College students see God at work during spring break mission trips

For some students, spring break means a chance to see new sights and participate in new experiences. Young people at Baptist Student Ministries across the state share that desire, but they express it in a drastically different manner.

While many students visited vacation destinations or relaxed at home, BSM spring break mission volunteers discovered new people and groups to serve—often not far from their campuses.

Brenda Sanders, who leads Go Now Missions, Texas Baptists’ student missions program, said Baptist Student Ministries found avenues through which they can share the hope of Christ.

“We have seen many BSMs choose to do mission trips in Texas this year,” she said. “That could be due in part to gas prices. We’ve also been emphasizing ministry in our own backyard. As a result, we’ve seen an increased number of students involved in Beach Reach and more trips along the Texas-Mexico border.”

University of Texas-Pan American BSM students conducted a five-day camp for special-needs children in Edinburg. Christo Vive International provided a camp for children who otherwise may not have an opportunity for such an experience, and it allowed parents a little time for themselves, something caregivers don’t often get, said BSM Director Robert Rueda.

The camp also helped students understand the commitment required to care for special-needs individuals, as well as the challenges special-needs children face, Rueda said. The students were charged with helping care for the campers around the clock.

Spring break volunteers with the Baptist Student Ministry at Texas A&M University erected an outdoor pavilion for Mission First in Jackson, Miss.

“This camp opened the eyes of our students to a group of our people they never thought they could minister to,” Rueda said. “They found it’s easier than they thought. God simply looks for a willing heart.”

Students came to understand they provided the only picture of Jesus some of the campers have seen, Rueda said. “Many were not Christians and were not connected to churches. Through the care and activities they provided, the students were attempting to show the children how Christ loves them as well.”

“I had an amazing experience helping out with Cristo Vive Camp, because it makes you realize that God’s love is the same for everyone,” said Fabian Pacheco, a UT-Pan Am student. “And it made me realize I am that love to this special camper.”

Joyce Ashcraft, ministry/regional director of Texas Baptists’ Collegiate Ministries, led more than 30 students from the University of Texas Southwest Medical School and five Dallas-Fort Worth-area physicians who partnered with El Paso Baptists to conduct medical clinics in 16 churches. 

The clinics provided a way for students to learn how to exercise their faith with the practical medical skills they are attaining at school.

The medical clinics also provide evangelistic opportunities for churches, Ashcraft said.

The mission team saw more than 400 patients and at least 10 professions of faith in Christ. Churches also have information that allows them to follow up on every patient.

“What these clinics do is give churches and pastors the opportunity to interact with their communities and build relationships,” she said. “The people come for medical help, and the church members get to visit with them.”

Texans also saw God at work when they ministered outside the state. More than 20 students with the Texas A&M University BSM ministered through Mission First in Jackson, Miss.

Students served through a feeding kitchen and doing yard work for widows, but primarily focused their efforts on building a pavilion that would lay the groundwork for future ministry. There, Mission First will reach out to young people with the love of Christ.

“The kids are going to be having picnics and doing stuff outside,” said David Bond, a Texas A&M senior who helped build the pavilion.

“This is their refuge, and we are helping to make their safe place a little bit nicer. Hopefully for years to come, kids will be enjoying this facility.”

Sanders expressed gratitude for the commitment BSM students showed in sharing their faith throughout spring break. She heard numerous reports of people growing in their faith as a result of their experiences. They will continue to carry those experiences with them.

“We heard great stories, not only of students getting to share their faith and people coming to Christ, but of the impact on students,” she said. “They feel used by God, and that translates back to campus.”

—With additional reporting by Kimberly Roberts, Texas A&M University BSM