Carrying boxes and bags to a freshman's dorm room might be the least of a new student's challenges upon beginning his college career.
Soma, a newly-formed, faith-based organization at Lincoln University, greeted new and returning students at Dawson Hall on Saturday to help with move-in or directions. The volunteers hope to build relationships that will support students through the other challenges.
"It's just to bless them," said Jon Nelson, executive director. "We're intentionally going to spend time, to let you know you are valued."
The volunteer effort drew from several local denominations and hopes it is the first of many activities to connect the community with the campus.
"There is a need on campus," Nelson said.
Helping with move-in day is the first of several Blessing Projects throughout the semester.
"There are no strings attached," Nelson said. "We're saying, "Jesus loves you.'"
Another Blessing Project planned for this fall to address that is an "Ask Anything Session," where local pastors will fill a panel for students to ask questions and hear honest answers, Nelson said.
Nelson converted from atheist to Christian at age 22. He immediately got involved as small group leader and later young professionals pastor.
This generation is highly skeptical and wants deep answers and conversations, he said.
"What I've learned about the college age is nothing will stop them when they grasp who Jesus is and what he did," Nelson said.
Many congregations in the city have a presence on the campus or have members who would like to be more involved there. Soma creates a vehicle where those with that like-minded mission can set aside their other differences and serve together.
Soma does not proselytize, rather they help match students to churches, based on their preferences.
"We're not competing; I see us more as a condiment to what's going on in the community," Nelson said.
Nelson also hopes that as local churches and the campus become more acquainted, it will benefit the university and community relationship, as well.
From the community, Nelson asks that people pray for their work, donate so the organization does not become a burden on Lincoln and join Soma's activities.
Nelson came to Jefferson City after seminary as a pastoral resident at Concord Baptist Church.
His mother is a Lincoln graduate, and he had childhood memories of the campus, too, he said. So, he joined the Concord Baptist Association's work on campus.
As his two-year residency ended, Nelson said he felt his work at Lincoln was not done.
This fall, five Gospel community groups, led by volunteers from the community and from the campus, will form small groups for social and spiritual support.
Although Soma will function similarly to the association's program, it will have a different flavor, he said.
Unlike some church structure, where the group looks to a professional to do the work, Soma empowers all members, the word literally means "body" in Greek.
Soma is the most frequently used word for the church in the New Testament, Nelson said. Following 1 Corinthians 12, each member will find his abilities and use them for the kingdom of God, he said.
"Students want somebody who cares, who's willing to pour into them and empower them," Nelson said.