Wesley Center officials have planned a Denver mission trip for Spring Break.
The religion department is collaborating with Denver Urban Matters to plan a general improvement project of the Denver area.
DenUM is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving the urbanized area of Denver by giving people education, employment and assistance with basic needs such as food and shelter.
During the trip, students will assist DenUM, work with other nonprofits and have the opportunity to attend an optional ski trip. Nonprofits students will work with besides DenUm are not finalized.
Denver was chosen to give students an accurate perception of the difference between urban and rural needs, said Elizabeth Horton-Ware, director of student religious life.
“My hope is that, as we go, we’ll alternate years in different service settings, urban and rural, and experience the different poverty and how the needs are different in those two situations,” Horton-Ware said.
The trip will be March 10-17. The cost of registration is $400, which covers travel, food and housing in Sipapu, where the group will stay. The cost does not cover the optional ski trip.
Though the cost is a necessary part of the application process, possible financial assistance can be discussed with the religious department, as well as scholarship opportunities, Horton-Ware said.
“We can’t pay for everyone to go, unfortunately, but we want to help people who want to participate,” she said.
The deadline for application is Friday, and the trip is all-inclusive to students of any major. Though the trip will have an innate faith component, a personal religious stance is not required to go on the trip as the nightly devotionals and participation in religious services are optional.
Though faith is not a requirement, some students signed up for the trip in the hopes for spiritual refreshment and a fulfilling service experience.
“I’m really excited to have that reawakening and that renewing of my spirit, reminding me of how good things really are,” said Monica Hiller, elementary education junior. “I’m really excited to just serve others and serve God.”
To sign up for the mission trip, contact Horton-Ware at erhortonware@okcu.edu or at (405) 208-5484.
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