Student Missions

See what students are saying about WorldSERVE.

"God could do everything by Himself but He wants us to be a small part of His big plans. He doesn’t need us to be the one that changes a person because that’s not our job – our job is to plant the seeds and build relationships with them – He’ll do the rest." — Athena, Thailand Team 2012

"I’m not meant to try and save the whole world! The reality is, God is already working all over the globe. He already has anointed, and dedicated servants who have given up everything to carry their crosses for Him. My job most of the time, is actually just to come alongside of them and take a little of the weight when and where I can… to come up next to them and cheer them on and clap for them as they keep running the more long term race. What a joy!" — Becca, Gabon Team 2012

"One of the best things that our team could do during our time in France was pray. We spent several early mornings and late nights devoted to praying for a revival in such a dark place. We prayed for specific streets, the missionaries in France, the Parisians who are victim to the hustle and bustle lifestyle, and the French government. The time spent reflecting and meditating with God was vital to our individual growth and the advancement of God’s kingdom in France; I personally hope to continue praying for this country in my time spent with God." — Jordan, France Team 2012

"There is so much work being done in Asia and I am so thankful for those who see the brokenness and despair and who work to be a light in the midst of the darkness. But there is still so much to be done, and so many lives being lived without real substance. I just want to see what He sees and feel what He feels - I want to walk in His ways and be used by Him, because that is the only way to really live, only through the life and goodness that comes from Him. 'Break my heart for what breaks yours.'" — Allison, Asia Team 2012

"This life I am living isn’t for me, it’s not about my success but only about bringing glory to the Creator. I do not know if that means maybe I will go back to North Africa or another country or stay in America but I know that whatever I do, wherever I end up I must bring glory to Christ.  I am ready to follow the Lord in whatever He has in store for my life." — Becca, North Africa Team 2012

"I believe God sent me to Thailand to show me that I have been blessed so that I can bless others. He showed me that his purpose and his people matter more than anything else in this life. God has used this trip to change my heart. I was always on board with going on short term missions, but now I am open to the possibility of long term missions. I don't know what God wants me to do and I'm not sure where he wants to lead me, but I am definitely praying about it." — Christina, Thailand Team 2012

And if that doesn't convince you... read Jesus' own words!

"Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." - Matthew 28:19

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."  - Luke 10:2

"I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb."  - Revelation 7:9

Be Discipled. Make Disciples.

We believe that short-term service projects can be an incredible tool for facilitating a discipleship journey. As part of a WorldSERVE team, students get to simultaneously BE Discipled by their student leaders, team mentors and field workers, while MAKING Disciples in partnership with their long-term workers and through the relationships they build on the field.

All team members commit to a three-part discipleship process: pre-field, on the field, and home-field.

1. Pre-field: From January to May our teams will be commit to...
   • All-Team Trainings (times of teaching and preparation led by WorldSERVE staff)
     
   • Team Meetings (team building, prayer, Bible study, and task preparation in teams)
   • Mentorship (by a Simpson faculty/staff person who meets regularly with the team)
2. On the field: For 10 days to 8 weeks, our teams will be sent to locations around the world, where we have partnered with some incredible field workers in their long-term discipleship efforts among lost peoples. We choose our field partners carefully and desire to only come alongside what they are already doing in order to spur on their vision for reaching the unreached. By coming under their leadership and strategy we can know that we're part of a bigger picture, rather than a stand-alone trip, and trust that God will further their disciple-making efforts long after we're gone.
3. Home-field: Upon returning from their cross-cultural experience, students will take part in an intentional debriefing time and are encouraged to join a 4 week follow-up discipleship group at the beginning of the fall semester to take the lessons learned on the field and apply them to their real lives back at home. We pray that our students will have fresh energy, passion and creativity for continuing to make disciples of all nations in whatever harvest field they find themselves in -- from within the church, to the corporate marketplace, to the ends of the earth.

“The people living in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness a light will shine.” - Isaiah 9:2

We have been invited to serve alongside some incredible field workers as they shine Christ’s light in the darkest places. From Minneapolis to Mongolia, God is at work through His people. So we go simply to encourage and further their existing ministries where we have been asked to assist. Prayerfully read the descriptions below to determine your top 3 field choices, then be ready to say YES to God wherever he might send you!

The below locations, dates and costs are subject to change. Please see our WorldSERVE blog for a description of each of the following teams.

*These teams fulfill the requirements for a cross-cultural studies internship, but any student is welcome to apply.

Want to JOIN GOD in His mission of redeeming the lost around the globe!?

All Simpson University students are invited to apply for a 2013 WorldSERVE team! Pray and determine that you DO want to follow God to the ends of the earth, wherever He might send you, and also seek confirmation from friends, parents, and mentors.

The application process has several parts:

1. Dates and Expectations: Read this and determine whether you can fully commit to all aspects of this journey.
2. Leader or Member: Read this and decide if you would like to apply as a student leader or a team member (there will be a place to mark this on your application).
3. Application: Please allow around 20 minutes to complete your application in one sitting. You will need to have the following on hand: passport info (if you have one), emergency contact info, personal reference contacts, and your top three team choices. Submit your application before the deadline!
   Student LEADER Applicants: due October 1, 2012 by midnight
   Team MEMBER Applicants: due November 7, 2012 by midnight
4. Reference Form: Select two people who know you well to serve as your references (preferably a church leader and a Simpson staff/faculty person). Have them fill out the reference form at http://simpsonu.edu/wsreference, and request that they send it back to the WorldSERVE office by your application deadline.
5. Interview: Once you have submitted your application, you may visit the Spiritual Formation Office (Owen Center 206) to sign up for a brief interview.
6. Selection: Student leaders will be chosen and notified by October 12, and team members will be chosen and notified by November 20.

The first requirement for ALL selected students is to attend the WorldSERVE Kick-Off Night on Wednesday November 28 at 6:30pm. Team members will meet one another and receive important information about fundraising, dates, and expectations.

Beginning the first week of class in January, teams will meet weekly throughout the entire spring semester for training and preparation.

One of the biggest reasons students feel hindered from joining God to reach His world is... MONEY. How could you possibly pay for a mission trip along with your education and other bills, you ask? Well, do you think that God might be able to provide the means for accomplishing HIS purpose in HIS way if you trust Him and say yes! We do!! And we want to help!

We like to divide the total team cost into more manageable chunks for you to work towards:

• A significant portion of your needed funds will come from your own friends and family by sending out at least 30 support letters in December. If each of those 30 people sent just $30 dollars, you'd have $900. Most students actually send closer to 50 letters inviting others to join them in God’s work through giving any size donation (we’ve had gifts of $5 and $2000!).
• Depending on how hard you are willing to work, finances will also come from approved team fundraisers (garage sales, car washes, dinners, “Rent a Team” etc.), and also through your own individual fundraisers like babysitting or a bake sale at your home church.  When people know what you’re raising money towards, many will be happy to find work they can pay you for!
• Lastly, every team member is strongly urged to invest in your WorldSERVE project from your own personal sacrifice. It's true that we are more likely to cherish what costs us something... "for, where your treasure is there your heart will be also." View this mission experience as an investment into your own spiritual growth, education, and future. It is absolutely more than worth it! Plus, many of our teams will be back by the end of May which would allow you to work a summer job before school begins.

And an added bonus! Simpson University believes so strongly in our WorldSERVE Teams that they offer a Summer Ministry Award to all qualifying students*! For each week during the summer that you serve on the mission field, a $225 award is available to apply towards your tuition for the following year. So, for example, if you serve on a 3-week summer team, you can receive $675 towards your 2013-2014 school year!

*Qualifying student = returning in 2013, filed EDAP by deadline, meets all training and trip requirements for WorldSERVE, sends post-trip reflection by deadline.

Eligibility for the Summer Ministry Award is determined by the Student Financial Services department and is subject to additional awarding criteria.

• Dates and Expectations (PDF)
• Student leader or team member? (PDF)
• What’s stopping you? (PDF)
• Application
• Reference Form
• Sample Support Letter (PDF)
• Parent Letter
• Financial Information