RidgeStudents seeks to make an impact on our local community by connecting students with service opportunities in line with our calling as believers in Christ changed by the Gospel. We do not believe our striving and merits will earn us or further secure our salvation, however, we believe we have been set apart to do good works (Eph. 2.8-10) and fulfill the call of Christ by doing so. The spiritual life, and the work of spiritual formation, includes serving and seeking to share the gospel through those service opportunities. Here is a partial list of ministry partners that RidgeStudents works with on a regular basis.
Christian Community Action (CCA) is a non-profit, Christian based, social service that works in the North Texas area to provide a hand-up to individuals and families in need. Rather than looking to just meet needs, CCA seeks to improve the life-situation of those whom they work with.
Metrocrest Social Services, like CCA, seeks to help families solve immediate crisis situations and make plans for their future livelihood. They seek to prevent the reality of homelessness and give families an opportunity to grow and improve their life scenarios.
Senior Adult Services, a social branch of the city of Carrollton, provides necessary care and services for elderly individuals in the community. Whether a warm meal, a mowed lawn, or repair services rendered, SAS seeks to fulfill the commitment we should all have to our senior citizens in and around our neighborhoods.
In our effort to impact our city, we have partnered with Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas, TX to conduct vacation bible schools and volunteer in various ministry outlets that they provide in the inner-city of south Dallas. Cornerstone's ministries include outreach to families, children and homeless men and women.
As RidgeStudents continues to focus on our need for local outreach, we're looking even closer to home. For 2010-2011, we will seek to partner with Primera Iglesia Bautista in Carrollton, a Spanish-speaking congregation. Through outreach to children and families in south Carrollton, this partnership can provide for some great opportunities to serve and share the love of Christ.
Through our continual partnership with Student Life, students have the chance to experience week long camps and events where their faith is strengthened and challenged to live for Christ in their everyday life. Whether it's on a beach or serving in a mission context, Student Life provides an excellent opportunity for our students to grow and foster their relationship with Christ.
Adventures in Missions is our preferred mission-trip organization ministry. With a emphasis on the spreading the Gospel through missions, AIM trips have become a favorite event for RidgeStudents. Spirit-led and Christ centered missions are the focus of AIM trips. For 2011, RidgeStudents will seek to go international with AIM as our guide.
