POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — On March 3, School of the Ozarks students traveled to Springfield, Missouri, to serve at Convoy of Hope. The School has seen the immense impact Convoy of Hope has made domestically and internationally and desired to serve alongside the organization. This is the second year for the School to serve with Convoy of Hope in this way.

Through former S of O students who currently work at Convoy of Hope, the administrators and teachers learned about the founder, Hal Donaldson. He interviewed Mother Teresa who challenged him to find ways to give with intent. From that seed, a worldwide organization now flourishes.

The citizenship goal of School of the Ozarks encourages students to engage in community service projects throughout the year, like partnering with Convoy of Hope. Throughout their day serving, the students packed boxes pf personal hygiene kits, repaired damaged kits, and sealed and loaded the kits onto pallets to be sent around the world.

“I think our students were amazed to discover the many ways to use the gifts and talents God has given us without necessarily traveling to do foreign missions,” said Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks. “They were able to see how mathematical abilities, manual skills, technological abilities, agriculture, engineering, and many more skills and trades can be used to help meet needs around the globe.”

Rorie Christenson, sophomore at S of O, reflects on how the simple task she performed with her peers would impact those who receive the hygiene kits.

“Though I couldn’t physically witness the faces opening the bags I zipped shut, with each fold of a towel, each close of a bag, I could picture the bright eyes of the individuals I prayed for — the people who wouldn’t take for granted what we so easily do,” Christenson said. “Because of Convoy of Hope, I was able to give hope to others.”

S of O senior Olivia Cobb was reminded while visiting Convoy of Hope of God’s command to care for those who need it most.

“Convoy of Hope showed us the devastation in the world and how it requires God’s light, which can be demonstrated through common people like us,” Cobb said. “We are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and Convoy of Hope portrays this beautifully.”

S of O plans to continue to serve with Convoy of Hope and learn more about the importance of the work they are doing with disaster relief and climate-controlled greenhouses.

To read more about Convoy of Hope, visit https://convoyofhope.org/