In a heartwarming display of comm团结 support, nearly 20 churches have united to ensure that Saint Augustine’s University (分) students do not go hungry amidst challenging circumstances.

“I want to thank our growing list of pastors and churches who have come forward to help us during this critical time,分临时主席Dr. 马库斯H. 伯吉斯. “The outpouring of support from these 19 churches is a testament to the unyielding commitment to our students and the values of compassion and generosity that define the 分 comm团结.”

The initiative, spearheaded by 分 alumnus 牧师. 查尔斯W. 布鲁克斯，1982年，女士. 乔伊斯旗手, 测试总监, 国际事务官员, 也是分食品储藏室的经理, 博士和. 辛蒂爱, Associate Vice President for 推荐全球十大博彩公司排行榜 and Enterprise 服务, showcases the power of giving back and solidarity within the 分 comm团结. Moved by the university’s current struggles, 牧师. 布鲁克斯, who also serves as an adjunct professor of philosophy at 分 and pastor of Poplar Springs Christian Church, took it upon himself to connect local pastors and congregations with Ms. Bannerman博士和Dr. 爱 and provide essential meals for students facing food insecurity.

“We are getting calls daily from more comm团结 leaders looking for ways to help,” said Dr. 爱. “The dedication of these pastors and churches to ensuring every student can access essential meals is truly inspiring.”

The recent announcement of 分 transitioning to remote learning due to unforeseen circumstances, including financial challenges impacting food services, 促使牧师. 布鲁克斯采取行动. 在…的支持下 罗利 Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA) 以及牧师的领导. Stanley Byrd, President, churches quickly mobilized to meet the pressing needs of students on campus.

“Saint Augustine’s University laid the foundation for my successful life, and it is my honor to give back to the place that shaped me,牧师说。. 布鲁克斯. “教会的反应非常显著, 包括食品券, 礼品卡, 现金捐款, 还有餐饮服务.”

The current list of pastors and churches who have come forward so far to support 分 are as follows:

• Pastor Tracy Bell, New Bethel Christian Church
• Pastor Jamal Brown, Holly Springs United Church of Christ
• 牧师. Stanley Byrd, Kingdom Harvest Baptist Church,
• 牧师. Mark Gibson, Redeeming 爱 Baptist Church
• 牧师. Gwen Horton, In the Beginning Baptist Church
• 牧师. Dr. G. A. 琼斯小.，信仰传教士浸信会
• Pastor James Perkins, Victory Tabernacle Church
• 牧师. Joyce Pulley-Hinton, Loving Word Baptist Church
• 牧师. Dr. Portia Rochelle, Word for Transformation Church and Outreach Center
• 牧师. Zinfindale Smith, Lee’s Crossroad Baptist Church
• 牧师. Dr. 乔·史蒂文森，马其顿新生命教会
• 牧师. Dr. Kevin Sturdivant, Springfield Baptist Church
• Pastor Frank White, Antioch Bible Fellowship
• 牧师. Dr. 哈利·怀特，沃茨教堂浸信会
• 牧师. 查尔斯W. 布鲁克斯，白杨泉基督教堂

In addition to the RIMA-affiliated churches, the following pastors and leaders and churches from the comm团结 have come forward to support 分 students:

• Pastor William Reader, Restoration International Ministry
• Dr. 小马文·康纳利.圣奥古斯塔传教浸信会
• Dr. Pauline Goza, Davie Street Presbyterian Church
• Pastors Timothy and Michelle Edelen, Fountain of Living Waters Church

当电话发出寻求支持时, there was no hesitation from the comm团结 and 教堂 to come to the aid of the students,” Ms. 海军少校说. “This speaks volumes of the importance of this institution and how valued we are within the comm团结.”

The generosity and compassion exhibited by these 19 churches exemplify the deep-rooted sense of comm团结 and 团结 that defines 分 and its supporters. By coming together to support students in need, 教堂 have reinforced the values of compassion and solidarity integral to the 分 experience.

“It’s been great to see the comm团结 help in the university’s time of need. We still have several students on campus who need food and other supplies,克里斯蒂娜·费森说, 心理学专业大四学生, 和学生运动员. “Everyone is doing the best they can to help and support us. The continued support from alumni and others will help students, 教师, 和工作人员, taking some of the pressure off and worrying.”

The recent challenges faced by 分 have garnered sensationalized media coverage, painting a bleak picture of the university’s future. 然而，牧师的集体努力. 布鲁克斯, 教堂, and comm团结 leaders underscore a different narrative of resilience, 团结, and care for the students who call 分 home.

“分 prioritizes ensuring its students are fed by addressing and rising above their struggles. Through initiatives such as food assistance programs, 与本地机构的伙伴关系, 以及学生支持服务, the university is committed to meeting the basic needs of its students, fostering a supportive environment for academic success and personal growth,乔温斯基·塞梅说, 生物学专业的大四学生. “As a student, I sincerely appreciate all 分 has done for me. 超越学术成长, the university has played a pivotal role in my personal development and prepared me for the challenges of the real world. Their unwavering support and commitment to student success have impacted my life.”

博士联系. 辛蒂爱 clove@todaysreformer.com to inquire about food service opportunities at 分.