Molly Towne participated in the Oklahoma (2008), Tennessee (2009, 2011), and New Jersey (2010) mission trips during her time at Hope. Here is how the trips impacted her faith:

“Through immersion trips at Hope College, I was exposed to new cultures and the issues that face impoverished communities in different places around our country. Without participating in these trips I would have no concept of the struggles facing Native American families living on reservations, or what it is like to put my arm around an addict who is afraid to enter rehab, or what it looks like to see local, committed leaders serve day after day, even if progress doesn't come as quickly as they had hoped. It is those lessons, coupled with the life-long friendships formed on some of these teams that I will always cherish. You may not be able to bring lasting change to a community in one week, but you can learn from those serving their long-term, you can encourage them, you can increase the capacity of their ministry for that week, and you can return to your community with a new perspective.”

Molly, a 2011 graduate, is currently a Volunteer Placement and Ministry Services Specialist for the Reformed Church in America.

Andrea Ramirez attended the Chicago Immersion trip in 2018. Here is how the trip impacted her faith:

Hope College has equipped me with more than just a high-quality education; it also gave me the courage to unapologetically pursue God and to grow in my faith. Hope has brought amazing people into my life that will forever be a part of my journey with God. During my time at Hope, I was able to go on two immersion trips that have since allowed me to fully experience God’s love and grace. The Chicago Immersion trip taught me that God’s love is within us all. It taught me to be the person that listens, understands, and shows love and appreciation to strangers. Jamaica and its people taught me to pray from the heart; they also taught me to pray alone and in silence while rejoicing aloud and with others. There is something simply beautiful about a group of people who gather to praise Him while showing love to one another. Through these trips I was able to discover new interests, learn about different cultures, meet new friends, and continue to learn about God.

Your support is instrumental in making these opportunities possible! crowdfunding.hope.edu/immersiontrips