“Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Recently, the state of Iowa experienced a severe tornado outbreak. 27 tornados were reported across the state. Several towns had significant damage. Several people were injured, but thankfully no deaths were reported. The damage went across farms, neighborhoods, and homes. The storms only took a few moments to do their damage. The cleanup will take a long time.
Marshalltown, Iowa experienced a tremendous amount of the damage. The people of Marshalltown were hard at work cleaning up. Thankfully the Iowa State Football Team decided they needed to not practice and convinced their coaches to travel from Ames to Marshalltown to help. The entire team loaded up on buses with their coaches to lend some much-needed muscle.
The team spent the day helping with every project they could. They cleared limbs, removed debris. They removed furniture and belongings from damaged homes. The 85 members of the team and coaches provided great help and a boost for the people of this community
Helping in Marshalltown was the idea of the team seniors. They felt it was the right thing to do since the event happened so close to the university. They could not see themselves practicing while others were needing so much help. The Iowa State football team motto is, “Give more of ourselves than we take from the whole.”
The Iowa State Football Team lived up to their motto that day in Marshalltown. While other football teams were preparing for the upcoming season, the Cyclones were giving time and effort to help make the lives of the people of Iowa better.
Each of us have the ability to make a difference. It starts when we look beyond ourselves to the needs of the people around us.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
