by Charis Marshal, Student Public Relations Writer
On weekday afternoons in Springfield, Ohio, the sound of school bells gives way to laughter, homework questions and the squeak of basketball shoes. By the time students begin filing into H.O.P.E. Ministries’ after-school programs, Cedarville University sophomore Grace Anderson is already there, ready to listen, encourage and serve.
Cedarville Sophomore Grace Anderson Serves Springfield Youth
While many college students seek on-campus jobs, Anderson, a sophomore biblical studies major from Elkhart, Indiana, chooses to invest her time in ministry work that reaches beyond the university. Since October, she has worked alongside 17 other Cedarville students who serve at H.O.P.E. Ministries, a faith-based organization that provides after-school care and mentorship for children from low-income families in the Springfield area.
Ark of HOPE and Rock of HOPE After-School Programs Explained
H.O.P.E. Ministries serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade through two after-school programs. Ark of HOPE meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays for elementary students, while Rock of HOPE serves middle and high school students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Anderson works primarily with the students in the Rock of HOPE program.
“Being at Cedarville is awesome, but it also can be a bubble,” said Anderson. “A lot of students don’t have names of people who don’t know Jesus that they can pray for. Going to the Rock has helped keep me grounded. It’s nice to be around other Christians all the time on campus, but there’s such sweet ministry when you can talk to someone who doesn’t know about Jesus.”
H.O.P.E. Ministries Supports Low-Income Youth and Partners With Juvenile Detention Centers
The programs draw youths from schools and neighborhoods in the Springfield area, many of whom are from low-income households. H.O.P.E. Ministries also partners with the juvenile detention centers in Clark, Montgomery and Greene counties.
Cedarville Students Provide Homework Help, Activities and Mentorship
From 3:15 to 5:45 p.m., students enjoy structured hangout spaces, games, an art room, a computer room and basketball courts. Cedarville student workers help plan activities, offer academic support and meet basic needs by providing food and a welcoming environment.
“It’s neat to meet physical needs and spiritual needs,” said Anderson. “Sometimes, you can’t even talk about Jesus, but you get to show love in way where they can hopefully see Jesus in me. That’s my prayer.”
Ministry Devotions Share the Gospel During Program Hours
While Cedarville students do not initiate faith conversations unless asked, the ministry maintains its spiritual foundation. Bethany Birkhead, co-director of H.O.P.E. Ministries, leads a 15-minute devotional during program hours in which she presents the gospel.
“We know each child and teen has been made in the image of God and has God-given potential,” said Birkhead. “We meet kids where they are at to give them an oasis in the midst of a lot of pain. Just this past year, we've had close to 200 kids walk through our doors, and six kids gave their lives to the Lord.”
Founded more than 30 years ago, H.O.P.E. Ministries has partnered with Cedarville University for the past decade. Since the group of student workers is not an official student organization, most students learn about the opportunity through word of mouth and personal connections.
“I would encourage everyone at Cedarville to be in a ministry where they are around people who don’t yet know Jesus,” said Anderson. “It reminds you of the urgency of the gospel. The world needs Jesus. Springfield needs Jesus.”
For more information about H.O.P.E. Ministries and its after-school programs, visit www.1hope4u.org/.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
