Make time to make a difference

Despite the catchy phrase in the logo, fellow Camels, students don't have MLK Day off at Campbell. You do, however, have some spare time between classes and meals to help give back in honor of the life and works of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

You don't have to appreciate Dr. King to celebrate the MLK Day Service. If you appreciate being a light to the world, going against the grain, persuasive speech, or living a life of undying passion, then your place on January 17 is in a service project because you appreciate the same ideals Dr. King did.

"MLK" is perhaps one of the most well-known series of three letters in the English speaking world. Why? Becuse they represent the name of one of the most influential American men of the twentieth century. His words brought a society to its knees and are a big part of why you go to school with people from walks of life different than your own.

If you've participated in Operation Inasmuch or the 9/11 Day of Service, you know the drill... sort of. The projects are all local, but this year they reflect themes of health: physical health, environmental health, and mental/emotional health. Also, you don't sign up for which project you want-- it's called the MLK Challenge Model and it means, in order to represent overcoming adversity with diversity, that you are randomly placed into a project. 

Yes, that means that even if you sign up to rake leaves with your best friend, it doesn't mean you guys will be in your social comfort zone doing something familiar to you. You might end up meeting six new people and visiting a nursing home, or maybe you'll get to know that quiet kid from biology and end up making care packages for a soldier.

The projects are designed to be short-term but impactful. We understand that you have classes and homework, so we hope you can make the time to make a difference.

Look for the sign-up sheet in the Oasis when you return from winter break. Between now and then, keep up with MLK Day information on the Facebook page.

Check out this pastor's interpretation of Martin Luther King's work and what it can mean for the Christian community.







"Do not think you cannot make a difference today."

Blessed are the merciful

Have you experienced mercy lately?

"Mercy" is one of those words we commonly associate with the New Testament. Jesus used it frequently in his teachings because of its relevancy to his ministry. 

Examples of mercy are everywhere. Maybe for you it means sitting with the new kid at lunch, keeping an embarrassing secret, or maybe this year it'll be holding hands with the homeless, poor, and hungry.

The thing about mercy is that it's a two-way street. Many Americans feel accustomed to giving/thinking we give mercy because we have the means to offer it in material form-- we can donate money, offer canned goods, and give away our old clothes. While those donations are valuable, they're easy because we just write a check or sort through old boxes, and our stuff becomes someone else's burden. 

What if you started taking on burdens and exercising mercy through your emotions and time? Eat lunch with the working poor, bake bread with an unemployed mom in your house, or sit and listen to the worries of a man who's scared to tell his wife their home has been foreclosed. Whatever you do, welcome someone who needs something (a listening ear, words of praise, good advice) into a safe place and stick by them. Sometimes all we need to get through life is a companion.

I mention that because when you volunteer with people who typically get the "untouchable" label, remember that it's not you vs. them. It's both of you vs. the world and you're there to be their friend, not a benefactor.

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Love isn't seasonal, but of course certain times of the year bring more obvious opportunities for volunteering, donating, and other forms of providing. While I like to encourage long-term investment volunteering, below are a few things going on over the holidays you might want to check out. 

If you're sitting in a warm room in a household that bought the computer you're using, someone out there needs your help.


- Raleigh Rescue Mission has a plethora of opportunities revolving around Turkey Day and Jesus' birthday. 

- Helping Hands for Heroes is a non-profit based in Angier that sends care packages to deployed soldiers.

- Eastern NC Poverty Network needs your help providing Bibles, winter clothes, and prayer. 

- Operation Christmas Child is collecting boxes this week, and Campbell is a drop-off site! 

You can also check resources in your own area to discover a way to give back during the chilly season.