Photos by Ralph Freso
“When the Lord is calling, you cannot say no,” said senior Mya Alexander at Grand Canyon University’s annual Missions Fair, the signature event of GCU Missions Week.
Students filled the Promenade Monday afternoon when 30 missional organizations visited campus to share their work and establish connections with the GCU community. They had a chance to discover ways to serve the local and global community and learn about the impact they can make in the world.
“Becoming global citizens is one of the values of GCU,” said Global Outreach Program Manager Njenga Maina. “It’s about telling students it’s not something you have to do after you graduate, it’s something you can do right now. You can go to another nation, learn from others and serve alongside of other people.”
Organizations offered missions that ranged from a four-week trip to a two-year commitment, but while each mission is different, every one of the organizations is built on the same foundation: the gospel.
“It’s important for people to go to another culture and experience what life is like in that country,” said sophomore Grace Kellenbarger. “It really broadens their horizons and helps understand how the world works. I think that creates more loving people.”
Kellenbarger found her fit when she discovered the English Language Institute of China (ELIC), a global ambassador, and one of the groups that participated in the Missions Fair. ELIC mentors individuals in becoming English teachers while being planted to serve overseas.
After partnering with universities in international countries, ELIC will mentor aspiring students in different course levels they choose to teach, such as K-12, undergraduate and even community centers, and then send students to serve as teachers in their desired locations.
Alongside Kellenbarger, Alexander confirmed her passion for teaching through ELIC. She will travel to Thailand after graduation to work with children, college students and adults.
“The whole idea is to be planted as an English teacher, spreading the love by your walk with God,” Alexander said. “We have the opportunity to go anywhere, but what about those who are in a closed country or who are less than 1% evangelical? That is where the Lord is calling my heart and tugging me to go and reach those people by my walk and actions.”
The Missions Fair continues from 8:30-10 p.m. today at Antelope Gymnasium, after the Gathering, to emphasize to students the impact they can make globally and locally and to inspire them to get involved in ministries where they can support those in need.
In addition to ELIC, some of the organizations at the fair included Younglife, Cadence International, Students International, Well Child International, Orchard Africa and more.
“As the missions team, it is our job to get students connected,” said Elle Mowbray, head student leader of the Missions team. “We try to invite all missional organizations so students get a chance to talk to them face to face and dive deep into different opportunities they are offering.”
Throughout the year, Global Outreach works with close to 50 missional organizations and groups that offer service opportunities, chances to share the gospel, and reach populations that have yet to learn about God’s name.
“As Christians, we start from a place of obedience,” said Maina. “There are people who have never heard of Jesus, have few churches and no Bible in their language. For us to get to go to a place like that and encourage other believers in that context is an honor.
“I hope students will see they are a part of God’s call to go to the nations. Missions is not just for specific individuals but for all of us.”
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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