Written by Sarah Kyle
As summer swiftly approaches, some Harding students are looking forward not to sand, beaches or swimming pools, but rather to Harding’s 8th annual Bisons for Christ service day.
The event, which will take place Wednesday, April 21, has been a Harding tradition for several years. Throughout the event’s existence, students have helped with the cleanup of natural disasters, handed out candy to inmates at the local jail, read to children and given back to the Searcy community in multiple ways.
This year, students will have the opportunity to participate in multiple projects, from cleanup at Camp Wyldewood to helping neighboring Center Hill recover from a recent tornado.
Student and Bisons for Christ committee member Melissa Ritchie said that with this year’s variety of projects, there is a place for everybody to participate.
“We have lots of projects that need individuals,” Ritchie said. “You can get a group of friends together. You don’t have to be in a club or organization.”
Student and committee member Paige London added that while many think Bisons for Christ is a day of manual labor, there are a variety of non-manual service opportunities available.
“There is a wide spectrum of projects you can get involved with, and not all of them require raking leaves, painting houses or doing yard work,” London said. “Some are visiting the elderly, baking cookies or just talking with someone who needs company. You never know what a lasting impression you may leave on someone.”
The event is personal for London, who grew up in the Searcy area. She said Bisons for Christ gives her an opportunity to give back to her own community.
“I love the people here. This place has a special place in my heart,” London said. “I cannot wait to see how God uses the student body to do his kingdom work.”
Emily Sansom, a student who has been involved on the Bisons for Christ committee and worked on the advertising for the event, said that for those not from the Searcy area, the event gives them an opportunity to stretch out of their comfort zones.
“What Bisons for Christ means for me is reaching out to the community and expanding beyond the walls of the Harding bubble and showing the love of Christ to others,” Sansom said. “There’s nothing to lose. If you put your heart into it, you’re going to be rewarded. And [while] it isn’t about getting rewarded … that’s what happens in turn.”
For more information about Bisons for Christ or to get involved, visit the Rock House or e-mail Liz Howell atlhowell@harding.eduor Todd Gentry attodd_gentry@yahoo.com, or contact any student on the executive committee.
