欧美视频 sends out mission project teams

BOLIVAR, Mo. 鈥� After having to cancel mission project trips last spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 欧美视频鈥檚 Center for Global Connections (CGC) commissioned four teams during Global Connections Week to serve over Spring Break 2021.

Students standing together being prayed for. 鈥淭his is an exciting time,鈥� said Diana Gallamore, director of the CGC and travel stewardship. 鈥淥bviously, COVID changed the world, changed our ability to mobilize students and then to minister. This first group of students is actually going out to broader areas in the U.S.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a move forward, a step forward, showing our students we鈥檙e moving, that we can continue to work. We鈥檝e had local teams continue to share, but this spring they're actually going outside of Missouri to serve in Texas and South Dakota, and re-entering into some partnerships that we've had.

鈥淪o, I think it鈥檚 motivating to students. This is showing them we鈥檙e still moving forward and we鈥檙e still sending teams.鈥�

The CGC kicked off Global Connections Week during Chapel service March 3, by sharing global trip opportunities for 2020-2021.

On March 10, the CGC announced and commissioned teams that are serving during Spring Break. Team members were prayed for by their peers, faculty and staff.

Disaster Relief: Traveling to Giddings, Texas, to provide disaster relief
Houston, Texas: Leading a day camp and partnering with First Baptist Church of Houston to assist in the Food Pantry/Clothes Closet ministry
Border Perspective: Traveling to Pharr, Texas, to participate in a service learning project that involves border ministry with immigrants entering the U.S.
South Dakota: Serving at the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota

Students gather at Global Fest booth. Gallamore is encouraged to see students continue to serve in missions even after several international trips were canceled a year ago due to the pandemic.

鈥淲e have seen many students be involved locally and in a few projects that are just within the state,鈥� Gallamore said. 鈥淲e鈥檒l recruit and promote trips again in the fall.鈥�

As part of Global Connections Week, the CGC also hosted Global Fest, which gives students an opportunity to visit with mission trip leaders and experience a taste of culture from the global trips.

鈥淚t was great and nice to have those conversations,鈥� Gallamore said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always a great night. Students were able to connect with team leaders.鈥�

Over the past five years, the CGC has sent out more than 130 global teams. The CGC is one of the largest short-term volunteer programs in the United States.

For more information about the CGC, contact Diana Gallamore at (417) 328-1905 or dgallamore@欧美视频niv.edu.

PHOTO 1: Students are prayed for during the commissioning service for Spring Break mission project trips.

PHOTO 2: Student leaders share about a future project in North Africa during CGC鈥檚 Global Fest event.

*Published: 3-15-2021