Cover Story by Jon Bryant "Is your experience at Multnomah preparing you to deal with the needs of the poor?"

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Cover Stories | Send mail to The Voice Poll reflects student involvement with the poor In an impromptu survey, 20 Multnomah Bible College students were asked, "Have you been involved in any effort to relieve the suffering of the poor in the past year?" and "Is your experience at Multnomah preparing you to deal with the needs of the poor in our world?" Sixteen students said they had been involved in some relief activity over the past year. The efforts ranged from constructing a medical building in Mexico to offering spare change to those on the street. Amanda Feaver, a junior, distributed groceries at Waterfront Park last summer while working with Credo. Four students financially support organizations such as Compassion International and World Vision. Junior Anna Atkinson works with Potter's Clay at the Jericho House, an inner-city ministry. "This is the third year I've done it," she said. "I hang out with the kids, take them to basketball games and have them spend the night at the dorm." Senior Lana Stevenson worked downtown fall semester. "I worked with homeless kids, feeding them and building relationships with them," she said. Some students said the MCO day of outreach was their primary exposure to others' physical needs. Students differed as to the second question regarding Multnomah preparing them to meet the needs of the poor. "We don't have any interaction with them," Feaver said. "I don't think you can meet any person's spiritual needs without meeting their physical needs." "There is a lack of exposure to the needs of the world," junior Dave Odell said. "We are white and upper-middle class. We buy $150 books. We spend thousands on flowers and wood cut plaques to decorate our buildings. As long as we value these things we show we are not really valuing the needs of the poor." Chris Chambers, a senior at the time of the interview, offered a different perspective. "I have learned to study my Bible, which tells me to help the poor," he said. Thirteen students gave a mixed response to Multnomah's preparation. Carlos Valasquez, a senior, said, "Scripturally, yes. Practically, no." Most students agreed. "At Multnomah, we don't meet the needs of the poor directly, maybe indirectly," senior Brenda Bellamy said. Senior Jessica Feil said, "Definitely not. Wait, I take that back. Dr. Harper's class has opened my eyes to the church's responsibility. But people don't come here to learn how to support the needy." Junior Kelly Bryant said, "Multnomah is broadening our perspective to needs that are out there. You have to decide whether or not you will put your knowledge into action." Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Cover Stories | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2001 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.