There will be 16 different spring break campaign locations this year, both national and international. Atlanta, Ga.; Huntsville, Ala.; Riverhead, N.Y.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Chandler, Ariz.; Fall River, Mass.; Manchester, N.H. The international campaigns include Freeport, Bahamas; Tabacundo, Ecuador; Santa Ana, Honduras; Clarendon, Jamaica; Ensenada, Mexico; Jinotega, Nicaragua; Panama City, Panama; Belize and Haiti.
Each mission campaign is unique; the groups adapt to meet the specific needs of that particular place. For example, some feed the homeless; others distribute water, and others work with children that have been abused.
According to Andrew Baker, director of the Mitchell Center, one of the priorities is to have the right leaders and people in the right mission. The trip’s objective is not to take Jesus to the location.
One week is not enough to change a place, but the place can transform the person and give him a different perspective and a purpose. Many long term missionaries started doing short term missions.
According to Emily Hudkins, associate director at the Michell Center for Leadership and Ministry, every mission’s leader was selected according to their qualifications. They have a selection process to ensure they meet the experience requirement to lead each mission.
Hudkins said last year, 265 students participated in 15 trips. They expect that number to increase this year.
“I get excited, because I can see how these trips are changing the students as well; their intention is to go out and change the life of others because of the love of Christ,” Hudkins said. “I can see the student’s life being molded and being changed as they are doing this as well.”
The cost of each trip is different; it depends on the location and the transportation. According to junior Davis Barnhill the average cost of a domestic mission is approximately $500 and $1,200 for international missions.
Senior Hector Felix has participated in three mission trips since his freshman year and said he thinks it is remarkable to see people coming back with a new passion for people and for the gospel.
The sign ups for the campaigns will be on Oct. 28. To enroll, students need to pay $20 as commitment fee and show their student ID.
For more information concerning spring break missions, contact the Mitchell Center for Leadership and Ministry at 501-279-4660 or visit the office McInteer 168.
