“;Auntie Barbara,”; associate pastor at City of Joy Assembly of God in Nanakuli, smiled quietly as more than 200 guests from the community received food and drinks donated by Hawaii Foodbank. Volunteers at the monthly event, including 25 students and two faculty members from Hawaii Baptist Academy, helped out in the food line and at the free clothing booth, provided entertainment and played with children as they waited for their parents.

However, people who came to the food distribution ministry received more than T-shirts, cans of Spam and cereal—volunteers also gave love and care. Auntie Barbara said, “;It's awesome. The students are such a blessing because they serve with their hearts. The families and children love them. It's so powerful, I was in tears.”; The students are motivated by the knowledge of how vital this ministry is to the families served. “;City of Joy really touches people's lives because it shows people that are often neglected that someone really does care about their well-being,”; said junior Jessica Ignacio, who was part of the worship team and helped with the food line.

Rob Lockridge, HBA campus minister, is thankful for the opportunity the ministry presents. “;City of Joy has helped us to remember that everyone is precious and special to God,”; said Lockridge. He added, “;It feels good to help people, but we always leave wishing we could do more. We leave with a hunger to help.”;

Many students share Lockridge's enthusiasm for the outreach. Junior Jennifer Masutani is a regular participant in the City of Joy ministry. She said, “;I think it really lets them know they are loved.”;

As part of the ministry, students sometimes play worship music and perform hula for those present. The students prepare weeks in advance and work for hours to perfect the worship service.

“;It's a lot of hard work, but it's all worth it in the end,”; said senior Ellison Iseri. “;To see them worship God and praising Him through our music is really moving.”;

In addition to meeting the people's spiritual needs, students are responding to visible physical needs as well. Lockridge described an encounter last Thanksgiving with a little, barefoot girl at the City of Joy free clothing booth. She desperately tried to fit her feet into sandals that were too small for her.

“;We never wanted to see that happen again,”; said Lockridge.

To that end, HBA is holding a schoolwide slipper drive, which has collected more than 650 pairs of slippers to date. The slippers will be passed out at the special City of Joy Thanksgiving Dinner, where a traditional turkey dinner will be served. HBA plans to bring a popcorn machine and an inflatable bounce house to add to the fun.

Although HBA students give a lot to the City of Joy ministry, they also get a lot out of serving. “;I enjoy going to City of Joy because I love to see the children,”; Masutani said. “;They have very little but they're always smiling. They're happy with what they have. It's humbling.”;