Nine College of the Ozarks students, partnered with Samaritan’s Purse, sent to Mayfield, Kentucky. (Top row, left to right: Zoe Johnson, junior nursing major; Alyvia Labertew, sophomore human and molecular biology major; Cameron Goth, junior engineering major; Seth Miller, sophomore biblical and theology studies major; Colby Ketchum, sophomore human and molecular biology major. Bottom row, left to right: Katarina Berndt, freshman engineering major; Olivia Scaggs, junior family studies/social services; Kristen Jones sophomore human and molecular biology major.)

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — On March 12-17, eight College of the Ozarks students, partnered with Samaritan’s Purse, went to Mayfield Kentucky, to help build new homes for the families who lost theirs in a tornado the year before.

Last year, students went to Mayfield to clear debris from the milewide tornado that devastated the community. This year they went back to continue their work. Students applied to go on the trip, went to informational meetings, and then were interviewed. The eight students were chosen from various majors and workstation backgrounds. 

“This is always a powerful week of ministry, fellowship, prayer, and seeing the impact of serving communities,” said Campus Minister Justin Sharp. “I am proud of the group that volunteered. They worked very hard, some of them in very cold conditions early in the week, and successfully completed multiple projects.”

This was the third mission trip that Justin Sharp led. The first trip was to Panama City, Florida in 2019. The last two trips have taken place in Mayfield, Kentucky.

“The mission trip was an excellent opportunity to experience how the church should engage with the needs, both physical and spiritual, of the world,” said Seth Miller, sophomore biblical and theological studies major. “The trip pushed us to sacrifice our time but provided for growth in a way that I believe not one of us regret. We saw what it looks like to be diligent construction workers, active prayer warriors, and loving Kingdom people. Samaritan’s Purse is a great way to give back to the community and grow as a Christian.”

College of the Ozarks partnered with Samaritan’s Purse this year and last which made a lasting impression on the Mayfield community. Alongside students from C of O, students from Virginia Military Institute also made an impact the past two years in serving after the tornado devastation.

“I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in Mayfield, Kentucky, over spring break,” said Zoe Johnson, junior nursing major. “It was a great blessing to be able to interact with new people, including those of us from College of the Ozarks, Samaritan’s Purse, and students from another university. I was encouraged by their faith and willingness to give of themselves to serve the community of Mayfield. God's blessings were evident in every aspect of the trip, from building houses to the conversations we had along the way.”