Through the work of Olivet Nazarene University’s Missions In Action (M.I.A.) group, students have many opportunities each year to show Christ’s love in a variety of places. They work alongside faculty and staff members to enhance the work of several nonprofit organizations.
Trips happening during the upcoming spring break, March 3–11, 2018, are:
Cactus Nazarene Ministry Center, Cactus, Texas
The Olivet team will help in serving immigrants and refugees from around the world, representing 20-plus nationalities/ethnicities. Plans are for them to assist with after school activities; ESL training for adults; work projects in the gardens, parks and facilities; and encouraging the Center’s staff. They will also learn about refugee communities and the struggles involved in moving to the U.S. as an immigrant.
Englewood Neighborhood, Chicago
Partnering with Chicago City Life Center, the Olivet team will help encourage children, youth and teachers within the Chicago Public Schools. They will be involved in mentoring, tutoring and sports ministry, as well as doing work projects around the Center. They will strive to build relationships and encourage residents with the love of Jesus and hope for the future.
Caribbean Mountain Academy, Dominican Republic
The Olivet team — partnering with Crosswinds — will be serving primarily high school students who come from all over the world. These youth come from difficult situations and troubled backgrounds. The plan is for the team to reach out and encourage the student residents through art therapy and sports ministry. They will also participate in construction and community service projects.
Agape Ministries, Haiti
This team will walk alongside boys and young men who have come from tough circumstances of abandonment and abuse and are served by Agape Ministries. They will help with updating facilities, teaching, discipling, and spiritual encouragement.
Gwo Cheval, Haiti
Traveling to this remote mountain village, Olivet’s team will use their skills in engineering, nursing and education to serve local residents. Olivet students will assist with basic health care, installation of solar panels, help in the new preschool — and will build meaningful relationships in the process. They will provide hope and encouragement to a strong people living in some of the world’s most desolate conditions.
Garden of Love and Hope, Honduras
Working with Footsteps Missions, Olivet’s team will continue work previously begun in helping provide additional skills and business training for teens. The primary site is the new community center that features a coffee shop and pizza cafe. Other opportunities to serve include work on new properties now owned and managed by the Garden; and a VBS-style camp, including music ministry, art ministry and other creative ministries. Their primary goal is to interact with and love on the children, as well as encourage and support the staff.
Shepherd Community Center, Indianapolis
Olivet’s team will work with inner-city youth who live with generational poverty, lack of education or poor home environments. The team will encourage them to continue in school and bring them hope for the future through sharing Jesus Christ, mentoring them and helping them find their strengths.
To learn more about Olivet’s service opportunities for students, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published: 3/1/2018
