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Good Samaritans By Becky Griggs Changing lives is what the Good Samaritan Center is all about. This program not only has changed the lives of those around the community, it has changed the lives of those w h o are involved working with it, as well. Heather Martin is an L U student involved with the bus ministry. It is not only rewarding for her, but it has played an important part in helping her to become missions-minded. "It helps m e to love others and gives m e a w a y to have a ministry." The G o o d Samaritan Center is a ministry of Thomas Road Baptist Church and has been located in d o w n t o w n Lynchburg since March 1988. It is a special place designed to reach out to the d o w n t o w n community and show them the love of Jesus Christ. Although some students participate as a Christian service, m a n y others go because they enjoy being a part of what is taking place there. Approximately 320 people attend the services each Sunday. There are separate classes for all age Photo By Tim Kania groups, although the majority of these people are elementary age children. Students provide help wherever it is Saturday approximately 100 students go door-todoor visiting the families of people w h o attend the needed. According to Jennifer Sonnen, w h o has been teaching a church. They also minister to the children on the children's class for two years, it has been a positive experi- buses every Sunday. The G o o d Samaritan Center continues to m a k e ence. " I do it out of enjoyment," she said. "It touches m y heart to see other lives grow spiritually. A lot of these a world of difference in the community as well as children don't receive m u c h love at home, and they appre- in the hearts and lives of L U students w h o have given so m u c h to m a k e the program a success. ciate any little thing you do for them." In addition to the Sunday ministry, Liberty students also help on the bus routes as big bus brothers and sisters. Every
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