By Laurie Merrill
GCU News Bureau
The estimated 800 Grand Canyon University students who signed up for a mission trip to assist residents of hurricane-devastated Houston might get a chance to be of service during winter or spring break.
Blake Small, GCU Global Outreach Manager, said he is working out dates and details 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.
“We appreciate your patience as we coordinate this potential opportunity,” Small said in a communication to those who expressed interest. “GCU is now attempting to schedule a rebuild trip winter or spring break, depending on the needs of Samaritan’s Purse.”
GCU students rushed to sign up for a Houston mission after Chapel on Sept. 11, when Dr. Tim Griffin, Pastor and Dean of Students, put out a call for volunteers.
“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.”
By the end of the day, more than 600 students had volunteered, a number that has since grown to more than 800.
GCU sought to coordinate an earlier mission trip, perhaps over fall break, but has opted to instead focus on winter and spring breaks. Blake said the GCU was postponed because of the unprecedented outpouring of volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse.
Houston is in the throes of massive rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s destructive power, which damaged more than 100,000 homes and flooded a wide area after making landfall Aug. 25.
“We praise God for an unprecedented outpouring of volunteers since the hurricane hit in August,” Small said. “We will keep you updated during our Monday Chapel announcements and via your GCU email.”
For more information, contact [email protected]. In the meantime, those who want to volunteer independently are encouraged to check out current projects on samaritanspurse.org.
Contact Laurie Merrill at (602) 639-6511 or [email protected].
