During March 21-25, nine Union University students participated in a GO Trip to Clarkston, Ga., a city just outside Atlanta known as the most diverse square mile in America.
Typically, there are more opportunities for students to participate in spring break GO Trips, but due to restrictions, the Office of University Ministries (OUM) had to reconsider and only offer one.
“When making the decisions for 2022 GO Trips, international travel was still very limited,” Julie Bradfield, director for mobilization and senior director for University Ministries, said. “But we felt it was still best to continue with domestic opportunities for 2022, but in order to allow students more time on the trip, we moved some of our typical spring break opportunities to the end of the spring semester.”
GO Trips offer opportunities to engage with individuals from various countries, people groups, languages and cultures. These opportunities are why Jonathan Lafferty, a senior social work major, decided to go on multiple GO Trips during his four years at Union.
“I desire to serve in cross-cultural ministry and missions, so I figured going on GO Trips would be a great way to get involved in that and learn from other church planters,” Lafferty said. “Just recently, I was able to meet several Afghan families living in Clarkston who graciously invited members of my team and I into their homes.”
While on the trip, students stopped at Renew Ministries, where they learned about how the gospel has been translated into different languages and brought into different neighborhoods and the Refugee Sewing Society. The group was also able to sample foods from all over the world.
While on GO Trips, Lafferty has shared the gospel, taught after-school programs, worked in food banks, connected people to ministry partners and served the community.
“I love just working with students, but I also love getting to watch people grow! I love seeing things nurtured in their lives—whether it is their gifting, their passion, their confidence, their trust in the Lord,” Bradfield said.
All Union students are welcome to participate in GO Trips. The OUM is located in the Barefoot Student Union Building, and its staff is happy to answer questions. Students can also learn more about mobilization and GO Trips by attending global focus month events during the fall semester.
Throughout the year, the Office of University Ministries coordinates multiple trips that any student on campus can attend. Upcoming GO Trips include New England, New York City, Florida and Utah.
To learn more about future GO Trips, visit the OUM website.
Photo by Go Trip Team
