South Africa Mission Trip Happening After Two Year Hiatus

MISHAWAKA­­–– Bethel University has many opportunities for mission trips through different organizations and geared towards different groups. The South Africa trip happening June 7 to 21, 2022, is led by Reverend Courtney Richards, who was the speaker at Spiritual Emphasis week this year. In addition, Theo Williams, Ph.D., associate professor of communication, and Williams’s wife also help lead the trip.

The trip is through the organization that Richards founded in 1996 called RENEWED Ministries. The trip has had to be postponed in 2019 and 2020 due to COVID-19. 

“My wife (Nicole) and I are both board members,” Williams wrote in an email response to the Beacon. “We have ministered with RENEWED Ministries several times in the past.” 

The trip is estimated to cost $2,500 per person, which includes transportation, food and tourism attractions. Any money for personal shopping or souvenirs is required.

The trip is geared towards students interested in missions or ministry, much of it including young children. Activities include going to schools and holding camps and clinics involving basketball, and potentially volleyball and soccer. In addition, a music ministry takes place with the youth. 

“The highlight may be a national youth day that takes place during the time the team will be there,” Williams said. “In 2018 this event involved around 400 youth and it involved games, workshops, dance, drumming, sports and drama.” 

Lastly, there would be a sightseeing day, including a visit to Robbins Island, which was where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and Table Mountain. 

If students are interested in the South Africa Trip, anyone may apply to go through a recommendation and selection process. Students going on the trip will need to be vaccinated or will have to sign an amended waiver to go on the trip.

The trip is through the organization that Richards founded in 1996 called RENEWED Ministries. The trip has had to be postponed in 2019 and 2020 due to COVID-19. 

“My wife (Nicole) and I are both board members,” Williams wrote in an email response to the Beacon. “We have ministered with RENEWED Ministries several times in the past.” 

The trip is estimated to cost $2,500 per person, which includes transportation, food and tourism attractions. Any money for personal shopping or souvenirs is required.

The trip is geared towards students interested in missions or ministry, much of it including young children. Activities include going to schools and holding camps and clinics involving basketball, and potentially volleyball and soccer. In addition, a music ministry takes place with the youth. 

“The highlight may be a national youth day that takes place during the time the team will be there,” Williams said. “In 2018 this event involved around 400 youth and it involved games, workshops, dance, drumming, sports and drama.” 

Lastly, there would be a sightseeing day, including a visit to Robbins Island, which was where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and Table Mountain. 

If students are interested in the South Africa Trip, anyone may apply to go through a recommendation and selection process. Students going on the trip will need to be vaccinated or will have to sign an amended waiver to go on the trip.