Serving God and Neighbor: Spring Break with a Purpose

This spring break, Geneva students have the opportunity to take part in one of two meaningful, Christ-centered learning experiences — both designed to help them grow in faith, cultural understanding, and practice community service while exploring a new area of the country. 

Immersion Trips are service-learning experiences that focus on listening, learning, and serving with a group of peers. Each trip is led by two Geneva employees and offers a unique lens through which to explore what it means to live out Geneva’s mission of faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor in today’s world. This year’s trips will focus on hospitality to the stranger and faithful civic engagement

Option 1: Atlana, GA

Students will spend five days in and around Atlanta, Georgia, including a trip to the community of Clarkston, home to thousands of resettled refugees. Through visits with organizations involved in refugee resettlement, students will engage in hands-on service and reflect together on what Christian hospitality looks like in our world today. Participants will visit key tourist spaces in Atlanta and enjoy food from several different cultures. Students will return home with a clearer understanding of what the Bible says about welcoming others as well as a deeper appreciation of the complexities of public policy. 

Option 2: Washington, D.C. 

In our nation’s capital, students will explore the importance of civic engagement and what faithful political involvement can look like for followers of Christ. This trip will include visits to major historical and government sites, opportunities for community service, and conversations with Christian organizations working in policy, advocacy, and leadership development. 

In a season when we as a nation are quick to divide over political engagement and the specifics of public policy, both trips are designed to help students practice faithful witness by responding with deeper conviction and understanding. The goal is never to promote a political agenda, but to equip students to engage culture faithfully — as informed, prayerful citizens who seek God’s kingdom first. 

We invite you to encourage your student to prayerfully consider participating in one of these experiences. More information about specific trip dates, cost, and the application steps are available online at https://www.geneva.edu/student-life/engagement/immersion-trips.

By Kristen Slebodnik, CSE