About Lighthouse

Purpose

Lighthouse engages students in carefully chosen international service learning projects and enables them to step out of the familiar in faith, build relationships within other cultures, develop and exercise their gifts and abilities, expand their global perspective and explore vocational calling.

Lighthouse assists students in living a life consistent with the biblical view of world mission and life stewardship. As servant learners, Lighthouse teams partner with on-field ministries, helping to implement their long-term ministry goals and discovering the vastness of God's love for all nations and peoples.

How are teams selected?

Students go through an application process in April/May for the following Interterm projects. Teams are selected by team sponsors during the summer and begin meeting together in the fall semester. Students are also enrolled in the one-hour course IAS 120 Introduction to International Ministry.

Are there leadership opportunities?

Two student co-directors work with the director to promote, organize and facilitate Lighthouse opportunities and other aspects of the program. They also provide encouragement to team members and coordinate prayer support.  Within Lighthouse teams, students choose to serve on various subcommittees to strategize, plan and implement different aspects of the outreach ministry.

What are the financial costs?

Lighthouse teams work together to raise the total cost of their projects through prayer letters, personal contributions and other fund-raising events. Contributions are tax-deductible and non-refundable. Students who agree to participate are responsible to share equally in the financial obligation of the outreach.  If sufficient funds are not raised, it is the responsibility of the group to cover the expenses personally or to raise additional funds.  Additional student expenses include passport fees, immunizations and personal spending money.

What time commitment is involved?

Team members meet weekly on Monday evenings during the fall semester for the IAS 120 course and team meetings. Most teams also plan a fall retreat and other social and/or preparation activities. Time is also needed for course assignments, sending prayer letters, obtaining travel documents, getting immunizations, sending thank you notes, etc.

What are the dates?

January Interterm: Teams generally depart the first week of January and return three weeks later.