SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — More than 130 Evangel University students, faculty, staff and alumni will be participating in service trips around the world during spring break. Eight groups will visit different countries, and three groups will travel stateside.
“After months of preparation and fundraising, our teams are anxious for their journeys to begin,” said All Fontaine, Global Connections and Crosswalk logistics coordinator. “While each trip will be unique, every participant is sure to experience culture, service, relationship and adventure.”
Kenya
- A team of 11 students and staff will travel to Kenya. Fontaine and senior Becca Jefferies will serve as trip sponsors. The group will work in Limuru Children’s Center, assist in a water well project and experience cultural activities such as a safari and bush camping.
India
- Nine students will travel to Mumbai and Delhi, India. They will be led by Dr. Rob Bartels, associate professor of international studies, and senior Samantha Jones. The team will engage in a Freedom Tour, focusing on the women and children of India. They also will experience the sights, sounds and history of Hindu and Indian cultures.
England
- A team of 13 students will travel to Birmingham, England, to serve in communities there. Jeremy Harris, assistant professor of computer science, Deborah Gehris, adult & graduate studies administrative assistant, and seniors Heath Jennings and Shelbi Frye will lead the team. They will partner with Sheldon Community Church to lead services and to host assemblies in local schools.
Greece
- A team of 20 students and staff will travel to Thessaloniki, Greece, to work in a university setting and to serve through the I-Heart Café. Dr. Steve Smallwood, assistant professor of biblical studies, and Lisa Tyson, assistant director of adult & graduate studies, will lead the team. Senior Natalie Cartwright will serve as student leader.
Belize
- A team of 13 will travel to Belize. Matt Stringer, associate professor of education, Shonna Crawford, assistant professor of education, and Michael Crawford, director of enrollment marketing, will lead nine education students as they provide training to teachers in the local schools and serve children in the community. Junior Katelyn Schmitt will serve as the student leader for the trip.
Germany
- A team of 12 students and staff will travel to Hamburg and Berlin, Germany. Becky Rhoades, associate professor of accounting, and junior Daylea Duvall will lead the business department trip. They will learn about international business and engage in cultural activities.
Ireland
- Jennifer Kent, adjunct faculty member, will lead a social work study trip to Dublin, Ireland. The group plans to attend social work courses at a local university, volunteer with The Salvation Army of Dublin and experience cultural activities.
Italy
- The EU music group, Heartsong, will travel to Rome, Italy. Dr. Bonnie Jenkins, professor of music and director for the group, and Doug Jenkins, director of CBC alumni and church relations, will travel with the group as they perform in schools and churches throughout Rome.
Three groups to travel within the United States:
New Orleans
- A group of six students will travel to New Orleans, La., to serve a local church. Jeremy Hahn, U.S. Missions staff member from the Assemblies of God, will lead the group. The trip is sponsored by the AG Missionary Church Planters and Developers National Office.
West Virginia
- The RAIN Impact Team, made up of 18 members, will serve the local church in Albans, W.V., through community service and ministry within the church. The trip sponsor is senior Jeremy Arnold, nonprofit business & social enterprise major and international studies minor.
Pennsylvania
- The Impact Team, Catalyst, will travel to various cities on the East Coast. The group is led by junior Katie Wightman-Oglesby and is sponsored by the church ministries department.
For additional information, contact Alli Fontaine at 417-865-2815, ext. 8526.