Our day at Hope Ministries began with an orientation about the mission of Hope Ministries and Bethel Mission. A "homeless man" shared how he went from being a college-educated, Christian businessman, husband, and father, to being homeless. This man was Hope Ministry Development Director David Burrier, whose personal understanding of how people become homeless drives his passion to help others who find themselves in that same situation.

Next, we broke into small groups. One group served lunch to the men who lived in the shelter; the second group served lunch to the community members who come there for lunch; another group had to skip lunch and only eat two crackers each, another group could only eat canned beef stew with no utensils (!); and the last group stood in line to eat lunch with the community members who came to the Hope Café.

The students learned many things, realizing they had nothing to fear and how they take their blessings for granted. Students with growling stomachs all concluded that it is wonderful to have a meal waiting for them at home. Several students noted that we should not judge the homeless and assume they are free-loaders. Students commented about how happy the people were, even though they had absolutely nothing.

Our students were a great representation of Christ and of DMCS. I literally spent the day in tears, as one student after another would demonstrate compassion and empathy. We needed that trip maybe more than the men at the shelter!! I pray it was life changing and that it builds in them a desire to make a difference in their community.