Motivated by Jesus’ teachings and a desire to give back to the community, TWU Local Outreach teams seek to serve nearby neighbourhoods in practical and relational ways.
During the 2024-25 academic term, 54 students volunteered more than 1,150 hours through weekly Local Outreach teams and Day of Service projects—building friendships and contributing meaningfully beyond campus.
Volunteering across the city
Heewon, a member of Local Outreach, recounts how students had the opportunity to step beyond campus and serve across the city. “It has been really special to come alongside organizations that have been faithfully loving and serving people for years," Heewon said, "We learned so much just by being present and listening.”
Heewon explains that each week teams served in different areas—with kids, youth, university students, and those experiencing homelessness. Teams partnered with local organizations, such as Surrey Urban Mission, where they helped prepare meals and had simple but meaningful conversations with community members who came in.
"We are thankful for every relationship built, every story shared, and every moment we got to be part of what God is already doing in our city."
Becoming a people shaped by Jesus
“A lot of what we did was not flashy,” Heewon said, adding, “It was just showing up, being consistent, and creating space for people to feel known and cared for.”
“More than just running events or serving for a moment, we have been learning to become people shaped by Jesus. People who make space for others, who care for our community, and who keep walking closely with God in every part of life.”
Conversing about faith and life
Nina coordinated an Alpha program, which provided a community that fostered an openness to learning about Christianity and asking deep life questions. Weekly meetups featured a video and discussion, where people could share honest questions, listen to one another, and learn about Christianity together.
Nina remembers talking about life purpose with the group. The conversation was around what they would do if they each had one week to live. She especially recalls one participant who “challenged our whole table by saying that he didn’t believe God existed, and that if he had one week to live, he would just do whatever he wanted.” Nina and the group valued hearing his perspective, along with each member’s perspective.
“To me, that represents what Alpha is—everyone coming together to talk about life, no matter what their background is,” Nina summarized. “[When] I saw all of that, I thought, ‘That is what we are all about.’”
Welcoming children and families
Naomi coordinated the Children’s Ministry that served kids from diverse backgrounds, with many from immigrant families. Wherever the children are from, they are embraced by TWU students on the Children’s Ministry team, who spent time playing, leading worship songs, and teaching about Jesus in ways that young learners could understand and enjoy.
Naomi explains, “After we do our Bible story, I try to ask questions to see what they picked up from the story.” She noticed growth and increased confidence in the kids, “At the beginning of the year, no one would say anything, and I would have to read the story again. But over the past couple of weeks, they’ve started to share details from the stories on their own.”
Seeing change and growth
Through the Youth Extreme ministry, TWU students spent Friday nights with local youth, including youth from First Nations communities and youth living in challenging situations. “We simply created a safe space for them to have fun, connect with leaders, and experience love without conditions,” the team shared.
Noah, who coordinated the Youth Extreme ministry recalls the time he witnessed a change in one of the youth. “One of the girls is very sarcastic—not a troublemaker, but definitely sassy,” he describes. “There was a moment where she really wanted to do an activity with me specifically, which was really cool because that never would have happened at the beginning of the year.” This change in her helped Noah see the positive difference that friendship and trust could make. “Honestly, it is the little things like that,” he said, thinking of the growth among the youth.
Heewon agrees: “Looking back, this year reminded us that ministry is really about people—about showing up consistently, listening well, and loving like Jesus did. We are thankful for every relationship built, every story shared, and every moment we got to be part of what God is already doing in our city.”
Small acts of kindness
Tonny, who led the Urban Homelessness ministry also experienced how small acts of kindness can make a big impact. She recalls, “One of the guests shared how grateful he was for our presence. He said we made him feel visible and seen.”
That comment helped Tonny recognize the difference she and other students were making. “Honestly, we did not know if it was worth it at times,” she shared, “but in that moment, it felt like we were part of something meaningful, and that the guests were truly being cared for.”
The Local Outreach teams attest that they have seen so much growth throughout this year, not only in the people they served but also in themselves as volunteers.
Student volunteers stepped outside of their comfort zones to initiate conversations, build friendships, and engage in challenging situations with care. They listened with genuine openness, prayed with people, prepared and served meals, hosted games, helped out in a multitude of ways, and provided the simple gift of presence.
Learning patience and persistence
Although there were many positive stories, many of the encouraging moments happened only after time, patience, and persistence.
Heewon talks about the walk of faith that students experienced through Local Outreach. “This year taught us that ministry is often slow and unseen,” she says. “There were weeks we wondered if what we were doing made any difference. But we kept showing up, trusting that God was working even when we could not see it.”
Slowly but surely, the students saw their patience bear fruit. “In time, we saw connection happen,” says Heewon. “Not because of what we did, but because God was already moving in people’s hearts. He is always working!”
In addition to serving in the communities around the Greater Vancouver area, Local Outreach teams dedicated a special Day of Service in the fall to serve on campus and in the Langley community.
Caring for those around us
In addition to serving across Greater Vancouver, students, staff, and alumni joined together for a fall Day of Service focused on the Langley community. They created Christmas cards with local kids, raised funds for vulnerable families, and packed care packages for those experiencing homelessness.
The group divided into teams to plant trees, hand out hot chocolate, and do simple acts of kindness “It was a day to love, serve, and give back in practical ways,” Heewon summarized. “Through small actions, we had the opportunity to care for others, build connections, and reflect Christ’s heart to our neighbours.”
Several students who participated in the Day of Service shared their purpose and experience. Abigail commented, “I wanted to show God’s love to others. I enjoyed making little cards to go in the packages. I learned that working with a team helps things get done faster—God calls us to unity.”
Joy in making a difference
“I wanted to give back to the community by helping with care packages,” Amy reflected. “I felt joy knowing the packages would go to people who really need them. Volunteering brings me joy, and I want to keep serving others.”
Annah remarked that she enjoyed writing cards to encourage others and packaging gifts, “I learned how even a little time on a Saturday can make a big impact.”
About TWU's Global Engagement Office
The Global Engagement Office (GEO) houses co-curricular programming that highlights international connections present on our campuses as well as connections to short-term experiential service-learning opportunities locally and 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. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.