Three years ago, about this time, many of us were searching for answers. Some were asking, “What happened?” Some asked, “Is my home okay?” Many asked, “Where is the help?” A small group of us here in Clemson asked (along with many throughout the world), “How do I help?”

The answer then was for a group called Clemson Wesley to plan four trips to the area to help. We didn’t know quite what we’d be doing or even where we’d end up. One year later, a group of five of us asked this question again. The answer was to begin Tigers Go. These three years have come and gone since Katrina rolled over the Gulf Coast and we’re still asking the same question – “How do I help?"

This question doesn’t come out of some sense of obligation. This question isn’t birthed from a civic calling. This question is one we ask because we, as followers of Jesus, know that this is our calling when we see people who need our help.

As Tigers Go enters its third year of ministry, the question and answer remain the same. We exist to help others in need because we seek to follow the Way of Jesus. We don’t exist to repair homes. We don’t exist to shovel mud. We don’t exist even to paint walls. We exist to love people who need love. If repairing their home, shoveling mud, or painting walls accomplishes that – awesome! If not, then we’d better get creative.

Somewhere in the past two years since Tigers Go began, I’ve slowly forgotten the Rev. Lane Glaze’s story that ends, “It’s not about the toilet.” I, like many, sometimes focus too much on the numbers, the paint, the sheetrock, and the work. I forget that the reason we exist – no matter if we’re in New Orleans, Clemson, or elsewhere – is to love people who need love.

We’re entering our third year with a renewed focus. As our new logo may suggest, we believe in light (hence the sun). Just as Jesus brings light to the deep dark depths of our soul, if we are seeking to follow Him, our job is to bring light into places of darkness right here. It doesn’t matter where any of us are; our calling is to shine a bit of heaven into places that look more like hell. Where Tigers Go ends up in the future may change just as the wind blows, but our calling is forever. It’s not a calling Tigers Go has. It’s a calling God has for each and every one of us.

I’d love for you to join Tigers Go as we seek to be a tool to empower students (of all ages) to love others in need. To borrow a metaphor from a great mentor – no matter what “tools” you have in your “toolbox”, our calling remains the same. Be love. Be light. Be children of God seeking and longing day after day to follow the risen Lord!

Grace and peace to you,

Chris
Executive Director

P.S. Later this fall, we’ll have a series in our e-newsletters exploring more about what Tigers Go is and why we do what we do. Be on the lookout for this and, as always, feel free to invite anyone and everyone to join us on the journey.