By 8 p.m. last night almost 100 volunteers from Andrews University were on their way to Lumberton, Mississippi, to assist in rebuilding Bass Memorial Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist secondary school, and the surrounding area which suffered devastating damage from Hurricane Katrina. The corps of volunteers left in two busses and were accompanied by a truck full of supplies.

Glenn Russell, professor in the religion department, is traveling with the group and will serve as the on-site coordinator of Andrews volunteers at Bass Academy. The volunteers included freshmen who had not quite completed their first week of classes at Andrews, a graduate student who just moved from New Orleans to Berrien Springs last week, skilled construction workers from Plant Services, retired professors, current faculty and staff. Frances Faehner, vice president for student services, is a former employee of Bass Academy and is also working as a volunteer. 

The group is supported by voluntary donations and prayers from fellow students and employees, friends in the Berrien Springs community, and family members. The volunteer team is united by a desire to be of service and encouragement in the face of the worst natural disaster to hit the United States.

The trip is sponsored by the Campus Ministries Office and the Andrews University Student Association. “We’re mobilizing to do what we can to meet the needs of Bass Academy and the surrounding area,” said Patrick Murphy, chaplain for outreach and trip coordinator.

According to Pastor Ron Whitehead, assistant to the president for spiritual life, “Andrews’ commitment to helping will continue in the coming months. Plans are already in place to make additional trips this school year during the holidays and spring break. As a Christian university, it’s important that the student body have an opportunity to respond, and exercise faith in work clothes.”

Information about how you can help student volunteers is available on the Campus Ministry website - www.andrews.edu/CM. Adventist Community Services (ACS) is also accepting donations for Hurricane Katrina relief. ACS can be reached by calling 1-800-467-6442. Calls to ACS are being fielded by Adventist Information Ministry (AIM) operators on the campus of Andrews University.