Hidden behind the Denny's building in front of the San Diego State trolley station is the Agape House, an inclusive outreach house for all SDSU students to utilize for support, faith, academics and much more.
SDSU Campus Pastor Darin Johnson is in charge of Agape House and has served in campus ministry for more than 10 years. His dedication to students and the Agape House shows as he engages students on issues of student poverty, activism and student fees.
Agape House is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for students to study or relax in the house's many open couches and comfy seats.
The house supports friendship in an open community of trust, offers hospitality, worship, spiritual growth, support for vocational discernment, leadership development, community service, recreation, small groups, retreats and cross-cultural immersion experiences according to its website.
"Everyone is really friendly, open, we are always eager to meet new people our main thing is to build community so I think that the students are looking for a place where they can find community and what they want in life," Agape House Program Assistant and Alpha Gamma Delta sister Jessica Marin said.
She has been with Agape House since January 2014 and has been part of the Agape House family ever since.
"What we have noticed is that when people usually find out about us it's through word of mouth," Marin said.
She says social media aspect helps in promoting events and keeping members updated on events, but most of the engagement is through friend referrals.
The space is unique in that it welcomes students from all different walks of life from graduate students to community volunteers. Agape House prides itself in the diversity and strength of its ministry and the volunteers that keep the programs running throughout the school year.
Upcoming Agape House events:
This semester, Agape House will host plenty of events for students to participate in this fall.
- Starting Wednesday, join Agape House for its weekly dinners at 6 p.m.
- Canyon cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 19
- Tuesday, Sept. 22 for the ELCA Night at the Padres
- Lutheran Social Services Walk to end Poverty on Saturday, Oct. 3
Apart from the many services it offers students its students such as free scantrons throughout the year, it also has many opportunities for students to volunteer to good causes.
Agape House partners up with the Third Avenue Charitable Organization to feed the homeless in downtown. Volunteers assist with meal preparation, serving and interacting with the guests.
The house knows that organizations on and off campus are looking for ways to give back to the community, which is why it always has opportunities available to volunteer even in the house's backyard.
Agape House has a rich garden in its backyard where it gets many of its veggies for the Wednesday night dinners. The garden is tended to by student volunteers and organizations that want to give back for using the Agape House space for its meetings. For more information or to get involved in the garden e-mail: farmtofaithsd@gmail.com or visit the Agape House.
Also, students can check regularly on the house's website for upcoming fall events the space has planned this semester.
To stay connected with Agape House events, dinners, volunteer opportunities and more, connect with the house on Facebook or their website for more up-to-date information.
