OCEAN HILLS, CA (January 8, 2010) – Westmont College sophomore Robyn Bickerton was committed to living with her school roommate, Kim, who had just been diagnosed with cancer. Kim had decided she needed to live off campus while undergoing treatment and continuing to pursue her education.

But the young women knew their move would need to take place during finals week and that they would need significant help – both to make the physical move and to help furnish their new residence.

That is when Ocean Hills Covenant Church in Santa Barbara, California, stepped in to help. Bickerton attends the church while away from her home congregation, Hope Center Covenant Church in Pleasant Hill, California.

When Ocean Hills leadership learned of the situation from a Hope Center member, they invited Bickerton to share the need with the rest of the church. A week before Christmas, congregation members provided furnishings and helped move the students to their new residence. In the accompanying photo, Kim is seated in the center of the sofa with Robyn at right, both surrounded by Ocean Hills volunteers.

Ocean Hills Pastor Jon Ireland says he was inspired by the congregation’s eagerness to help, adding, “And I am reminded that when God’s people get their hearts touched, you usually see the response in generous living and giving.”