service-learning
A Story of Service By Mark Harris
Mark is a junior studying behavioral science at CTX.
My involvement with Service-Learning
week. One resident, Betty, is always
remember the topic of a conversation
began during my first semester at
particularly excited to see me. She
for more than a few minutes, but they
Concordia University Texas. One of
faithfully waits by the front door and
are fully aware of the message of these
the leaders in the program asked me to
her face lights up when she realizes that
Bible studies that often run for more
join a group of volunteers who visited
I am “that Mark”. She and a dozen other
than an hour in length.
Summit Assisted Living on a weekly
residents of Summit Assisted Living
basis, and I gladly accepted the offer.
asked me to lead weekly Bible studies
During my freshman year, I was
At first it was a great opportunity to get
on an additional evening each week.
also involved in a few other projects
to know some of my fellow students
Sharing the Word of God with them
organized by Service-Learning such
and a chance to play some blackjack. As
has been truly phenomenal. Some of
as Mobile Loaves and Fishes, a service
time progressed my motivation began
the regular attendees have progressive
to the homeless community, and the
to change, and I became more and more
Alzheimer’s and cannot usually
Texas Ramp Project, which provides
attached to the residents of that place.
wheel chair ramps and a greater level
Many of them also cared deeply for me
of freedom to handicapped individuals.
and often thought of me as though I
Through these, I developed connections
were a grandson.
with some of the Service-Learning student leaders.
Each week, when our group would arrive at Summit, the residents were very excited to see us; it has definitely been their favorite time of each
12 | Concordia University Texas Magazine
Mark and other CTX students serving through the Texas Ramp Project.
Toward the end of that year, they approached me and asked me to apply for one of the leadership positions in the