On April 3, the Harding community will reach out into the Searcy community and serve others as part of Bisons for Christ. This year’s Bisons for Christ theme is “So Will I,” which is inspired by the idea that Jesus came to serve and “so will I.” The theme comes from John 13:15, which says, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
Bisons for Christ projects committee chair, sophomore Nickolas Simpson, said that for years, Harding students and faculty have focused on building community between Harding and the people of Searcy.
“This year we are coming off of the Searcy Business Revolution, so that’s one thing we’re really focused on,” Simpson said. “Every year, we focus on building community between Harding and the outside Searcy community, but we’re really wanting to continue that spirit that’s been fostered since the business revolution.”
Simpson said every year, different groups will help 50 to 60 widows, clean up the grounds of Camp Takodah and visit the local jail with candy bars among other beneficial acts Bisons for Christ does for the community.
Although a student does not have to be a member of a social club to take part in this day of service, social clubs often get involved.
Women’s social club Ju Go Ju service project director, junior Cory Bates, said they plan to do a similar Bisons for Christ project to last year’s.
“Last year, our club split up into groups and made a ton of casseroles to bring to different houses in the community, mainly [elderly] people,” Bates said. “We got to talk with them, and I could tell it brought them joy. This year, we plan to do something similar to that since I enjoyed it so much, and I think the people we visited did, too.”
Senior Carson Gentry, member of the Original Rock House communications team, said Bisons for Christ is greater than one day of service.
“In previous years, we have gotten some backlash on how it’s just a one day of service instead of a bunch of days of service,” Gentry said. “I just want to be like, ‘yes, that’s true, we do just do one big day of service, but through us and through other organizations on campus, there’s always service going on.’”
He said people will meet a widow, recognize the need she has and return year after year during Bisons for Christ but also during other times of the year.
“So, in light of that, I see Bisons for Christ as a day where students are able to understand that they can serve, and they need to be serving, and there’s a need in this community that needs to be reached,” Gentry said. “Yes, it’s a day of service, but at the same time, it opens doors, and it reminds students of their purpose.”
To sign up for Bisons for Christ 2019, students can go to www.harding.edu/bfc.
