Missions are a great way to live out your faith and serve your community. Missions can take the form of major projects in other countries or simply serving hot chocolate to your fellow students. Recognizing the importance of being Christ's hands and feet, we strive to provide monthly opportunities to serve together as a body. GRIP and Grace United Methodist Church have helped bring both experiences to college students for years in a variety of ways, including:
Midnight Mission, a.k.a “Jesus Pizza”: Homecoming at IUP is one big party, and at Grace UMC we get in on the fun in our own way! We encourage you to serve your peers during the Midnight Mission held on the church lawn on the Friday night of Homecoming. Students and Grace Church members collaborate to provide drinks, food and friendship to the masses. This is a longstanding tradition at Grace and is anticipated by IUP students. They’ve even nicknamed it “Jesus pizza!” This year it's on Friday, September 30th, so mark your calendar!
Bethel Bible Village: Students have the opportunity to build relationships with their peers, mature Christians (meaning non-students…leaders would never want to be accused of acting ‘mature’!) and at-risk youth on this weeklong spring break mission. Students and Grace Church family members travel to Hixson, TN, to a home for displaced children. Past projects have included roofing, drywall and other construction projects as well as just hanging out with the kids. No experience necessary; each team is equipped with patient and competent teachers for all projects! You will come home with new skills and new friends.
Mississippi Mission: Mississippi’s coastline was decimated during Hurricane Katrina, and its residents continue to reach out for help rebuilding their homes. This spring break mission is led by Grace and some members from the church family will join you in aiding the hurricane’s victims through home-rebuilding projects. Past projects include light construction such as drywall, roofing, etc. It’s not uncommon for volunteers to interact with survivors, perhaps sharing a meal together or words of encouragement.
Mexico Mission: Students travel to San Luis, Mexico to serve children at the Bethel Orphanage through Caring Hearts Ministry (www.caringheartsmexico.com). Director Ken Blose, an IUP graduate, resides in the town and provides numerous opportunities for us to serve. Volunteers work on construction projects in addition to spending time with the kids. Multiple ministry opportunities exist in this impoverished area, and past ministries include trips to the local jail, a rehabilitation center and garbage dump to hand out food and supplies and to join in worship. You will return with a lighter suitcase, a heavier heart and a desire to create change in an unfair world. Pray about this opportunity to serve (January 7 - 14th) and if you feel that God may be leading you, plan to attend our informational meeting on Sunday, September 25th at 1:30 pm in the Delaware Room, following 12:12.
Local Missions: Travel is not necessary to serve. We when we hear of a need in our community, we respond whenever possible. The needs are varied, allowing us to use a variety of gifts. Opportunities have included construction projects, clearing out a home destroyed by fire, yardwork, donating food and making blankets. We publicize these opportunities throughout the semester.
And don’t worry if you’ve never even hammered a nail. Experience is certainly welcomed, but not required. All you need is a willing spirit and an open heart — God will do the rest!