Most college students, when they get a break from school, usually just want to spend time relaxing, going to see movies, hanging out with friends, or possibly going to the beach. After spending months studying, reading, writing papers, walking across campus to get from one class to another, drinking lots of coffee to stay awake, listening to lectures, and taking tests, they are tired and just want to tune everything out. I totally get it! However, go back and re-read the first three words of this paragraph: most college students. By saying “most,” I’m telling you that there are some who choose not to do the above activities. There are some who simply refuse to just chill out!
Those who refuse to relax during their school breaks tend to be extraordinary people. What do they want to do during their break? They want to travel on a mission trip with Feed the Hunger!
Last week, nine University of Mississippi students traveled with me to Haiti. This marks the tenth international mission trip that the university has been on with FtH. Over the years, we have traveled to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, and Haiti.
It is always amazing to see the students in action, going outside their comfort zones to minister and care for people they have never met. These are people who are extremely poor—many times without proper clothing or with no clothing at all, no food to eat, victims of hurricanes and earthquakes, orphans, widows, the sick, and the dying.
It is a life-changing experience both for the people they meet and for the travelers themselves. Many, for the first time, truly see God at work, and they want to be part of what He is doing. They want to be used by Him for His glory.
The students always tell me that the trip has changed their lives. I am blessed to see students go from self-serving, sometimes self-destructive, to getting on the path of serving others and serving Him.
It’s more than a meal!
Melinda Staples | Project Manager
