SPOTS: Helping C-N students put their faith into action

^{Carson-Newman sophomore Ian Springer installs a vapor barrier under a home in Hazard, Kentucky. Springer was one of 25 student-volunteers who took part in outreach projects in three states during their fall break.}

Twenty-five students from Carson-Newman College made a decision to spend their fall break a little differently. Instead of rest and relaxation, they opted to roll up their sleeves for the sake of helping others.

The effort was part of Carson-Newman’s SPOTS trips. Short for Special Projects Other Than Summer, the outreach ministry takes place every fall and spring, and is made up of student volunteers willing to forgo a traditional break from classes in order to help those in need.

This year C-N volunteers traveled to Atlanta, Georgia; Hazard, Kentucky; and Crossnore, North Carolina. They helped with a number of projects that included everything from roof repair to children ministry opportunities. Sophomore Hannah Jones, joined friends in working with an Atlanta homeless ministry. “This trip helped me put my faith into action,” said Jones, a family and consumer science major. “It allowed me to be the hands and feet of Christ to the homeless.”

Chad Morris, Carson-Newman’s associate director of Campus Ministries, said he’s pleased with this year’s efforts. “SPOTS trips are a way that students can use their passions and what they have learned in the classroom to meet the world’s needs.”

C-N was named one of only five institutions to receive the Presidential Award, the highest distinction on the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.