Spring Break 2008 Trips

Applications due February 15, 2008

Campus Crusade Sunshine – Chicago, IL.  Join Sunshine Gospel Ministries in their “passion to see the gospel of Jesus Christ lived out in the inner-city community through word and deed ministry among the poor.  To do this it is absolutely essential that we build bridges across racial, economic, and geographic lines.”  The ministry seeks to build relationships and “minister to the whole family through the use of technology classes, tutoring, Bible studies, youth outreach services, and sports ministry.”  Spend time listening to people’s stories as well as learning about serving the poor.  You will have the opportunity for hands on work in places from Chicago neighborhoods to the ministry’s after-school program, as well as traveling around the city of Chicago!  http://sunshinegospel.org/

Christian Endeavor – Beards Fork, WV.   Looking to equip youth to change the world for Christ, Christian Endeavor is now looking to also pair with college students to do the same.  “Join the oldest and largest youth-led movement” in working on construction projects in the beautiful state of West Virginia to build and repair homes.  Also, you will get to spend time examining what it means to be a Christian servant and leader.  http://www.christianendeavor.com/

Haft – New Albany, PA. The Haft ministry has traditionally taken the "homeless, hopeless and helpless" into a caring family atmosphere by a homesteading style of living. This includes practicing good conservation (wise use of resources), planning daily activities (know God's purposes), and learning new ways to improve the quality of life (re-creation). We are looking for volunteers to come to the Haft to assist with the many tasks of the ministry, such as gardening, building repair, and maintenance, as well as cutting and splitting firewood. The Haft is dependent on the garden for food and on firewood to heat buildings and domestic hot water. Preparing enough firewood is a top priority.  There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy as you live a simple way of life, away from the fast-paced, technology-filled life that is full of distractions.  If you’re interested in spending time in a serene mountainous area while acquiring a new awareness of God through re-creating experiences, if you’re wanting to experience the freedom and fullness of God's love, then let the Haft welcome you into its community.    http://www.thehaft.org/

Koinonia – Americus, GA.  Looking for an intentional community experience? Koinonia is an intentional community that was founded in 1942 in the state of Georgia. With an enduring commitment to “peacemaking, radical sharing, and brother/sisterhood among people,” Koinonia has a rich history marked by “civil rights and racial reconciliation efforts, youth and teen outreach, language training, sustainable agriculture, and affordable housing.” (FYI: Habitat for Humanity got its start here under the name Koinonia Partnership Housing!) Koinonia truly has an abundance of service activities and projects to be involved in, and those on this service trip can expect to work in the Georgian sunshine on the Koinonia Pecan Farm amongst other great activities. There is so much to say about the Koinonia Community that it is best you visit their website and see for yourself the amazing ministry that you can be a part of! http://www.koinoniapartners.org/

The Master’s Mission – Robbinsville, NC.  Making trailers.  Working on a saw mill and water systems. Painting. Digging foundations. Road work. The training base of The Master’s Mission is a 1500 acre tract of property that is in need of this such handiwork and more! Located in a North-Carolinian stretch of the Great Smokey Mountains, The Master’s Mission (TMM) is an organization that aims to train and send missionaries for a lifetime of service. The organization supports over 25 missionary families that are scattered all over the globe. TMM missionaries currently serve in places such as Mexico, Kazakhstan, India, Romania, Israel, and Kenya. In addition to all your hard work, you will be given the opportunity to interact with some missionaries that are staying at TMM.  Considerable amounts of elbow grease will be required of you, but you will be able to leave with the satisfaction of knowing that your service will ultimately have implications far beyond your wildest dreams in places far beyond. http://www.mastersmission.org/

Mountain T.O.P. – Altamont, TN.  With its sincere concern for the poor and needy in the Appalachia community, Mountain T.O.P. facilitates interaction with local families and community service agencies in order to help physically serve families whose homes are neglected or run-down.  Students on this trip will also get to help prepare the agency for its yearly summer youth programs, which bring about 1,500 youth and leaders to the facility.  Finally, because it is set in the picturesque and wild country of Appalachia, Mountain T.O.P. is the ideal spot for nature enthusiasts or outdoorsy types.  Students will be provided with some time to explore the local state parks and other outdoor attractions at their own leisure.  For those interested in working hard, but also being able to enjoy some time in the great outdoors, this is the trip for you!  http://mountain-top.org/

Presbytery of Mississippi Disaster Recovery (PDA) - Long Beach, MS.  Previous fall and spring breaks, teams of students and faculty from Messiah were sent down to New Orleans to work with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in response to Hurricane Katrina.  This spring break, another team will be sent to continue that response in Mississippi.  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance enables college students to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic events.  While thinking through questions about the definition and purposes of service teams, you will also aid in the ongoing work of restoration in the southern United States. Be prepared to get dirty (and sunburned)!  http://www.mspresbyterianrecovery.org/

Pittsburgh Project – Pittsburgh, PA. Join with other students from across the country and those from the Pittsburgh Project to work in bettering the homes of the elderly and disabled.  The Pittsburgh Project is focused on building homes, and relationships, with individuals and families in the larger community of the city.  If you are interested in home-repair and making some cross-cultural friendships, this service trip is for you. Also, hear veteran urban youthworker, Bart Campolo who is the founder and chaplain of Mission Year.  You will also be given an evening to enjoy the local sights the city has to offer. Immerse yourself in Pittsburgh, and immerse yourself in service. http://pittsburghproject.savvior.com/index.php

Rescue Mission – Syracuse, NY. Hoping to minister to the whole person, the Rescue Mission at Syracuse does many a fine thing. Last year, they provided shelter for an average of 107 men per night. They served 208,246 meals to hungry people. They also had 355 men and women use their vocational services. And that is just the tip of the iceberg when discussing all the essential, faith-based services that the Rescue Mission provides to the homeless and hurting of Central New York. A self-proclaimed core value of the Rescue Mission is knowing that the gospel of Jesus Christ transforms lives. If you know this too, live it out by being a part of this important ministry. You may give only a cup of water, you may give more, but regardless you will be giving. And wasn’t it Jesus who said “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” and that  “…Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me”?  Jesus is waiting for you in Syracuse. Give to Him there. http://www.rmsyr.org/Home/Main_Page.htm

Urban Discipleship Center – Bronx, NY.   A ministry of the Brethren-in-Christ church, this evangelistic focused agency is tirelessly committed to training college students for mission and ministry callings. For this week in New York City, students will visit various inner-city churches, will hear from special speakers from local ministries, and will serve in a variety of settings such as soup kitchens, after-school programs, and warehouses. Some time for sight-seeing around town will be available, but trip participants should be prepared for a powerful week of learning about urban areas and the reasons behind why their residents experience so much hardship.  This should be a really enriching and broadening experience for those with a heart for cities.      http://www.bic-church.org/wm/Bronx.htm

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J-Term Break 2008 Trips

Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity – Franklin, WV Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing ministry with work sites all over the United States and abroad. The aim of the ministry is to have volunteers build and renovate homes for those in need, thereby creating “homeownership opportunities.” HFH works closely with potential homeowners so as to prepare them for the duties and responsibilities of owning a home and requires that the future homeowners help with the construction of their future home – “Sweat Equity,” they call it! Be a part of this amazing ministry in Franklin, West Virginia. You can expect to be wielding a hammer, installing some dry wall, or painting if you join this service trip. You can also expect to be making a difference in someone’s life by making their dream of owning a home a reality.   www.habitat.org

Haft – New Albany, PA. The Haft ministry has traditionally taken the "homeless, hopeless and helpless" into a caring family atmosphere by a homesteading style of living. This includes practicing good conservation (wise use of resources), planning daily activities (know God's purposes), and learning new ways to improve the quality of life (re-creation). We are looking for volunteers to come to the Haft to assist with the many tasks of the ministry, such as gardening, building repair, and maintenance, as well as cutting and splitting firewood. The Haft is dependent on the garden for food and on firewood to heat buildings and domestic hot water. Preparing enough firewood is a top priority.  There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy as you live a simple way of life, away from the fast-paced, technology-filled life that is full of distractions.  If you’re interested in spending time in a serene mountainous area while acquiring a new awareness of God through re-creating experiences, if you’re wanting to experience the freedom and fullness of God's love, then let the Haft welcome you into its community.    http://www.thehaft.org/

New York City Relief – New York City, NY.   New York City Relief is looking to meet people basic needs by connecting with “the poor, oppressed, and addicted with a path toward help and hope.”  One way they do this is through The Relief Bus.  “The Relief Bus, a converted school bus, is equipped with a food service unit and a counseling/referral office.”  It “is like a bridge linking those in need to life-changing resources including individuals with time, compassion, and funds.  The benefit of being mobile is the ability to change locations as the population of homeless and substance abusers move to new areas.  It is wonderful to be able to bring real help to hurting people!”  You will help serve food, distribute clothing, and provide information about housing, jobs, etc. to anyone in need.  You may also have the opportunity to help serve a church in the community.   http://www.nycr.org/

Urban Promise – Camden, New Jersey. A myriad of activity surrounds this amazing ministry hub in Camden, New Jersey. A Fine Arts Program, a Single Father Program, an After-school Program…these are just to name a few ways Urban Promise is a blessing to Camden. Going on this service trip you can expect to do some maintenance projects in some of the program faculties. But the main thing you will be doing is spending time with the children of the Urban Promise elementary school. Do be prepared to have lots affection and laughter handy, because the kids you work with will be clamoring for both. And also be prepared to have you heart, and your eyes, opened; as you serve with open hands.  http://www.urbanpromiseusa.org/

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Fall Break 2007 Trips

The Haft – New Albany, PA The Haft ministry has traditionally taken the "homeless, hopeless and helpless" into a caring family atmosphere by a homesteading style of living. This includes practicing good conservation (wise use of resources), planning daily activities (know God's purposes), and learning new ways to improve the quality of life (re-creation). We are looking for volunteers to come to the Haft to assist with the many tasks of the ministry. Assisting the staff with gardening, building repair, and maintenance, as well as cutting and splitting firewood would be helpful. The Haft is dependent on the garden for food and on firewood to heat buildings and domestic hot water. Preparing enough firewood is a top priority.  If you’re interested in acquiring a new awareness of God through re-creating experiences, if you’re wanting to experience the freedom and fullness of God's love, then let the Haft welcome you into its community.  www.thehaft.org

Habitat for Humanity – Franklin, WV Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing ministry with work sites all over the United States and abroad. The aim of the ministry is to have volunteers build and renovate homes for those in need, thereby creating “homeownership opportunities.” HFH works closely with potential homeowners so as to prepare them for the duties and responsibilities of owning a home and requires that the future homeowners help with the construction of their future home – “Sweat Equity,” they call it! Be a part of this amazing ministry in Franklin, West Virginia. You can expect to be wielding a hammer, installing some dry wall, or painting if you join this service trip. You can also expect to be making a difference in someone’s life by making their dream of owning a home a reality.   www.habitat.org

 

Urban Discipleship Center – Bronx, NY   A ministry of the Brethren-in-Christ church, this agency is tirelessly committed to training college students for mission and ministry callings. For this week in New York City, students will visit various inner-city churches, will hear from special speakers from local ministries, and will serve in a variety of settings such as soup kitchens, after-school programs, and warehouses. Some time for sight-seeing around town will be available, but trip participants should be prepared for a powerful week of learning about urban areas and the reasons behind why their residents experience so much hardship.  This should be a really enriching and broadening experience for those with a heart for cities.   http://www.bic-church.org/wm/Bronx.htm

 

Remote Area Medical (R.A.M.) Clinic – Grundy, VA   The Remote Area Medical (RAM) Volunteer Corps is a “non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world.” Volunteer doctors, nurses, pilots, veterinarians and support workers participate in expeditions in some of the world's most exciting places. Student volunteers from Messiah will assist in the weekend clinic operation, wherever there is need. The greatest expected need is in the vision clinic, where students will help with vision pre-testing. No prior experience is needed! We’ll teach you what you need to know! Students may also expect to help in the food preparation area, assist at the clinic registration table, attend to special needs patients, distribute water, and assist in the medical and dental areas. As the name Remote Area Medical implies, we will be working in a remote part of Appalachia where patients have no access to primary healthcare, or have no health insurance. Students will be staying at a campground, and should be mentally prepared to “rough it” a bit. Students can also expect some form of cross-cultural experience, and/or some sightseeing.  http://ramusa.org/