By Cara Leahy, Student Reporter
“Life-changing” and “opened my eyes” are phrases ACU students used in recent surveys to describe previous Spring Break campaigns. These campaigns are international and domestic trips allowing participants to serve the needs of people across the globe.
Those interested in signing up for this year’s campaigns can still register with a $25 sign-up fee, said Meredith Platt, sophomore vocational missions major from Midland.
Many of the trips already are full, but spaces still are available for the following campaigns: Anchorage, Washington D.C., Fort Worth, Seattle, Memphis and Huntington Beach, Calif.
The SBC Web site lists 24 total campaigns, most of which are in the midst of itinerary preparations, due Sunday. Returning campaigns will have more detailed and organized itineraries because participants and mentors have a better idea what to expect.
New to this year’s list of destinations is a medical mission trip to Clinica Ezell in Guatemala. Students majoring in pre-med, science or nursing are encouraged to go because those participating will serve in local clinics. This particular campaign will feature doctors as well as students assisting in dental and surgical procedures.
For cost conscious students, writing fundraising letters that ask for financial support allows students the means to join campaigns, said Adam Dittemore, senior finance major from Everett, Wash., and SBC Chair.
Meredith Platt, SBC secretary, also agreed with Dittemore.
“[Donations] are an opportunity for other people to get involved even if they can’t go themselves,” Platt said. “I’m humbled every day by the amount people give. No one who has wanted to go on a campaign has not [gone] because of finances.”
Small group Chapels for Spring Break Campaigns also meet across campus Thursdays, each campaign finding its own space to meet with its leaders and campaigners.
“We start out saying, ‘What’s the focus; why are you going?'” Dittemore said. “It’s not about you, not about ACU, not about SBC. It’s about impacting the kingdom of God across the world.”
Dittemore also said he believes in regard to ACU’s mission statement, “To educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world,” the SBC organization is the most closely tied endeavor of any group on campus.
Spring Break Campaigns will run from March 7-14. Interested students can find forms and information online at www.acusbc.org or visit the SBC War Room located in McKinzie Hall Room 129.
