Out of the Dorms into a Yard

What started out as a “Guys’ Day” in our chapter at Southeast Missouri State took an unusual turn. We set a date, but didn’t know what to do with our time. Here is how our planning went:

“Want to meet for lunch?”

“Okay, but do you want to do anything else?”

“We could rake my grandma’s leaves!”

“WoooHooo!”

“Okay, how about we rake some people’s yards and then have lunch?”

“Great!”

So that’s what we did together, raking leaves and enjoying each other’s fellowship. While we were raking the yard of one student’s grandmother, the older lady next door asked us how much we would charge to rake her yard as well. We told her we would do it for free and immediately broke into teams—one finishing the current yard and the other starting on the yard next door. As we raked, the woman shared with us that she had been praying to God about getting her leaves raked before the city came to collect them, and she thanked us. We told her we were part of the InterVarsity group and we were glad to do it.

Then this woman told us about one of her friends down the street, a widow who had just had open heart surgery, and who would appreciate having her yard raked as well. Rather than bother the convalescing woman, we decided to surprise her with a “rake and run.” We quickly raked up this stranger’s yard and left without a word.

It was very exciting to do something for a person in need without any recognition or praise. Our enthusiasm continued as we met for lunch, tired from all the hard work but glad to be of service in the community.

—Tye Parks has been on staff for three years at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, and in his spare time enjoys watching football and “The Simpsons,” hanging out with friends, and making people laugh.