Local News - December 2003

Going to school at Christian Ministry

Students learn about home mission

By SARAH GRANO, Staff Writer

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Students from Lincoln Christian Academy took a field trip to help those in need.

The students spent school hours organizing toys at the Christian Ministry as part of their education.

“We’re studying missions at home, so it’s a good opportunity to see a home mission that works in the area,” said Ann Herbertson, a ninth grade teacher and co-supervisor of the high school.

Students spent their time dividing up toys that Lincoln County residents donated. The students placed the angel toys on shelves according to the age and gender of the toy’s receiver.

They then each took a big black trash bag and filled it with goodies for a family in need.

Some students pretended to be parents choosing toys for their children.

“You get their age and put in some things you think they’d like,” said Haley Greene, a freshman. “We’re a Christian school, and we believe in just helping people.”

Many area youth groups volunteer on weekends and in the evening at the Christian Ministry. Students from Lincoln Christian Academy provided much needed daytime help.

“Those kids are the most well-behaved kids on the face of the earth,” said Kathy Devine, one of the directors of the Christmas Fund.

“You don’t have to stand over them. You just tell them what to do and they’re off.”

The students enjoyed their time volunteering. They helped organize gifts for the more than 800 families benefiting from Christian Ministry.

“This is more like fun than work,” said Megan Caldwell, a sophomore. “Our class teaches us to be thankful for what we have and to help people that need things.”

Students from Lincoln Christian Academy’s middle school also spent time volunteering. They helped with putting together stockings for over 1,000 children.

The students enjoyed themselves so much they chose to come back and volunteer at Christian Ministry again instead of having a Christmas party at their school. 

Devine believes that if the students had not spent their time volunteering, Christian Ministry would not have been able to finish their work in time.

“They do in four hours what it takes us weeks to do, honestly,” Devine said. “It’s unbelievable. These kids have worked circles around us.”

Throughout the day teachers and staff reminded students the focus on Christianity Christian Ministries has.

“Sharing Christ with others is what this is all about,” Herbertson said. “It’s about giving to the community and learning what ministry to other people is all about.”

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Staff Writer Sarah Grano can be reached at 704-735-3031 or sgrano@ltnews.com

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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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