Four mission teams from North Greenville University plan to leave the country over spring break.
“I think the mission trips are going to give us some amazing opportunities to share the gospel,” said Allen McWhite, director of global missions.
A media mission trip to India will fulfill a class requirement for mass communication students. The other three trips will include the destinations of Ecuador, Honduras and Hungary.
“North Greenville gives us the opportunity to visit several different places throughout the world and share the gospel, so it is definitely worth spending the money and taking your spring break to go if you feel like God desires for you to,” Anna Goff of Boiling Springs said.
McWhite and Jamie Benedict plan to lead 18 North Greenville students through the jungles of Ecuador.
“This trip is going to be unlike any trip I’ve gone on before,” Erica Leon of Williamsburg, Va., said. “We’ll be in the middle of a jungle most of the time.”
The Ecuador team plans not only to venture through the jungle but also to interact with children in the villages.
“I am most excited about spending time with the people of Ecuador, especially the children,” Addie Ridgeway, an education major from Marietta, Ga., said.
Some students anticipate a new experience, while others look forward to returning.
“I cannot wait to go back,” Grace Twitty of Rock Hill said. “I am so excited about all that God is going to accomplish.”
Despite expressing some fear and anxiety, most students say they are excited about the opportunity to serve God and other people.
“Even though it’s going to be a huge culture shock, I’m excited about my team and how the Lord is going to use us in Ecuador and also what he is going to teach us,” Jordan McDowell of Easley said.
“I am so excited about meeting the people and spending time with them,” Kayla Bradley of Gaffney said.
In addition to the Ecuador trip, NGU professors Wes Warren and Burl Walker plan to take eight students to Honduras to work at a camp.
“I am looking forward to meeting the teenagers who will be at the camp and sharing God’s word with them while experiencing a different culture,” Rachel Burgess of Raymond, N.H., said.
The theme for the camp encompasses purity, and the NGU students anticipate that God’s hand will be at work not only in the youths’ lives, but also in their own lives.
“I think it is going to be an amazing opportunity, going to a different country, getting to witness to these lost people, having our faith tested and trusting in the Lord for his will to be done,” Hope Bannister of Belton said.
North Greenville University provides mission trips over the spring break, summer and Christmas for any students who are interested. The trips introduce students to missions and help them to learn how to share the gospel with others.
Five students, led by Mike Landrum, comprise the final team, heading to Hungary. The team plans to teach English during the day and to host an English club at night to interact with the people.
“This is the time when we have an opportunity to share the gospel,” Jordan Sain of Vale, N.C., said.
One of the benefits of the mission trips is the opportunity to refocus, many students say.
“I know that so often we forget about what really matters in life, which is worshiping and loving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” said Karianne Hart of Inman.