What first began as one of Southern Nazarene University students’ call to missions soon transformed into a ministry on campus, where many unsheltered individuals in downtown Oklahoma City have received not only supplies and food but an opportunity to discover the grace of God through faith and fellowship. This is all because of a passionate student-led club called OnMission.
Founded by Olivia Camp, OnMission began from a moment of inspiration. “I asked God if I should join a ministry or start one,” she recalls, though admitting she was only half-serious about the latter. “As soon as I asked, the idea came to my mind along with the verse Matthew 25:45, where Jesus warns, ‘Truly, I tell you, whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me.’” For Camp, His words really touched her heart. “I thought I wanted to live like Jesus.”
For Camp, her journey with OnMission has been life-changing. Even when faced with pessimism or hard times about the impact and the works of OnMission, Camp looks back to James 2:17 as a reminder: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” It is not enough to just believe; we need to put our faith into action.
Her inspiration and belief in her works have truly grown to have an incredible impact. In less than two full years, the club has grown from giving 50 sandwiches to nearly 450, each packed in gallon-sized bags filled with water bottles, snacks, and anything gifted by gracious donors. This year, they are fortunate enough to have enough Bibles, over 200, to hand out as well.
The past year has been incredible with so much community support, including a donation from Bethany First Church of the Nazarene before Thanksgiving of last year, with leftovers from their “Friendsgiving” celebration. That donation enabled a small group from OnMission to give a Thanksgiving dinner to many. Even some winter supplies like hats and hand warmers had been given. These contributions from the many have let OnMission do their best to extend the reach they have and further their impact in the community.
Despite this year only just beginning, OnMission continues to grow and grow. Their next outreach event is scheduled for January 26th at 3 p.m. Camp encourages students interested in joining this mission of service to contact her at onmissioncommision@gmail.com, and she will provide more information on how to get involved.
As OnMission continues to move into the new year, their goal remains in mind and in spirit: to continue their works in Jesus’ name, serve those in need, and share the gospel with those who truly seek it.
Photo by: Lyndsay Watson