Northwestern students will embark on international Spring Service Projects to in Honduras, Nicaragua, Amsterdam and Trinidad this spring.
Jill Erickson, Director of Missions and Outreach, states two main purposes for NW’s Global Ministries Program: “We seek to equip Christian servants in the world, providing them with an opportunity to learn and grow. We also seek to assist and encourage those in ongoing Christian mission, whether through relationships, work, or presence.”
In Amsterdam, students will stay and work at two Christian youth hostels. The focus of this trip is in building relationships with hostel guests. “Students should be ready to initiate conversation and be very relational,” said Erickson.
Other activities will include leading Bible discussions, serving meals, cleaning and cooking.
In Honduras, students will assist local churches with their services, which includes working in the local Christian school, visiting local homes and helping some with work projects. Spanish competency is not required, but is helpful.
In Nicaragua, students work through the RCA partnership with the Moravian church in Bluefields, Nicaragua. A large part of the service is in the Moravian school, teaching English, music, arts and computer classes.
In Trinidad, students will be assisting the staff of Trinidad and Tobago Urban Ministries (TTUM).
Students will be working with church planting, schools, orphanages, homeless shelters and rehabilitation centers.
“In all of the projects, students need to have a willingness to build relationships, to be flexible, and to do whatever is needed at the moment,” said Erickson.
Assisting with international SSP planning and training are student coordinators Carissa Kuiken and Kara Wismer. Kuiken stated, “We try to train students to be effective leaders through these projects.”
“Expect to be challenged by the people you meet, the things you see, the culture of the country, and the situations you encounter. It’s all a matter of stepping out of your comfort zone, ” said Wismer. “The rewards are great, however. You find that you’ve received far beyond what you could give, and though you went to be a blessing to others, they were the ones who were a blessing to you.”
Applicants are still needed for all of the trips, and are due Monday, Nov. 3, by 5:00 p.m. Applications must be submitted online at ssp.nwciowa.edu.
