Congressman Zach Wamp spoke at Southern Adventist University on Thursday to encourage students to take part in Southern's annual Community Service Day, which falls on April 18 this year.
"This is a difficult day in the world," Congressman Wamp said, making reference to the suicide bomber who struck in Israel on Wednesday, killing 19 and wounding dozens.
"What we need in the world today is reconciliation. All the other gifts are going to come as we are reconciled."
"You ought to ask yourself, 'What makes me get out of bed in the morning?' If it's a dedication to service, then you'll be satisfied, you'll be happy. If it's to have a big house, to have lots of money, you'll never be satisfied."
"Reconciliation is needed right here in this community," Congressman Wamp
said. "We can do it in Collegedale. We can do it in Chattanooga. We can do it in East Tennessee. God bless your decisions."
Southern Adventist University has held Community Service Day each year since 1994. Each year, students are given the day off from classes so that they can team up with the Center for Nonprofits in helping with the needs of the Greater Chattanooga area, such as caring for children, cleaning parks and tutoring.
Robyn Kerr, public relations director for Southern's Student Association, asked for students to take part in the event.
"Our theme this year is the
Gospel in Work Boots," Ms. Kerr said. "We feel that follows along with what Congressman Wamp was talking about- Christians following Christ's model of service."
Brandon Nudd, the Student Association president and a former intern of the Congressman, said that it was important for a well-known figure from the community to endorse service.
"From my time in working with Congressman Wamp I learned what it's like to have service be a mission statement in your life," Mr. Nudd said.