Spring break is a time for college students to relax and unwind from a full first half of the semester. Many travel home to recover or even hit the road to a warmer destination. For over 150 Northwestern students, spring break meant using their week and a half off of school to serve in this year’s Spring Service Partnerships (SSPs). These groups worked with organizations and ministries that NW is partnered with in 13 national and international locations. Each of these missions are aimed at partnering with communities and shining God’s light in them. The SSP groups served in after-school programs, prison outreach ministries, home repair projects and more.
These SSP trips gave NW students opportunities to get out of their inner circles and bond with those they wouldn’t normally. There were moments where God’s power shone through amidst social obstacles, cultural barriers and fear. Sophomore Collin Verschoor explained how those in his group going to Opelousas, Louisiana had to discuss the cultural differences they would encounter interacting with kids in an education-crisis area. “There is a huge cultural difference from northwest Iowa, so before we left for the trip, and even when we got to our site, we had to go over several different points of interest to make sure that we were as respectful as possible to the people in the community.”
Many students were brought out of their comfort zones on their SSP. Junior Owen Kolste shared that when entering a prison in Lindale, Texas for the first time to do ministry, “there were only nerves and second doubts.” Even in his doubts, Kolste found hope in the words of Psalm 23:4. “Luckily, we serve a God who is always with us, so ‘even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil’” Kolste said.
Throughout SSPs, groups reflected on who God is and how He impacts places and people in the most difficult of circumstances. “Through this trip, I was able to see how God works through hard times to make amazing people who show the glory and light of God,” Verschoor said. Testimonies revealed how the Lord steps in to strengthen communities, provide in times of need and give reminders of his goodness. “Many of the people who work for HFO [Hope for Opelousas] have their own stories of hardship and obstacles, and yet they have persevered and created a beautiful space that truly tries to promote their community and uplift the students and citizens around them,” Verschoor said.
Through these partnerships, NW students were able to participate in the work that God is doing in communities across the country and world. Students gave of their time, efforts and talents, and were spiritually sculpted in the process. Even though this year’s SSP trips have returned to campus, the ministries they partnered with continue to work hard in serving and ministering to others while giving the glory to God.