Big Event Becomes Mississippi College Tradition

MC student volunteers took part in Big Event service projects on January 20.

Community service projects remain the centerpiece for America’s Big Event activities.

That was the case for more than 200 Mississippi College student volunteers. They worked hard to make life a little better for needy metro Jackson residents.

From Mustard Seed in Rankin County to the 4C’s in Clinton, MC students pitched in and made a difference as part of the USA’s Big Event that’s spread to scores of college campuses.

“Watching so many students from across campus come together to serve our community was a great sight to see,” said Beth Masters, director of Christian Life and Ministries at the Baptist-affiliated university.

“At each ministry location, students were able to interact with people from the community, meet physical needs, and enjoy time with each other,” Masters said.

The Big Event originated at Texas A&M University in 1982. Today, the work by Texas A&M Aggies students is bigger than ever. It represents the nation’s largest one-day university student activity promoting community service. The 36^th annual Texas A&M event organizing on the College Station campus is set for March 24.

Over the years, similar events spread across the USA to reach schools like Virginia Tech, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Mississippi, Florida State University and Mississippi College.

MC students swept gym floors, washed vans at Mustard Seed and took on other community projects on January 20.

Mississippi College students first joined forces with Big Event schools five years ago. Community service remains one of the cornerstones of the mission of Mississippi College.

A total of 210 MC students participated this year. They also volunteered at the Methodist Children’s Home, Mission Byram and We Will Go Ministries in downtown Jackson.

The MC event was orchestrated by students on the Christian Development Leadership Team. Masters was impressed, and so were other leaders connected with the university’s Big Event in 2018. “We almost doubled in number from last year when 120 students participated.”