Gardner-Webb Office of Christian Life and Service Leads Mission Groups to U.S., Brazil and Kenya

Deadlines Approaching for Students to Join Teams in Serving Children with Critical Illnesses, Working in Disaster Relief, Providing Medical Care, or Building New Homes

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“Mission trips orient students’ hearts toward God and their hands toward humanity (Mark 12:30-31),” asserted Dr. Josh Parrott, Gardner-Webb’s vice president and university chaplain for Christian Life and Service. “These trips allow us to live out our university motto: Pro Deo et Humanitate (for God and Humanity).”

Each academic year, Parrott and his staff collaborate with faculty trip leaders to plan diverse opportunities for students to participate in ministry—on a national and global scale. The mission trips offered for fall and spring include traveling to Florida to serve children with critical illnesses, to the Southeastern U.S. to help families rebuild after disaster, to provide medical care in Brazil, or to help construct new homes in Kenya.

“The team leaders’ gifts and passions provide some direction about which locations are viable options, and we have developed strong partnerships over the years with missionaries and organizations on the ground in some of these locations (Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International, Baptists on Mission),” Parrott reflected. “We love to go where we can have immediate Kingdom impact for both the individuals and the communities we serve.

This year, two different groups will travel to Give Kids the World Village in Orlando, Fla., one coming up soon in October and the other planned for March 2025. Parrott observed, “Typically, that trip is only over fall break, but spring break is included this year, because that week allows extra days for ministry to the children and families on site.”

Give Kids the World Village is an 84-acre, nonprofit resort created especially for children who have a critical illness and their families. They receive accommodations in fully-furnished villas, transportation, tickets to theme parks, meals, daily entertainment, and much more.

Other opportunities for Spring 2025 include disaster relief with Samaritan’s Purse and medical mission to Brazil. In the summer of 2025, a team will travel to Kenya to help construct houses for the people there.      

Parrott observes, “We would love for each student to think carefully about and prayerfully consider joining us on a mission trip. We find our place in God’s story of making all things new (Rev 21:5) by serving God and others. Consider how you can join us in fulfilling the Great Commission, expanding the Kingdom of God, and engaging in practical acts of service locally and globally.”

2024-2025 Trips

Below are brief descriptions of the trips for this year. Costs are estimates only and may be adjusted if lower rates become available. For general information about the trips, call Teresa Davis at (704) 406-4277. Applications are available in the Office of Christian Life and Service on the main floor of Tucker Student Center. Contact the leaders for each trip for more detailed information.

Fall Break 2024

• Give Kids the World Village, Orlando, Fla.
  • givekidstheworld.org
  • Oct. 11-15
  • Team leaders: Teresa Davis and Dr. Eric Davis
  • Deadlines: Applications along with a $200 deposit due Sept. 12. Total amount due Oct. 4.

Spring 2025

• Samaritan’s Purse, Southeast United States (exact location to be determined)
  • March 8-15, 2025
  • Team leader: Neal Payne
  • Deadline: Applications along with $100 due Oct. 4, 2024. Total amount due Feb. 24, 2025.

• Medical Mission Trip, San Paulo, Brazil
  • March 7-15, 2025
  • Team leaders: Candice Rome and Nicole Waters
  • Deadlines: Applications along with $200 deposit due Oct. 4. Total amount due Feb. 24, 2025.

• Give Kids the World Village, Orlando, Fla.
  • givekidstheworld.org
  • March 7-13
  • Team leaders: Teresa Davis, Dr. Eric Davis and Kim Downs
  • Maximum Number of Students: 20
  • Deadlines: Applications along with $200 deposit due Oct. 4. Total amount due Feb. 24, 2025.

Summer 2025

• Houses of Hope, Kisumu, Kenya
  • May 13-23, 2025
  • Team leaders: Stacy Simmons and Nicole Beaver
  • Deadlines: Applications along with $200 deposit due Oct. 4. Total amount due Feb. 24, 2025.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.