UMHB students embrace holiday season through missions

01/31/08

By Denise Marcos - University of Mary Hardin-Baylor intern

The spirit of Christ spread joyously throughout the country this past holiday season. As some traveled to their home towns and others stayed close by, a select few spread the word of God through missions miles away from familiarity.

The dedicated listened to the calling and eagerly became involved in the meaning of Christmas. More than a dozen of University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students traveled afar to devote their holiday break to spread Christianity through good will.

Junior psychology and Christian studies major Julie Gibson and sophomore nursing major Carly Meraviglia were two of seven female students who traveled to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, over the break. For Gibson, the visit to Haiti was her sixth, and for Merviglia, it was her first trip to this country. The women bonded not only with each other but with the children in the orphanage with whom they were involved. And however new or familiar the surroundings, both students were appreciative to share the experience.

"I'm continually amazed at how different each trip can be. Spending time with the children taught me a lot about the way I interact with my Heavenly Father," Gibson said. "Seeing the hope in the eyes of the community; I've watched the church grow over the past three years, and it was neat to be able to look into the eyes of these familiar faces and see the realization that God is answering their prayers."

She said the return to the country to serve in the name of Jesus Christ is always a blessing and each visit is a new experience.

"I learned a lot about myself and about the character of God, that knowledge is something that I'm so thankful for. It's neat to me to see the blessings that God pours out on me when I'm in His will."

She said attending a Christian university such as UMHB opened up numerous doors to those interested in becoming involved in the devout trips. A week dedicated to spreading the growth and need for missions at the college allowed eager observers a chance to embrace the calling.

"(It) gave me the opportunity to meet other students who have hearts for serving and learn from their experiences. I was also able to meet spiritual mentors and learn from them as well. I feel like being at UMHB has only expanded my passion for missions."

Meraviglia shares a similar belief.

"I've been involved in missions since I was in sixth grade. And it's always kind of been around me. When I went on a trip with my church in junior high, it really opened my eyes to a lot of the hurting people in the world that don't know who He is."
Expanding her opportunities to serve others through Christ was an ideal she looked for while deciding where to further her education.

"UMHB is a real Christian school, and it is very missions oriented. I love that. Missions is definitely needed, and anybody can do it. It's scary to go outside your own culture and serve people who don't want help. You just have to listen to the call, do it and experience it."