Hundreds of Columbia International University students spanned out across greater Columbia for the fourth annual RAMServe day on April 2. The Ram is the CIU mascot, but in this case, RAM stands for “Renewal Around the Midlands,” as the students took part in nearly 30 community service projects with several CIU professors lending a hand, as well.

For example, the students assisted the Wheeler Hill Neighborhood Association with landscaping at Maxey Gregg Park and the Lourie Senior Center; they cleared brush, painted, and sanded doors at the Victory Ranch ministry to the military in Eastover; and they painted a new apartment being renovated at Reconciliation Ministries in the St. Andrews area.

At Reconciliation Ministries, the harmonizing voices of three CIU female students could be heard through the open windows on Beatty Downs Road — singing hymns as they painted.

Among them was freshman Paris Acquah, a nursing major who told local media on the scene that serving takes many different forms.

“I love serving others, even nursing itself has a lot to do with serving … this shows me that serving can take so many different aspects of society — even painting. I love this experience,” Acquah said.

Reconciliation Ministries assists men with addictions through a residential recovery and discipleship program. Executive Director Ashley Arrington says the ministry has been a partner with CIU since the inception of RAMServe.  

“Volunteer days from RAMServe help us to serve our community at a greater capacity,” Arrington said.

CIU senior Jack Horchler says his favorite part of RAMServe was the community aspect.

“I enjoyed not only getting to serve God and build up His kingdom, but also the fellowship that my team and I shared,” said Horchler who performed yardwork for an elderly couple. “Many of the people on my team I already knew well, which created a very uplifting work environment for me as we joyfully completed the jobs that were asked of us.”

A group of 10 students spruced up the yard of a senior citizen named Jerry in Southeast Columbia. They were led by campus security officer Gregory Winley. After finishing, they prayed with Jerry for his family and his neighborhood.

"We couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and fulfillment participating in this project, and the drive home had us already discussing future volunteer ideas," said senior Brandon Lee.    

By late afternoon, the students returned to campus for dinner and a “block party” on CIU’s Quad. 

The event boasted a variety of festivities, including three food trucks, a bouncy house and a water slide. 

Student Ian Paladino, who helped organize the after event, said there was something for everyone at the celebration, adding, “It's so refreshing to see the student body uniting together to enjoy an event that we worked hard to facilitate."

Check out the local media reports on RAMServe from News 19 WLTX and ABC Columbia WOLO (note how reporter Alex Tejada ends the report and the reaction from meteorologist John Farley!).

Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Apply now or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.