Written by Carrie Martin
The silver-lining is near: spring break. Though many students find pleasure in going home to visit family or mapping out a road trip, some have decided to go the extra mile — to Belize.
Harding professor, Steve Shaner, is taking a group of eight individuals to the country of Belize, located on the Caribbean coast of Central America.
“I think everybody can be involved in missions in some way,” Shaner said.
Laurel Jenczyk, a sophomore early childhood education major, said she is hoping to “[bring] encouragement to Christians who have less than we do.”
“For us, it’s like not having anything; I’d realize how blessed I really am,” Jenczyk said.
Each person going on the trip received an itinerary describing what to expect and were encouraged to pack specific items. Katie Foutch, sophomore biology major, has never gone on a mission trip and said she is looking forward to “meeting people I’d normally not meet and doing what I normally don’t do.”
Kara Schwab, a junior public administration major, is interested in learning about “different Christians and experiencing their faith.” “I want to see what God has in store for us,” Schwab said.
The eight individuals traveling with Shaner will get to experience a number of different adventures. These adventures might include varnishing the pews in the Church building, painting different rooms or eating local cuisine.
Shaner has some help along this journey. Bill and Eva Glover, a couple who said they have longed to travel, will accompany the group, helping in whatever way they can.
When asked about what will come out of this experience, Bill said he expected, “the satisfaction of helping somebody.” Additionally, Eva said she wants to share Christ with others and that it will be a “reward.”
“I want to venture out and experience things,” Eva said. “I will gain so much.”
