DBU Students Travel to Learn and Serve over Spring Break

Spring Break is a week-long vacation for most college students, one that is spent catching up with family, friends, and possibly even homework. However, some students choose to attend university-led trips that provide a learning or serving experience over the break. Such was the case for three groups of DBU students traveling to Washington D.C., New York City, and Arkansas.

Washington D.C.

In D.C., students had the opportunity to learn about leadership and the Founding Fathers while exploring the nation’s capital. The group had the opportunity to tour the White House, observe the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery, visit the National Cathedral, and walk through several museums including the African American Museum and the Smithsonian. Additionally, students were led on a private tour of the Museum of the Bible and spoke with leaders such as Senator James Lankford (OK), Josh Walker, Emily Davis, and more.

During the trip, the group attended lectures from Dr. Adam C. Wright, Dr. Dale Meinecke, and Dr. Brent Taylor on the steps of some of the most famous monuments in the country: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (the monument that DBU’s Nation Hall is modeled after), George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, Arlington Memorial Amphitheater, and the Washington Monument.

“Recently the Lord has been teaching me that He is less concerned with what we do and more focused on why we do it,” shared DBU graduate student Caleb Smith. “This idea was driven further throughout the week as I heard both Dr. Wright and Senator Lankford share with us how the Lord called them to their current vocations. After they relinquished control of their preconceived ideas of the future and focused more on wanting to experience greater intimacy with God, they were able to be more receptive to His calling on their lives.”

New York City

During the New York trip, DBU students had the opportunity to visit renowned tourist spots in the Big Apple, exploring places such as NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and attending a Broadway show. Throughout the week, students also volunteered with The Bowery Mission and Street Life ministries in service to the homeless population.

“At NBC studios, we had the chance to see the filming location for shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Today Show, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” explained DBU Senior Wayne Briggs. “From touring to serving, the week in New York was eye-opening and refreshing, especially the opportunity to worship at Hillsong Church NYC–as well as a jazz worship service at Redeemer Church.”

Arkansas

Meanwhile, a different group of DBU students spent the break serving with Habitat for Humanity in Arkansas. For the duration of the trip, students worked on houses in both Van Buren and Fort Smith. The group helped build foundations, put up sheetrock, and lay down flooring alongside other volunteers.

“One of my personal favorite parts of the week was on Friday,” DBU BSM Director Shelby Weatherly recalled. “On that day, Margarita, the future home owner, came and built with us, along with three ladies who came and provided authentic Mexican food for our lunch. The ladies all live in homes built by Habitat for Humanity, and twice a year they cook a huge lunch to give back to the organization. It was such a joy to eat and work alongside current and future recipients of homes. They were all so kind and generous.”

Overall, the break served as a great traveling opportunity for DBU students and faculty alike to serve communities around the country and learn on the go.