Ten women from Anderson University traveled to South Asia for a mission trip in May 2006.
Anderson University’s South Asia mission team included Keri Burger, Rachel Claypool, Tiffany Gilliland, Lauren Gossett, Erica Herald, Katie Huff, Whitney Reed, Jessica Wilks and Jessica Wilson. The team was led by Tracy West.Under the supervision of Tracy West, director of outreach and women’s ministry, nine of Anderson’s student body had the opportunity to be a part of a mission to reach people of this region, to be challenged in their world view, and to seek to build bridges to share Jesus Christ in a land filled with people searching for the truth.
Official duties on the trip included spending time with college and university young women, working in a children’s orphanage, prayer-walking, and encouraging national workers. When “off duty,” the group had cultural experiences of eating curry chicken and rice with their hands, riding rickshaws, wearing traditional Indian garb in the city, and the requisite trip to the Taj Mahal.
Jessica Wilks blows bubbles with a young boy.Once in the region, a new assignment was given to the group. A cyclone had hit a nearby village, and a fire broke out which destroyed the homes of more than 50 families. Team members helped bring food, clothing, cooking utensils and tarps (for roofs) as well as copies of the Bible to villagers.
According to West, “I have loved hearing the impressions and challenges that this journey has brought to each of the girls. I know the Father has been at work testing, sharpening, and refining us all into better worshippers and servants.”