Missions

Concordia Mission and Service Trips provide the opportunity for students to show God’s loving mercy to people around the world. These trips typically take place in the summer and vary in both location and purpose. CUI students have served on every continent (except Antarctica!) and have helped to bring relief to those in need. Students are also able to use these opportunities to see the world, step into new experiences, and to share the Gospel with people from other nations.

Missions teams have collaborated with the Office of Global Programs to provide numerous opportunities for students seeking to go to all peoples and serve in foreign countries this past year.

Vietnam

Dr. Christine Ross, Education in Christian Leadership, led a team of students to Vietnam. The team served for two weeks, from May 6th to May 20th. The team supported the Lutheran Church in Vietnam, witnessed about their faith, and learned from the Vietnamese culture. They tutored university students in English, taught Vacation Bible School (VBS), and toured some of Vietnam’s more popular destinations.

Hungary

Pastor Steven Borst, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverside, CA, led a team of students to Hungary. The team served for three weeks, from June 20th to July 10th. Traveling to one of Europe’s leaders in Lutheran Christianity, the main objectives for this journey were to lead VBS for the Hungarian children and to help the people there learn English by practicing with native speakers. Ben Helge, graduate student, and Pastor Quinton Anderson traveled with Borst as Concordia leaders.

Haiti

Pastor S.T. Williams, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Angeles, led a team of students to Haiti. The team served for two weeks, from May 17th to May 31st. The team was involved with teaching VBS to the local children and schools as well as helping rebuild homes that were destroyed due to recent natural disasters.

East Africa (Kenya/Zambia)

Professor Adam Lee, English, led a team of students to Kenya and Zambia. The team served for two months, from May 8th to July 4th. They were working with Concordia alumnus Sam Bretzmann in Kenya and his non-profit organization: FIKISHA, as well as alumnus Kristen Turner on her projects in Zambia with the Peace Corps.