Spring 2007 | Volume 65, No. 3

Houston Campus News

Volunteers are an unexpected blessing

by Martha Hayes

February 2007 marked the fifth anniversary of Park Place Baptist Church in Houston deeding its facilities to Southwestern Seminary. This was a pivotal event that led to the opening of the Havard School for Theological Studies here in 2004. Milestone moments give us pause for reflection, which invariably leads to counting one’s blessings.

The Havard School in Houston has experienced changes in all facets of the campus in terms of human resources and our facilities as we have fulfilled the seminary’s goal of equipping the next generation of Christian leaders. However, some things have remained the same. The seminary and the church continue to co-exist and minister alongside one another. Therein lies an unexpected blessing we have come to cherish and depend upon: our volunteers from Park Place Baptist Church.
These volunteers serve the Lord in their church and on Southwestern’s campus in the same classrooms and hallways where they taught Sunday school and raised their families. They worship with us in the same place where they or their children were baptized and married and where some have celebrated memorial services for loved ones.

Park Place church members played a major role in the 2004 inaugural convocation luncheon in the fellowship hall, and their contributions to our campus events have deepened. With their enthusiasm and expertise they create an environment that makes each event a memorable occasion. These church member volunteers begin planning weeks in advance for seminary events such as convocation luncheons and the president’s commencement receptions. They gather with us the day before to put everything in its place and to begin work in the kitchen as we prepare for our guests. The kitchen becomes an organized whirlwind of activity, a strategically designed assembly line. What great camaraderie!

Park Place volunteers also work in our seminary library during day and evening classes. Assistant Librarian Dr. Stefana Laing is thrilled and encouraged by the reliable, faithful help. “Our volunteers provide a valuable service to us and to our students,” Laing said. “We appreciate their willingness to give of their time and energy to help manage the library. More than that, however, we cherish the warmth and kindness with which they serve.”

One of the most endearing aspects of our resident volunteers is the snacks they prepare for our students during final exams week. They gather on campus to bake mounds of homemade cookies or fill baskets with crackers, fruit and pastries to keep the student lounge supplied with affection and encouragement.

Library volunteer Robbie Seale explains. “After 60-plus years in the business world, the Lord refuses to let me be idle – so, I volunteer!” Mrs. Seale has been a member of Park Place Baptist Church for 20 years and recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She is quick to say that volunteering in the library is one of the highlights of her week.

These veteran saints have seamlessly expanded their service to their church home to include the mission and the people of Southwestern Seminary. They love the Lord and serve Him at every opportunity. In no way do they call attention to themselves or to their works.

That servant’s heart is also seen in the men and women of Houston’s Southwestern Advisory Council. These volunteers play a pivotal role in the goals and accomplishments of the Havard campus. As a matter of fact, our school’s namesake, J. Dalton Havard (MRE 1956), serves on the council.

Many of Houston’s advisory council members have a history of
supporting the Fort Worth seminary that precedes the opening of the
Havard school. What an honor to benefit from their commitment to the work in Houston, as well. Not only are they willing and gracious to participate in campus events as hosts and greeters, but many times their contributions and service to the Lord and to Southwestern are behind the scenes.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word “volunteer” as “one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest.” Although our volunteers do not have a legal interest, each one has an eternal concern and interest in spreading the gospel around the world.

The efforts of these men and women encompass the core values of Southwestern Seminary: to foster a community of faith and learning that develops spiritual leaders with a passion for Christ, the Bible and a love for people. We are thankful for the blessing of volunteers and their participation in fostering a community of faith on the Houston campus.