Serve Now News

Hello and welcome to the final edition of Serve Now News for this academic year! Thank you for reading along with us and staying up to date with all the Serve Now happenings – we are so grateful for your engagement and involvement in this program!

A Year at a Glance 

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Let’s take a moment to look back on the experiences had and impact made during the 2023-24 Serve Now trips!

Lahaina, Hawaii – Sept. 2023

A team of 10 Serve Now students and two leaders deployed to Lahaina, Hawaii, in response to what was considered the deadliest wildfire of the century in the U.S. Partnering with Samaritan’s Purse (SP) and Hui Homes, the team built tiny homes for families displaced by the fires and sifted through ash to recover belongings. Here’s what the team had to say about their experience:

“I really think that this program is one of the most special things Liberty does. It encourages students to set their own agendas aside to serve others and Christ. Thank you for letting me be a part.”

“Incredible opportunity. Incredible people. Incredible team. So much love for this program and all it has to offer.”

Taylor County, Florida – Sept. 2023

Following Lahaina, we sent a team to Taylor County, Florida, in response to Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 hurricane that destroyed many homes and left individuals in the wake of a crisis. Our team partnered with SP to clear debris and rebuild homes. Here’s what the team had to say about their experience:

“This was the best mission trip I have ever been on!”

“Going on this trip was incredible! I learned so much from the LU Shepherds and other students. The team bonded well, and it was an amazing experience.”

Breathitt County, Kentucky – Oct. 2023

While most students spend their fall break taking a hiatus from work, this team of 12 partnered with SP to respond to the catastrophic flooding which occurred in Breathitt County, Kentucky, in 2022. Being the hands and feet of Jesus amid crisis, this team helped build houses positioned on a mountain to prevent possible future flood damage. Here’s what the team had to say about their experience:

“So incredible. I wish it was longer!”

“I am so grateful for these opportunities that Serve Now provides! This week was absolutely eye-opening, and I never wanted to leave!”

Lahaina, Hawaii – Dec. 2023

Concluding 2023, we sent another team to partner with SP in Lahaina, Hawaii. Building upon the work completed by the first Serve Now team and other dedicated volunteers, this team wrapped up the first phase of response as they cleaned up devastation borne by the fires. Here’s what the team had to say about their experience:

“It was life-changing – best week of my life!”

“We saw God working in so many ways… It was a blessing to be a part of this trip, and I pray that other students can serve in this capacity at some point in their lives as well.”

Romania – Feb. 2024

In February, we sent a team to Bucharest, Romania, to assist UBC (United Beyond Cause) and Greater Europe Mission (GEM) in their efforts to support Ukrainian refugees. The team came alongside a local church as well as a group of staff, volunteers, and missionaries to clean living spaces, cook and serve meals, pack essential supplies for distribution, and help organize their clothing donation ministry. Here’s what the team had to say about their experience:

“Very eye-opening and a wonderful experience. Loved everything about it.”

“I’m so thankful to have been able to go on this trip. The leaders, missionaries, and team all helped to make it an incredible experience serving God.”

Mayfield, Kentucky – Mar. 2024

Our last trip of the year was to Mayfield, Kentucky, where students rebuilt homes for families displaced by a deadly 2021 tornado. The team assisted SP by building porches, roofing houses, and praying over families who came to see their homes in progress. Here’s what the team had to say about their experience:

“It was absolutely incredible, and I’m so glad the Lord opened up doors for me to go!”

“These trips are life-changing experiences.”

A Commission

As you wrap up the semester, we are praying for each of you to finish strong. No matter what these coming weeks – or your summer – may look like, focus on Psalm 16:11: “You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” God’s presence is the only place where true joy and hope are found. We challenge you to abide in Him this summer and see where He will take you! Thank you again for serving with us this year You make this program possible!

Have a Fantastic Summer!