by Kelly Dean | May 9, 2013 | News Slider
Most of us will be lucky enough to go on one or two mission trips throughout the span of our lives. Nineteen trips and counting over the span of 11 years is the number for Lipscomb Bible professor Phil Kinzer, who finds importance in going on mission trips through the strong relationships he has built over the years of leading trips at Lipscomb. Even after a conversation with Phil Kinzer, you will ask yourself how this man has the time of day to serve in the capacity he does. The stories he tells about his life are amazing enough to write his very own book. But where does he find his time? You’d think his daily job as an adjunct Bible professor, pulpit minister at the West End Church of Christ, and grandfather of three would be enough to fill a day’s work. For this man, it’s not enough. In his early twenties, Kinzer started going on mission trips to the Philippines. He described his passion for these trips, saying it that it runs through his blood. Kinzer has traveled all around the world, teaching the Word of God to countries such as Australia, Haiti, Mexico, Egypt and Israel. The Lipscomb professor leads two annual trips with students to Mexico and Haiti. “Going on a mission trip changes your perspective about your country. It opens your mind to people who live in other cultures and other countries,” Kinzer said.“I think there’s a deepening of spirituality because you are so focused for the week. “Anytime you get outside of your comfort zone and focus intently for a week or two on...
by Erika Thornsberry | Apr 1, 2013 | News Slider
Lipscomb University is known for Christian values, community work and students who give up their own time/money to go on mission trips. The university sends students out for mission trips during the summer, Christmas break, spring break and other times of the year. One of the spring break mission groups embarked on a medical mission trip to Honduras. The group went to help the Honduran people with medical situations and shared spiritual support along the way. One of the members of the Honduras team was sophomore Natalie Scarbrough, who will be in Lipscomb’s pharmacy program next year. “It was such a great experience. It’s completely different from the way we live here. I loved seeing and helping out the children,” Scarbrough said. The team set up a clinic for any one that needed medical attention, got to interact with the families and were able to spend time with the children. “This was an experience of a lifetime. If you have never been on a mission trip, I would highly recommend you go on one,” Scarbrough said. “Being there filled me with so much joy. I met some kids that have changed my life. It’s something I will always...
by Kathryn McKinley | Feb 19, 2013 | News Slider
Many Lipscomb students escape the “Spring Break” stereotype of sizzling sun and fun on Florida beaches by embarking on mission trips. Approximately 430 Lipscomb students are preparing to spend their spring breaks serving others through mission trips across the United States and beyond. This year, students will be traveling to 10 different countries on 23 different trips to serve others and spread the love of God during the break that begins March 18. Paul Stevens, the Lipscomb Missions Coordinator, said he’s excited about all the good students will do on their mission trips. He also recommended that students should start preparing for their trips now. “It’s important for students to attend their team meetings, fundraise diligently and, most importantly, build relationships with their fellow team members,” Stevens said. Mission teams have already started preparing for their trips, but it is not too late to sign up for a spring break mission trip. Stevens encourages those toying with the idea to not hesitate in joining a team. “What’s keeping you from it?” Stevens said enthusiastically. “There are so many different opportunities. We have a team that, one way or another, is going to incorporate something that you absolutely love to do and glorify God through something that comes to them very naturally.” Lipscomb first year pharmacy student Michelle Roberts, who has been on three Lipscomb mission trips, echoes Stevens’ enthusiasm. “Mission trips are memories you will never forget,” Roberts said. If you are interested in joining a mission trip, information about trips that are still open is available outside of the Missions Center in Ezell. If you have any questions,...
by Erika Thornsberry | Jan 17, 2013 | News Slider
Lipscomb University is always finding ways to give back to the community. University students are known to give up their summers, holidays or just some of their free time. Even a few Lipscomb athletes, already short on time, have not let that get in their way of going on mission trips. Brent High, who is a spiritual leader for the athletes, has been taking teams/athletes to different countries in order for them to give back, whether it’s in the states, Dominican Republic or Honduras. Lipscomb athletes Kelsey Cartwright and Sarah McFarlin both had the opportunity to take a trip to Honduras. Cartwright, who took a trip during the summer, said mission trips are important journeys for students to make. “A person should go on a mission trip at least once in their life,” Cartwright said. “I can look back on my Honduras trip, and it helps me be extremely thankful for everything that I have.” McFarlin just recently got back from a Christmas break trip to Honduras. “Once a person goes on one mission trip, they always want to go on another, “ McFarlin said. “It changes the way you view things as well as your overall outlook on life. Seeing everyone work together is like a glimpse of eternity.” Cartwright said that her trip involved a good deal of hard work, but a few surprises were to be found along the way “We did a lot of manual labor, helping with the construction of the house,” Cartwright said. “The best part was that we only thought we were going to be working, but we got to meet kids...
by Erin Gupton | Dec 13, 2012 | Uncategorized
Lipscomb students who already have been involved in missions know they have benefited and offer encouraging words to those who have committed their time to future mission department adventures. Participating in a mission trip changes you for the positive, said Kathy Short, a junior from Indianapolis. “Going to Germany through Lipscomb Missions opened up my eyes to things that I wouldn’t have experienced through anything else,” she said. “I got out of my comfort zone while I was there, and it helped me grow as a Christian but also just as a person.” Lydia Buckley, a senior from Knoxville, used to work in the missions department and has participated in missions team trips to Cozumel for 3 years. “In doing so, I got to see how the department really tries to plan a trip that best fits specific skill sets,” Buckley said, “and I’ve been able to see all types of people get involved for that reason.” The Lipscomb community is affected by the trips as well because the teams say they come back with deep friendships and a renewed joy for the Lord. “Through the missions department, I’ve been able to make so many meaningful relationships at Lipscomb and in Cozumel, and it’s been a blessing,” Buckley said. “Instead of going to the beach for a week, I got to participate in the Kingdom of God in a very tangible way and grow closer to the teammates.”...
