After packing up their dorm rooms, some Missouri Baptist University students will soon be repacking their bags as they prepare to spend the summer serving others around the world.

The University’s summer missions program is offering two different options for students, one in England and the other in the Dominican Republic.

Campus Minister Jonathan White believes missions trips effectively grow students’ faith and maturity while exposing them to world views much different than their own.

“These mission trips allow students to have their lives impacted by changing the lives of others,” White said. “It is a great opportunity to put their faith in action and get out of their comfort zone.”

Students are returning to the suburbs of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for the second year in May. The week will be spent building relationship with the locals and evangelizing. Students will also work with a local church to conduct sports programs, children’s ministries and revival services.
While the United Kingdom is not a third-world country, England is a neglected missions field, White said.  Approximately 97 percent of the population is unchurched, and atheism continues to rise. If the patterns continue, England is two generations removed from the nation knowing Christ, White added.

MBU will return to Tees Valley, located in northeast England. The students will work with house churches, located mostly in coffee shops around the region. Students have the unique opportunity to impact the children of England by sharing the Christian faith with English students.

For more information on the missions trips or to learn how you can help, contact White at JWhite@mobap.edu.