|
|
 |
|||||
|
|
MC Square | Search | |
||
|
|||||
|
Volume X, No. 1 August 2005 Parents Progress Archives Planning to Visit?
|
|
Experiencing new cultures through summer mission trips Filing off the plane after a 20-hour airconditioned trip, the Messiah College students and advisers gulped for their next breath as they stepped into the sweltering heat of the Philippines. At midnight, the air hung heavy with humidity. What would it feel like when the sun was out? The 15 volunteers from Messiah College soon found out when they were awakened by roosters at 3 a.m. While at first overwhelmed by the cultural differences, the group soon became more overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the Filipino people and the beauty of the country. “I enjoyed the friendliness, openness, and the utter disregard for self exhibited by the people,” said Josh Wethli ’06. “They were so selfless and giving, and I enjoyed seeing their example of love.” Experiencing new cultures, building friendships, and seeing what missions work is all about is the goal of Summer Service and Mission Teams at Messiah College. This summer, 35 students traveled on mission trips to the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, Japan, and Chile. Whether building classrooms, distributing food, or teaching English, student volunteers found their experiences rewarding and unforgettable. Philippines In the Philippines, 13 student volunteers assisted Food for the Hungry from May 21 to June 6. Food for the Hungry is an international organization that seeks to fill physical and spiritual needs in disadvantaged communities, while working to make the community self-sufficient. The Messiah team met the local people and led a youth retreat and children’s rally. They also helped with physical labor, pouring cement and clearing land. “One of the things that blew me away over there was their depth of faith and belief in God and the deep joy of the people,” said Faith Minnich, assistant to the dean of external programs at Messiah College and co-advisor for the Philippines trip. “They are living in poverty but are so thankful to God for providing.” Students experienced the new culture most vividly when they spent a night living with Filipino families from the local church and took bucket baths. Without running water, students filled buckets, pouring out a cup of water at a time to rinse away the soap. “The people were incredibly generous and gracious,” Minnich said. “We were ministered to as much as, if not more than, we ministered to them.” “I hope that everyone has the opportunity to go on a mission trip, even if it is just for two weeks,” said Rebecca Stauder ’07 of Catawissa, Pa. “It opens your eyes to so much, stretches your mind and results in a strengthened faith.” Dominican Republic From June 10 to 24, 11 Messiah students worked in the Dominican Republic, constructing a new student center in The Centro, a large Compassion project that enrolls 270 children. Messiah students were able to interact with the community and attend church services while improving their Spanish. “I would love to continue doing mission trips and possibly one day get into long-term missions,” said Katie Gaetano ’06 of Coram, N.Y. Diana Teller ’07 of Shrewsbury, N.J., was a student co-leader on the trip and previously had been to the Dominican Republic three times on mission trips. “I really enjoyed watching the team come together as one,” Teller said. “It was evident that everyone was on the trip for a purpose and each person’s strength complimented another’s weakness.” “I enjoyed meeting all of the interesting and faithful people in the Dominican Republic,” said Kristin Memmelaar ’07 of Toms River, N.J. “It was awesome to see that those with so little were so consistently happy and hopeful.” Japan The trip to Japan included four students and was designed for those experienced in missions. From June 27 to August 10, John Chase ’05 of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Brian Ng ’05 of New City, N.Y.; Vienna Vogelezang ’08 of Howell, N.J.; and Aimee Reed ’08 lived and worked at a local church through Asian Access. The team reached out to the community, encouraging people to become involved in their churches. The students also offered children’s ministries, hosted coffee houses, and taught English and cooking classes. Team members’ specific interests and abilities, such as music, sports, or crafts, were incorporated into the group’s outreach. The longer length of the trip also allowed volunteers to invest in, and learn from, a specific culture for a longer period of time. Chile Students who traveled to Chile spent two months working with the directors and staff of Roberto Pace Elementary and Middle School, a Christian outreach facility. The trip included seven students and took place from June 1 to July 29. During this time, the team helped build classrooms and made site preparations for a future high school. The group also had the opportunity to form relationships with the local children and families. Nethaniel Colon ’06 of Roslyn Heights, N.Y., appreciated the longer length of the Chile trip. “I feel, with the time allotted, it is more feasible that we can leave more of a lasting impact on the people and community of Puerto Montt,” Colon said. “The best part of our time here has been observing the dedication of the faculty and the nurtured character of the children. The school has become a sign of hope for the community.” |
|
|
