Henderson, Tennessee – (Oct. 9, 2024) – Instead of attending their usual classes, Freed-Hardeman University students rolled up their sleeves and immersed themselves in acts of service for the university’s fourth annual Servants’ Day. Organized by FHU staff, academic groups and social clubs, the day focused on spreading positivity through more than 50 different meaningful service projects. Across the community, students could be found lending a helping hand, reflecting the spirit of servant leadership by bringing joy, assistance and encouragement to those in need.

From singing hymns with Southern Oaks residents to spending time with children at West Chester Elementary School or cleaning the Chester County Library, FHU students embraced a wide range of service activities. Each project allowed them to make a tangible impact, showing the power of compassion and community.

Participating students were impacted by the work of the day with many stating how the work was inspirational to them. FHU senior Jesse Allen joined a group of about 35 FHU Chorale students to sing worship hymns with the residents at Southern Oaks assisted living home. The residents were so encouraged by the singing that they requested two additional encore songs from the students. “I enjoyed making the elderly people smile and enjoy the songs that we picked for them. I know it was as uplifting to them as it was for me,” Allen said.

Junior Eliza Poe spent her morning working with the university’s cross country team to clean the Chester County Library. “Servants’ Day is important because as Christians we are called to serve others and Christ in all that we do,” Poe said. “This day gives us an opportunity to do something that’s not for ourselves and to give back to the community.”

Joshua Bybee, a freshman Bible and preaching major, saw Servants’ Day as the perfect opportunity to let his light shine. “It’s important because at any facet of life, we’re going to have kids looking up to us, whether that’s out at a game or just seeing us in a grocery store,” Bybee said. “I believe we’re called to be disciples of Jesus and be good examples. So that’s why it’s important to be the best version of yourself, because you never know who’s watching.”

At Jack’s Creek Church of Christ, a group of physical therapy students worked with Misión Para Cristo Executive Director Benny Baker to make care packages of food to be sent to people in need. Many of these same PTA students will travel on a mission trip to Honduras next summer. “This project is a missionary effort to address hunger and malnutrition, which is the second greatest need in the world – food insecurity,” Baker said.

“I like that this is super simple,” said Vivian Blackmer, who is currently in her first year of the PTA program. “We have no excuse to not be able to do it. This is not manual physical labor where you need a certain skill set. We just put stickers on, put stuff in bags, and it has a big impact.”

Along with fellow organizers, Baker expressed his appreciation for FHU students and their dedication to serving others. “We are excited to involve people. Seeing the students active and part of this project is just an absolute joy for me personally,” Baker said.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.