Baylor students find ways to serve abroad — and at home, too

When you think “mission trip,” you likely think about leaving at least your state, perhaps even your country, to serve others. In Baylor’s case, university-sponsored mission trips include opportunities to help communities develop in Colombia, engineer solar-powered batteries in Haiti and empower women in Zambia. But let’s not forget that you don’t have to travel far and wide to make a difference.

Through Baylor Urban Missions, students can integrate service into their daily lives while serving our hometown. Those wanting to serve the Waco community have plenty of opportunities to choose from, working with local churches, Mission Waco, the Salvation Army and other organizations. Children Ministry and Recreation builds relationships with local children and youth, while Eldercare and Ministry to Sick supports and cares for (you guessed it) the sick and elderly. Special Needs Ministry serves at an adult daycare, Friends for Life.

Education & Tutorials focuses on teaching the community through tutoring, ESL and garden clubs. Special Interest Teams covers the “other” category, from building relationships with teens in juvenile detention, to leading Bible studies, to dedicating a Saturday morning to whatever Urban Missions needs that day. Residence Hall-Based Teams even give students the opportunity to serve alongside their roommates and hallmates.

“Serving in Urban Missions and in Waco has taught me that it’s not about me,” says one student participant. “I’ve learned through Urban Missions that everybody that you come in contact with in the community — old, young, anybody — they all have a story,” says another.

Sic ’em, Urban Missions!