On Oct. 4, Trinity Western University students stepped out of classrooms and into neighbourhoods for the 2025 Day of Service—a vibrant initiative that marked the first partnership with local families since the pre-COVID Fall Workday in 2019. This year’s effort was more than a return to tradition; it was a powerful reminder of what happens when faith meets action.
Helping Hands
Through collaborations with local families, churches, and community organizations, students embodied the call of Hebrews 13:16—serving as Christ’s witnesses through loving deeds and practical care. From Langley to Maple Ridge, teams rolled up their sleeves for yard work, gardening, and even heavy digging. They helped move dirt for landscaping projects, assisted with home renovations, and tackled deep cleaning tasks—including bathrooms and carpets. Students raked lawns, trimmed plants, mowed, and organized garages and sheds. Others vacuumed a church sanctuary, washed windows, and power-washed walkways. In Langley, a group packed pre-made bags for the TWU pantry and organized shelves, while another team moved furniture to support refugee families. From sorting sheds and carrying branches to picking up garbage and cleaning walkways, every act reflected Christ’s love in action.
Impact by the Numbers
The heart of the day wasn’t just about tasks; it was about relationships and sharing Christ’s light through selfless acts, impacting nearby communities and for some, their own community. More than 40 students joined forces, contributing over 120 hours of service. Their efforts transformed homes, gardens, and community spaces, leaving behind not only cleaner rooms and trimmed lawns but also new and loving connections through true examples of what it is to humbly serve one another in the name of Jesus.
Stories of Joy & Growth
For many students, the Day of Service was deeply personal. Caiyi Ding reflected on Jesus' words, “. . . whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40b, NIV). She shared how serving others became a two-way blessing. Caiyi was especially moved by the prayer she participated in at the end of each service activity, saying, “I want to continue praying for the individuals I’ve served and for the people around me.”
Kylah, a first-time volunteer, described feeling “a pull in [her] heart” to join after praying for deeper community. Her takeaway? Even simple things like cleaning can become fulfilling acts of worship when done with intention and prayer.
The student testimonials each reflect a different facet of the joy they experienced through volunteering. Netanya Castillo loved hearing the missionaries’ stories while Mojisola Ademulegun found joy in simply seeing the smiles on people’s faces. Shayla Black enjoyed talking with a church elder in one of the churches they served, learning about the history of the church, and Emma Baker found the camaraderie of all her fellow student volunteers particularly fulfilling.
Hosts Share Their Gratitude
Both those serving and those being served reflected on the day with a grateful perspective. Community hosts expressed heartfelt appreciation for the students’ energy and humility. Host Ines Montoya called the initiative “a meaningful expression of what it means to be Canadian,” adding that every act of giving reminded her of the joy of connecting with others. As a cheerful volunteer herself, she noted, “I’ve discovered that serving the community is not only a chance to grow personally but also a way to nurture my spiritual journey with God.”
A representative from Mountainview Alliance Church’s offered a hope-filled response to the students’ work and attitude, commenting, “If these young minds represent the future of our community, then I am full of encouragement!”
Others blessed by the day were taken aback at the outcome—like Wanda Davies, who marveled at how one team turned her overgrown garden into a beautiful space through hard work and willing, cheerful hearts.
More Than Service—A Movement
This year’s Day of Service was about much more than completing projects. Students prayed with families, listened to stories, and discovered that service without recognition can have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver. The day provided the students the opportunity to be living representatives of TWU’s mission and its vision, embodying the call to be godly Christian leaders who do what they do for the good of the world and the glory of God.
About TWU's Global Engagement Office
The Global Engagement Office (GEO) houses co-curricular programming that highlights international connections present on our main campus and campus sites as well as connections to short-term experiential service-learning opportunities around the world. Learn more at TWU's Global Engagement Office.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. TWU has its main campus in Langley, B.C. and campus sites in Richmond, B.C. and Ottawa, Ont. Learn more at twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact media@twu.ca.