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In an instant, Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread flooding and high winds in 2024 that devastated communities across the Southeast, including Savannah, Georgia, where LaGrange College students recently spent their spring break serving as the hands of feet for their neighbors in need. 

“God called me to serve, to make people feel loved, and to remind them that everything will be OK,” said sophomore Jasmine Owens, who was part of a group that included 14 students and 4 faculty and staff members. 

LaGrange College Spiritual Life partnered with the United Methodist Committee On Relief for this service project. Church of the Hill in Richmond Hill, Georgia, served as a host site. 

“Trips like this provide students with a unique opportunity to grow spiritually,” said the Rev. Ashley Jenkins ’08, Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life. “God calls us to serve others, especially those who are marginalized, forgotten or struggling. Through our service, we reflect God’s love, mercy and compassion.”

Additionally, she said students learn valuable soft skills such as cultural sensitivity and respect. 

“They are exposed to new environments and different ways of life, which helps them practice empathy and develop a more open-minded perspective on the world.”

Political Science Professor Dr. John Tures, who previously served on a LaGrange College hurricane relief trip, said it was great to see everyone in the group working as a team. 

“We carried away heavy tiles and were not afraid to get our hands dirty,” he said.

Financial Aid Director Jackie Belcher said she was impressed by the work ethic of the students. 

“They jumped right in and never once complained about a task, the cold and wet weather, cold showers at the YMCA or sleeping on air mattresses,” she said. “They were true witnesses for Christ to those who were helped.”

Owens said witnessing the strength of the residents was truly inspiring.

“I worked at a woman’s house where a flood had destroyed her entire first floor—she had no kitchen, no bathroom, no living room, nothing,” she said. “Yet, despite everything, she never stopped smiling. After two days of painting her house, we were able to leave her with something simple yet meaningful—a freshly painted living room, a couch and a space where she could drink her coffee in the morning.” 

For Owens, it wasn’t just about the physical transformation of the woman’s house but about helping her make it feel like home again.

“I took part in this trip to grow closer to God and give back to others, and I was blessed to experience both in such a powerful way,” she said. 

One of the moments that stood out to Assistant Business Management Professor Julian Rierson was what happened spontaneously on a Monday evening. 

“The impromptu worship service that lasted 2 hours started with a few ladies having fun to a full performance with lead vocals, supporting vocals, a guitarist, drummer and keyboard player,” he said. “They left a lasting impression on the people they helped and me.”

Rev. Jenkins said it is these types of experiences that create lasting memories. 

“Outside of the service work, students bond over shared activities like playing games, going out to dinner and enjoying each other’s company,” she said. “These moments of connection create a sense of community and help build friendships.”