Liberty takes a look beyond the seas
As students are settling back into classes for another semester, Light Ministries is preparing for another year full of getting students excited about missions.
Worldwide — Light Ministries offers trips for students to help people in need around the globe. Photo provided.
In a promotional meeting, which will take place Monday, August 29 in the Schilling Center, students passionate about reaching people groups will be introduced to the different missions trips Light will be hosting this year.
The meeting will provide an overview of every trip offered this year and students will have an opportunity to ask questions.
“We offer trips from any region of the world, doing almost anything you want to do,” said Ryan Donald, Assistant Director for Light Ministries.
Light strives to offer mission trips with diversity. Ministry opportunities range from children’s ministry, humanitarian aid, teaching English and hands-on work like construction. Not only that, but mission opportunities will be opening this year, never offered before at Liberty. The countries students will get the chance to travel to will be revealed Monday night.
“I have been on two trips with Light and both were amazing experiences,” said Justine Wagner, recent Liberty graduate. “I loved building relationships with other Liberty students who are passionate about missions.”
Wagner’s mission trips to both China and Ethiopia impacted her decision to become a full-time missionary. Next year, she will be using her teaching degree to commit two years to work with Journeyman, a part of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, to minister overseas.
In the meantime, applications for Light mission trips will be accepted as early the morning of August 30. Trips work on a first-come, first-served basis. Each applicant will then go through a screening process.
“If you’re going to share the gospel overseas, you got to know what that means,” Donald said.
Those then selected for the teams will be fully trained by attending meetings where they will learn about the culture of the country to which they will be traveling.
“You don’t need to be an expert in construction or teaching English. If there is preparation needed, that will be taken care of in training,” Donald said.
The training even provides insight on how to raise support for a mission trip.
The trips are offered at all different intervals during the year including Christmas break, spring break and summer.
“We have more opportunity directly overall this year, than last year,” Donald said.
Anyone who is interested in missions should be able to find a Light mission trip that suites their passion and gifting.
The office for Light is now located in Green Hall, Room 2510 (the former Seminary). Light is the short-term ministry department for Center for Global Ministries.