SERVICE ABOVE SELF
Students learn lessons in stewardship
By Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

Twice a year Brook Hill students take their learning out of the classroom and into the community. A tradition for a few years now, OASIS or "Other's Served Instead of Self," had scores of upper school students learning lessons in stewardship.

The project - held in August and April each year - is dubbed Operation 20:28, based on the Bible in Matthew that reads: "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many."

"It's about selfless service," said Shawn Rhodes, director of community service, "giving and expecting nothing in return - in order to share the love of Christ in practical ways with our neighbors. "

Upper school students spent the day raking leaves, cleaning up O.L. Ferrell Park, helping business with tasks, washing fire and police trucks, volunteering at the library, day care center and even picking up trash around the community.

The students did this as part of Holy Week celebration.

"I think it's fantastic," said Bullard City Manager Larry Morgan. "Forming and sustaining community partnerships like the one we enjoy with both Brook Hill and Bullard schools are vital to the progress of our community."

And the community got a little prettier by day's end.

The students split into groups, each with a chaperone, and did everything from wash windows downtown, to paint playground equipment and pull weeds.

And while most acknowledged the best part was getting to be outside in the sunny weather, rather than cooped up in a classroom, the lessons set in.

Teacher Stacy Gwartney said she was proud of her group.

"They had fun, but they also understood what they were doing and why," she said. "And that's what it's all about."

Rhoads said the school worked with the city and chamber of commerce on the project.

He said the students prepared for the project in chapel all week where speakers reminded them of the importance of serving others.

"One speaker spoke about servant hood, and they had that on their minds," Rhoads said. "They used the character of Christ in a practical way. They knew their charge and their challenge. "

-- Bullard Banner photos courtesy of Chris Austill, The Brook Hill School