By Laurie Merrill
GCU News Bureau
Grand Canyon University students responded with their hearts when Dr. Tim Griffin, Pastor and Dean of Students, put out a call Monday for volunteers to join a mission to hurricane-torn Houston.
By the end of the day, 629 students had signed up, said Blake Small, Global Outreach Manager. The majority added their names during the Global Outreach Fair on Monday evening.
“It’s a huge blessing to have this many students interested in helping the people of Houston,” Small said. “It’s a great start.”
GCU is coordinating with Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“I’ll be connecting with them this week and hopefully locking down the details,” Small said.
A possible target date is during GCU’s fall break Nov. 18-26, but with the surge of interest there might be multiple trips.
Griffin spoke during Monday morning’s Chapel, asking students not only to pray in memory of 9/11 but also, if they are able and interested, to volunteer for a mission or donate money to hurricane victims.
“Our country is going through a great deal of devastation as a result of the hurricanes,” Griffin said. “Many of you are interested in going to Houston to serve and support families there. … We are in contact with Samaritan’s Purse, they are organizing trips, and they will accommodate and lead however many students and staff would like to serve in Houston.”
Students and staff can sign up with Kimberly Brewer, Administrative Assistant of Spiritual Life, whose desk is on the first floor of Building 26, the Student Life Building.
Faculty and staff can make financial donations through through payroll deductions or by dropping off check donations at the desk of Kayla Fonseca at the Dean of Students Office on the second floor the Student Life building. Donations also can be made to Samaritan’s Purse or the American Red Cross.
Small is the featured speaker at The Gathering, 8 p.m. today in the Antelope Gym.
Additionally, the GCU community can learn more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday during a Hurricane Harvey Relief Campaign on the Promenade.
Contact Laurie Merrill at (602) 639-6511 or [email protected].
