The final group of students, faculty and staff from Sterling College returned to the United States on June 11, coming back from nine locations from around the world. The teams learned about the other cultures and participated in service projects including working with local churches, teaching in schools, giving out school supplies, preparing meals for distribution and many other tasks.

Director of Missions Rev. Dr. Hank Lederle said, “Sterling College again sent out a number of student teams across the globe. We are deeply grateful for donations from friends and family as well as extensive fundraising efforts which have enabled students to raise the airfares.”

Seven of the teams helped local churches and Christian agencies. Lederle said, “Our philosophy is to strengthen the arms of those in long-term ministry. These are service trips which include working with youth and children, putting on vacation Bible school courses, teaching English, doing light construction work, ministry to AIDS victims and people caught up in human trafficking, as well as speaking in churches and experiencing the joy of the unity we have with brothers and sisters across the world through our faith in one Lord, Jesus Christ. Students come back energized by their chance to practice serving others and are excited to continue that practice in their local communities. Hearing about how they have been changed and the work they were able to do is a highlight to my summer.”

Serving others was the highlight for team leader and assistant professor Laura Bateman. She said, “We are so grateful for the opportunity we had to serve with fellow believers in Ghana. God did so many amazing things in our hearts throughout the trip. It will be exciting to see how God uses those lessons in whatever He has for us in the future.”

photo courtesy of: Ian Sparks