"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13. "Knowledge, Faith, and Service" are not just words at Southwestern Adventist University; they are values put into action. Recently, on Wednesday, February 7th, SWAU's Service Day exemplified the commitment to these ideals, drawing over 300 participants, including faculty, staff, and students. This collective effort went beyond the campus boundaries, reaching from Lake Whitney to Fort Worth, proving that distance is no obstacle when it comes to making a positive impact on others.
Volunteers engaged in a variety of activities, from fence painting at Lake Whitney Ranch to simple yet impactful tasks like washing the fire department's vehicles. One standout initiative involved a group visiting the Children's Advocacy Center in Cleburne. There, volunteers not only performed essential lawn care but also took the time to listen to the stories of children who have faced abuse and victimization. Similarly, at the Tarrant Area Food Bank in Fort Worth, students sorted through donated food, contributing to the preparation for distribution to local food pantries and meal programs.
Service Day wasn't limited to distant locations; it also extended its compassion to nearby facilities. The University Singers visited Town Hall Estates, performing a heartwarming concert and distributing Valentine's Day cards to the residents. The SWAU Chamber Orchestra continued the musical outreach by offering a concert to the residents of Chisholm Trail Estates, sharing their musical gifts bestowed upon them by God.
These acts of service resonate with the university's belief in following the example set by Jesus, who walked the earth to serve humanity. SWAU sees Service Day as an opportunity to emulate Christ's servitude, ranging from small gestures like holding doors open to the impactful endeavors witnessed on this special day. As Southwestern looks to the future, it remains committed to living by the values of Knowledge, Faith, and Service, shaping a community where actions speak louder than words.

To see pictures of Service Day 2024, visit our Service Day Flickr Album.

List of projects and organizations SWAU served this year:
Adventist Community Services
Arlington SDA Church
Bread of Life
Burleson Adventist School
Children's Advocacy Center
Chisholm Trail Academy
Chisholm Trail Estates/Orchestra
Christmas in Action #1
Christmas in Action #2
Community Living Concepts/TAFB in pm
Crowley Adventist Church
Crowley House of Hope Food Pantry/Duck Pond cleanup
Don't Forget to Feed Me/TAFB in pm
Fort Worth Animal Care Shelter/TAFB in pm
Ft Worth Nature Center
Keene House Painting
KAES
Keene Chamber of Commerce – Road cleanup
Keene Church - Community Impact
Keene Church - Soil prep
Keene Church - Visitation
Keene Fire Department
Lake Whitney Ranch
Meals on Wheels
Operation Blessing
SWAU Gardening
Tarrant Area Food Bank
Town Hall Estates/Choir
Wings of Hope