Heather Eslinger
Reporter
For those anticipating the global partnership trips, applications are finally out and the deadline is November 9th. University Ministries has created 14 trips to locations all over the world for those interested in a cross-cultural experience where building relationships, serving, and learning intersect.
Every global partnership trip has both a distinct location and a distinct focus, but all of these trips have one idea in mind: is to create an opportunity where North Park Students can experience the meaning of Micah 6:8: ?To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.?? Each trip exemplifies this verse in a different way.? Camp counseling, medical clinics, teaching English, construction projects, performing worship concerts, and building relationships are just a few of the different opportunities available through these trips.? ?Going on a GP trip is more than a mission trip than you would have done in high school. It?s learning about another culture, how to partner with them in everyday life, encourage one another in Christ and learn from one another. It?s an amazing experience that definitely has left a mark on my life? Riane McConnell, about her trip to India last year.
These trips take on average 150 students a year to various ministry locations coordinated by Julia Styles in the University Ministries office. Even though these trips have an emphasis on Christ, students of any religious belief are encouraged to go.? ?Global Partnerships is a great opportunity for students to travel, learn about other cultures, have an opportunity to volunteer, but it also gives them an opportunity to learn more about themselves. I think that being a foreigner is one of the best educations you can have because it is such a contrast to how you are
used to spending most of your days. You get to understand what it is like to not know the language or to not know your way around and then how to use other skills to survive.?? Julia Styles coordinator of the Global Partnership Trips The Global Partnership trips are offered over spring break from March 9th through the 17th and the beginning weeks of summer. Each trip varies in length and cost.
The trips within the continental U.S range from $300 to $1000 and are only over spring break. Trips outside the 48 states range from $1000 + flight to $3800 and are offered over spring break and the beginning of summer.
Many teams chose to do group fundraising to help cover the costs. There is also a trip to the Urbana Missions Conference for college students in December.? Andrea Mitchell, who is co leading this trip, said ?It?s a great opportunity to learn about what missions could look like, whether that be in my backyard or abroad.?? The trips over spring break go to Mexico, India, Appalachia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and New Orleans.
The trips at the beginning of summer go to Alaska, Ecuador, Mexico, India, Thailand, and Zambia. Shelby Switzer, a student who went to Thailand last year and is returning this year as a leader, said, ?These trips open your eyes to worlds that you wouldn?t know otherwise. Meeting people from different cultures and walks of life from yourself is such a blessing. You get to see God in new and amazing way.?
At every location these trips send students, North Park University has set up churches and other organizations which partner with us. These partners provide a safe and educational place for the students to visit on these trips. These partners also create an essential segue into the communities we visit.? Every trip has two peer leaders who organize the trip and communicate with the team going on the trip.? Each trip also has an advisor who goes as well to serve in a pastoral care role.? Julie Chapel, a seminary advisor had this to say about the undergraduate leaders: ?I have had a chance to meet most of the leader of the GP trips and I am impressed with how passionate they are about serving on campus and in the world. There is this energy about GP that is catchy?probably because anything and everything can happen!?
Trip leaders are needed for the Chicago, summer Mexico, and summer India trip. Contact Julia Styles for more information at jstyles@northpark.edu .
Applications and other information from University Ministries can be found at www.npumin.com.
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