Travel with a Purpose on a DBU Mission Trip

One of the greatest callings of Christians is to share God's Word with others, whether far or near. At DBU, students can spread the Gospel while engaging in selfless servanthood through one of the university's mission trip opportunities.

Why You Should Consider a Mission Trip With DBU

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." – Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

Christ calls for his followers to bring others to Him from every corner of the world. Through the mission trip opportunities offered by DBU, students can serve the Lord while experiencing new sights.

New Connections and a New Worldview

Whether you've been in Dallas your whole life or are a regular traveler, mission trips give you the chance to step outside your comfort zone and expand your worldview. Mission trips allow you to meet people from other communities and cultures, form new connections, and see the world from new perspectives. Not only can you grow in character but also in your relationship with God. 

Traveling with other students from DBU, you can embark on this journey with fellow Christians from your community and become closer to your peers.

A Dedication to Servanthood

During your mission trip, you will learn what it means to put others before yourself and about the importance of a selfless attitude. Many mission trips focus on a service project in which missionaries work together to benefit a community. You might get to put your artistic skills to use by painting murals or even building a home for the first time. 

The way we serve others reflects the work God does in our lives. While experiencing new cultures and helping others, you will get to introduce communities to Christ by sharing about your own relationship with Him.

Gaining New Skills

As a college student, you are likely aiming to learn as much as you can before you earn your degree. By going on a mission trip, you get the chance to gain new skills that can be useful in your professional life. You can also use your classroom knowledge in real-life situations, whether you're studying nursing and assisting in a medical clinic or teaching English to children as an education major.

How Can You Go On a Mission Trip?

DBU offers many missionary opportunities and has numerous options for mission training and equipment. You can stop by the Global Missions office, located in the Sadler Global Missions Center, to learn more about these opportunities or ways you can connect with other missionaries and service opportunities.

What Kind of Mission Trip Can You Take?

DBU offers a few types of mission trips, and you can choose which one is the best fit.

Short-term International

Many students choose to take short-term international mission trips, which typically span from a few days to a few weeks. These trips are often offered during the university's break periods, such as spring, fall, or summer break.

Long-term International

On longer international mission trips, you might spend a few months or even an entire semester serving communities in a country.

Domestic

Domestic mission trips are those that you can take within your own country. Students at DBU have served in a variety of cities across the U.S., such as New York City. 

Fundraising Resources

Financial barriers should never hold you back from going on a mission trip. Luckily, there are several ways to raise money for your travels.

Fundraising Websites

Fundraising websites show the fundraising goal in one place and track how much has been raised as donations are sent. Because much of what we do is online, these websites are easy to share with potential donors through social media simply by posting or sending a link. Websites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter are popular platforms for fundraising.

Make sure to regularly engage with your donors and let them know what you will be doing on your mission trip.

Support Letters

Support letters are an easy way to connect and share your goals with your loved ones by telling them about what you hope to achieve on your mission trip. This will show that you are being intentional with your trip and that it is much more than a vacation — you are traveling to do God's work. These letters are easy to complete at home and require little out-of-pocket costs.

Community Events

There are a number of community events you can hold to raise money for your mission trip. You can have classic events like bake sales and car washes, or you can even partner with local businesses to hold benefit nights.

Communicate with your local church to see if any of its members or committees would be willing to sponsor you or aid with your fundraising.

Scholarships

DBU offers a scholarship specifically for students interested in taking a mission trip. Students can apply for scholarships by completing the Missions Scholarship Application.

The Missionary Experience: What Students Say

DBU has been offering mission trips to its students for years. Groups have traveled far and wide to serve communities, from hosting summer camps for children in Spain to ministering to students in Hungary.

Learn what DBU students have to say about their experiences by reading their stories of spiritual growth and service.