ETSU’s Baptist Student Union is opening its March 9-15 mission trip to Atlanta to all students interested in service opportunities.
A total of 100 students will be able to participate in the trip. Twenty-five of the participants will work for Techwood, a Baptist mission center in inner-city Atlanta, and 75 will work with Habitat for Humanity, a national organization that builds homes for the underprivileged.
Dennis Stokes, campus minister of the BSU, said that those who work with Techwood should be Christians because Techwood is a Baptist organization. Students will be acting as “mentors” to children, youth and adults.
In addition to the repair and cleaning that they will do at Techwood, students will work in one of Techwood’s community ministries and assist staff by providing clothing, food and counseling to those in need. They will also provide after-school tutoring to young students.
Stokes said the Habitat for Humanity work is open to all ETSU students who enjoy framing, roofing, painting and renovating homes.
Stokes said the missions are important and rewarding experiences for the participants.
“Personal and spiritual growth occurs when you are doing service,” he said.
BSU also provides local mission opportunities for students through work at Ronald McDonald House, nursing homes and the Salvation Army.
Baptist Student Union, which contains approximately 250,000 members, is the largest campus ministry in the world, Stokes said. The organization balances worship with discipleship, outreach, missions and ministry.
Julie Roberts, a junior who is studying art and theater, said her participation in mission trips have changed her life. She said the trips were a “blessing” and she now has a “servant heart.”
“I’ve learned how important it is to listen to people,” she said. “It is amazing to learn how fortunate I am.”
The application deadline for the trip is Feb. 13. The cost of the trip is $50. For more information, call 928-8318.

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