CSU Spreads Love Monday, February 14, 2011 By Senior Molly Long Members of CSU visited the residents at The Village and gave them cookies for Valentine's Day. - Advertising On Friday, February 11, members of Christian Students United got together to spread a little Valentine’s Day love to the residents of the Village in Cameron. This is the second year they have passed out Valentines at the Village, and it has become a very important activity for the members. This year, they also decided to get together and watch the movie To Save a Life. “I definitely enjoyed getting the opportunity to visit the residents and giving them cookies. They were already happy just seeing our faces, but they absolutely lit up when we presented our little gift to them. It brought a smile to their faces and to mine. Giving really is more rewarding,” said CSU Secretary Pauline Santos. Junior Braiden Van Brunt agreed with Pauline. “The feeling you get is awesome, especially seeing their faces light up,” he said. “Some of them didn’t want their cookies, but they did like seeing the people who come to visit them. We do it to spread the love around Valentines Day. It’s what Jesus did. Anything He would do, He did with love.” “A lot of the older people were very appreciative just that somebody came and saw them. I don’t think they care if it’s a holiday or not, they just like talking to the kids and the cookies were just a bonus,” said CSU Sponsor Derek Williams. “The group tries to provide services as much as possible for the community, especially for the groups that are sometimes over looked, so it’s just something we started last year and has become a tradition.” After the CSU members were done passing out Valentines at the Village, they went to the First Assembly of God Church in Cameron to watch To Save a Life, which had a great impact on the members. “The movie is about a teenager named Jake who seems to have everything he could ever ask for: captain of the basketball team, acceptance to the college of his dreams, and the girl every guy wants. He was all about partying and popularity, but he was also on the road to destruction. When Roger, his estranged ex-friend, shows up to school and shoots himself, Jake finds himself questioning what he really wants in life and eventually turns to God,” Pauline said. “To Save A Life is a wonderful movie that shows how God can really help you if you seek Him. It deals with real-life problems such as depression, teen pregnancy, suicide, divorce and more. It proves that life is obviously not perfect in the least bit, but God will always be there for you and never gives you more than you can handle. One of the messages it portrays is how the way we treat others can really affect someone. I am really glad we were able to see this movie because school is probably one of the main places where you see people treating each other poorly, so hopefully those who did watch were able to learn something.” Braiden also thought the movie did a good job of portraying the problems teenagers face. “The movie was very touching. Some people feel alone, and that movie shows that you’re never alone, even when you feel like you are. There is always somebody who can help you, whether it be God or one of your friends. You’re never alone,” he said. CSU continues to spread the love of God with every activity they sponsor. Their next project will be an Easter Egg hunt with residents of area group homes, where they are sure to have a blast.

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