“Light also uncovers beauty,” Donaldson said. “But it also can reveal evil. But Jesus said, ‘Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.’
“Salt and light reveal who we are for.”
Donaldson recently traveled to the site near the Gaza border where 360 people were killed as a result of the Hamas-led attacks and provided comfort to family members.
“This is what (families) said to me,” Donaldson said. “‘We thought all Christians cared about was to get us converted, but you really care about us because you’re here.’
“Salt and life assumes engagement of the world.”
Donaldson admitted he would not be in his current position if it were not for the Davis family, which took him and his three brothers into their home after his father was killed and his mother severely injured after being struck by a drunk driver in a head-on auto accident in 1969.
“You are with family, and this is your home,” Donaldson recalled being told, with a photo of a two-bedroom trailer home displayed.
“That four-letter word changed my life and called me to missions because the Davises were not only willing to share their space, they were willing to share our sorrow, our pain ... and invite us into their home.
“Because of them, we started Convoy of Hope.”
And with the contributions of CityServe that have reached millions around the world, “What the enemy intended for defeat, God has turned into victory.”
In emphasizing a sense of urgency, Donaldson shared a story about his struggles in a college speech class in which students were asked to select a topic and try to persuade classmates that they were authorities.
Donaldson informed his professor he was fatigued from working hard, but the professor insisted he deliver his speech immediately.
Donaldson was able to delay his speech until the end of the class to avoid an incomplete grade.
“I stood slowly,” Donaldson recalled. “I told my class my topic is procrastination.”
“I said, ‘thank you,’ then sat down.”
A few days later, the professor informed Donaldson he was receiving a 100 grade but was told, “Don’t do that again.”
“Jesus said, ‘Don’t wait three months and then say it’s time for harvest. Don’t wait three months for as long as it is day. Night is coming when it will be too late.”
GCU News Senior Writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]
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