“ There are so many things in life that can be scary due to us being unfamiliar with it, but if we take our time and that jump of courage, who knows all the things you can accomplish!”
“ That a group of college students with little hands-on experience were able to do something so valuable for a family really speaks to the importance of MDS. I feel these small overlaps in our lives make the connection between us volunteers and those we’re helping that much stronger.”
JAZMIN IBARRA BUSINESS MAJOR
“ After last week and the last few days, I finally understand what it means to be the ‘hands and feet of Christ.’ The work we did for the people of Selma, showing up for Edwin and playing Euchre with him when we had a break, and watching the Reynolds’ have tears in their eyes as they received the key to their house. All of that represents to me what it means to be ‘the hands and feet of Christ.’”
JADEN HARRIS PHYSICS MAJOR
Evelyn Perez and Judith Rangel
“You are the key to hope”
LILY HERRERA BROADCASTING MAJOR
Jaden Harris
“ It reminds me that doing the right thing isn’t about praise—it’s about integrity and staying true to your values, even when no one is watching.”
“First, I want to thank our gracious hosts in Selma, Alabama,” for their first-hand stories and the challenge for us to act to address inequities still present today, to be the ‘key to hope.’ “Each community leader shared a similar message: the tornado that hit didn’t discriminate, but the recovery process does.” “Thank you, MDS leaders for being a quiet, humble example of a model of community development work that I believe actually works toward justice. Placing homeowners at the center, building relationships with local leaders, identifying the strengths of a community and not merely what it lacks—these values feel truly centered on Christ.” “Finally, I want to thank the students. I couldn’t have asked for a more thoughtful, caring, insightful, and inspiring group of humans. On a daily basis they blew me away with their curiosity, their ability to see clearly the connections between our learnings and the present needs of the world, their unflinching strength and honest look at hard things, and their generous, fun-loving spirits.” STORY: JULIE KAUFFMAN WITH EXCERPTS FROM GOSHEN COLLEGE’S BLOG: https://www.goshen.edu/blogs/category/ environmental-disaster-and-response/ PHOTOS: PAUL HUNT, JULIE KAUFFMAN, LILY HERRERA, SUMMER CUATEPOTZO PEREZ
Goshen College students reflect on a transformational service experience in Selma, Alabama, this spring.
EVELYN PEREZ PUBLIC HEALTH MAJOR
“ This summer I am challenging myself to get started on getting involved in my community in whatever ways I can.” LEXIE COBURN ELEMENTARY & SPECIAL EDUCATION MAJOR
For two weeks in May, eleven Goshen College students and two leaders served with MDS as they learned about the richly storied community of Selma, Alabama, and their role in the Civil Rights movement. They combined hands-on repair work of tornado-damaged homes with hearing personal accounts from residents. The immersive course focused on direct environmental disaster impacts on a community with an emphasis on social inequalities and the resources available post-disaster. Goshen College co-leader Hillary Harder described a transformative experience for the group that left her with immense gratitude:
“ I’ve come to see that the people of Selma are the heart and driving force behind progress. They are resilient fighters, whether it is standing up for civil rights or rebuilding after natural disasters that damage homes and lives. It is a place where hope endures.”
JUDITH RANGEL BUSINESS MAJOR
Homeowner Edwin (center) with volunteers who repaired his ceiling: Hillary Harder, Jazmin Ibarra, Lily Herrera, Maik Hinz, Jaden Harris
10 behind the hammer
behind the hammer 11
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