Photos by Ralph Freso / Slideshow
After assisting her fellow students with several breakfast tasks Monday morning, freshman Kate Holmen believed she had one more duty.
Holmen spent about 10 minutes chatting with two of many less fortunate who were treated to a warm meal and much-welcomed dialogue at St. Vincent de Paul as part of Grand Canyon University’s Week of Service, which celebrates GCU's 75th anniversary.
“It’s meaningful,” said Holmen, a freshman elementary education major who was participating for the first time in the St. Vincent de Paul breakfast, served to those experiencing homelessness or hunger. “They have so much life to bring and pour into me as well, even though I’m the one serving them. Their outlooks on life are so encouraging. To hear from them, it’s a big deal.”
Holmen delivered bottles of water to several guests experiencing homelessness who were served eggs, waffles, potatoes and plenty of hospitality and charm from the 31 GCU students who participated in an array of duties.
“This was my favorite part of the day,” Holmen said as she spoke to a few St. Vincent de Paul diners. “They were super chatty.”
Thanks in part to the efforts of the students, 728 meals were served in 45 minutes. Because the room that usually serves as a cafeteria was unavailable, two basketball courts covered with a canvas netting that shielded the sunrise were used as a serving area.
The students worked efficiently in setting up the makeshift dining area in 30 minutes, from setting up tables to carrying chairs, putting condiments contained in small cups on the tables, pouring ice and breaking down cases of water placed in tubs.
GCU students showed no signs of early-morning fatigue in adjusting to the outdoor elements, and a few even danced to some music after joining in a prebreakfast prayer.
Ellie Gardner, a third-year senior who is a Christian studies major with an emphasis in youth ministry, is a Monday morning leader who has served at St. Vincent de Paul since her freshman year.
But “honestly, I wasn’t sure how long I was going to keep coming,” said Gardner, who led her group in prayer. “But it really changed my life. The first time I came here was special, and Monday mornings are my favorite time of the week.”
Before serving and prayer, Gardner spoke to her group about the basics, including the willingness to engage in conversation.
“The interactions you have with people here are very sweet, and it makes you remember the Lord loves all of His people equally, no matter what their circumstances are,” Gardner said. “I love sitting and chatting with people each week and hearing their stories, hearing their backgrounds.”
The drive from GCU to St. Vincent is usually quiet because of the early time, “but the drive back is always fun,” Gardner said. “We’re sharing stories about the morning, whether it’s funny stories, funny interactions, meaningful conversations that encouraged us or changed our perspective.”
The gate opened at 7:01 a.m. for the first arrivals in wheelchairs, prompting a St. Vincent de Paul worker to yell to the students, “It’s showtime. Who has their ‘A’ game?”
The students did not disappoint as they delivered meals, placed on Styrofoam trays, less than a minute after the diners sit at their tables. Utensils, syrup packets and water bottles also are brought to the hungry and appreciative folks.
“I tell every freshman that they should come to (serve the) homeless on Monday mornings,” Gardner said. “We’d love to have you. A lot of them have started to come regularly, which also is sweet.”
Luke Tchobanoff, a freshman Christian studies major, was happy to perform what was asked of him as a first-time participant.
“It’s really fun to see people who might not be as fortunate as us get impacted by this,” Tchobanoff said. “I understand these circumstances were different as usual. You just roll with the punches. The leaders are great and know what they’re doing. They have a great heart for this.”
Tchobanoff was eager to participate in another serving at St. Vincent.
“We’re called to serve and emulate Jesus in everything we do,” Tchobanoff said. “Treat others like we want to be treated, and this is a great Christ-honoring activity.
“That’s why we’re out here. Not to honor ourselves or GCU. We’re here to honor the Lord and do what He would want us to do in this situation.”
Raylene Silva brought fellow freshman Jesse Sandoval to his first St. Vincent de Paul breakfast, less than two months after learning of the opportunity to volunteer her services – a staple of GCU’s commitment to helping those in vulnerable situations.
“I was walking around campus and saw these flyers that said “homeless ministry” or “park ministry,” and it gives you an easy QR code to access their Instagram page with all the information,” Silva said. “All you have to do is wake up, sign up and you’re good to go.”
Silva said she volunteers her services on Mondays and Tuesdays and spreads the opportunity to serve to her fellow students.
Silva’s efforts Monday were appreciated by someone she served named Angel, who rose from his table to personally thank her for delivering his meal and engaging him in conversation before leaving.
“It’s meaningful and nice to be able to serve people,” Silva said. “On the drive back (to GCU), we talk about what we learned and pray for the homeless people.”
GCU News senior writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]
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