Sophomore Abby Lorenz grew up serving.
She grew up in a Lutheran Church, volunteering at food pantries, food drives, rummage sails and serving with her family. The habit of service stuck with her as a kid.
After a middle school marching band performance, Lorenz and her team stopped for Chick-Fil-A. She had seen people on the street who needed food when they were in the city. She asked her teacher to take her downtown to officer it to them.
“I don’t have money to give them,” Lorenz said, “but here’s what I have if they want it.”
Taylor University has helped her continue serving others.
But she didn’t always think she would go to Taylor. For a while, she was set against it. After a 24 at Taylor visit, she thought it was a nice place, but she did not feel called.
But her admission counselor continued to reach out.
Lorenz felt God calling her to Taylor University, but she did not have the finances to enroll.
In the unknown, she continually relies on Proverbs 3:5-6.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (ESV)
She said this verse is about trust and leaning into that trust in God. People can let go of their plans and carry out God’s plans. In her own struggles, she is able to keep walking.
As she trusted, God provided. Through his provision, she was able to attend Taylor.
With a passion for health and wellness, Lorenz declared a major in nursing and a minor in preventative medicine, which will provide a wide selection of options after graduation.
Even before she enters the workforce, she is can apply her knowledge to her life. Preventative medicine can include exercising and eating well. This semester, she has been prioritizing sleep.
With her busy schedule, sleep can be hard to come by. This semester has been a season of growth for Lorenz, but she tries to lean into the uncomfortable.
This semester has been a season of growth for Lorenz. She encourages people to lean into the uncomfortable.
“That is where we learn and grow and expand and come out of our bubble and (be) challenged,” Lorenz said, “and that has been something that I have been working on this season of my life, is just leaning into that and breaking down walls I didn’t know I had and learning new things.”
No matter how busy she gets, Lorenz likes to stay in the moment. She prefers to be present with the people right in front of her over spending time on her phone.
Lorenz is as invested in service on campus as well. She serves as a Discipleship Assistant for the third floor of Paul and Barbara Gentile Hall, also known as Shiloh. She wants to cultivate a place of authenticity, belonging, community and joy.
“It has been nice being able to cultivate a space where people feel welcome and seen, and they can be authentically them,” Lorenz said, “and we’ve had lots of great conversations, and I love the girls there.”
Additionally, she is a leader at Carpenter’s Hands, a ministry interested in modeling Jesus’ physical labor to serve those around Him, and she regularly volunteers at Saint Martin Community Center, a soup kitchen and pantry in Marion.
There are many needs to be met in Upland, Lorenz said. Local churches like Upland Community Church, Exit and Pierce Church use their network to let students know who is in need. In response, students show up, whether that be to repair a leaking roof or to paint a house.
Through their words and actions, they get to share the Gospel with the people in their community, Lorenz said.
John 4:42 is the foundational verse for Carpenter’s Hands.
“They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.’” (ESV)
God’s perfect love is pointed to when people choose to love in both words and action.
“People can come to believe through what you share or through how you act, through how you love,” Lorenz said. “It (serving) makes a difference.”
She enjoys seeing regular visitors at the St. Martin Community Center as she is afforded opportunities to greet and get to know them.
Whether serving others or simply loving them, God is highlighted through ministry, Lorenz said. Christians are set apart, so they can live out the Gospel. People’s actions make a difference, she said.
