Faith Angels making a difference in the community

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

MARBLE FALLS — Wanting service and deeper friendships to be part of the experience at Faith Academy of Marble Falls, Academic Director Amy Cozby created the Faith Angels.

The Angels group, which began two years ago, consists of upperclassmen girls who mentor the underclassmen and support the activities at the academy.

But they don’t stop there.

The Angels have reached out to the community to volunteer their time. One organization they help is Joseph’s Pantry, a food bank located in Granite Shoals that is open to anyone.

That partnership happened thanks to first-year Faith Administrator Joseph Rispoli and other Faith staff members, who met with Mary Lou and Roy Guerrero, the founders of the pantry.

The couple said they needed volunteers to help distribute goods each Tuesday afternoon to those who are in need and expressed excitement when the Angels stepped in.

To Rispoli, this partnership demonstrates what the Angels are all about.

“It truly is better to give than receive,” he said. “(The Angels) get the opportunity to serve others and minister to those who are in need. They get blessed by being fortunate enough (to have) the opportunity to serve those in need. It is a blessing to serve others, and we know they feel that way.”

The academy is committed to serving the community, the Faith administrator said, and are constantly seeking ways to help.

“It’s one thing to talk about ministry,” he said, “it’s another thing to live it out. We want to be known for who we are by what we do, not just what we say.”

While the Angels have added the pantry to their commitments, they continue to perform the same tasks on campus. They are prayer partners with teachers, and each Angel has a little “sister” at the school. The two spend one day a week together, eating lunch or going to a school event. And the Angels make goodie bags for their classmates in extra-curricular activities and often serve as greeters to welcome opponents to campus.

To Cozby, serving others has strengthened the friendships on campus and enhanced student life.

“As these girls work with younger girls, support their friends and teachers, and step out into the community, they exhibit character traits and a work ethic that positively affects our campus and our community,” she said. “Other students, staff and adults see these girls taking on additional responsibilities for the sole purpose of promoting an attitude of Christ-like servanthood, which then makes them want to do the same.”   

jfierro@thepicayune.com