Into the World: 2026 J-Term Trips

In Mark 16:15b (NIV), Jesus commands his apostles, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” This past January, Taylor University students traveled across the globe, living out the Great Commission while gaining hands-on experience in their fields of study. Among the destinations were Zambia, Kosovo, and Paraguay. Throughout these trips, students and faculty witnessed God’s hand at work as they stepped into new communities and contexts.

Nursing Students Serve and Learn in Zambia

Assistant Professors of Nursing Renee Lehrian and Dr. Mandi Smith led a group of 10 students to Zambia over J-Term. Guided by Come Go With Us ministry, the group experienced nursing in a different cultural light and enjoyed the beauty of creation in Zambia. Students spent time at an urban clinic, a public hospital, a missions hospital, and a bush clinic, as well as two days with a Zambian nursing school. They worked with people of all ages, from using fetoscopes to listen to babies’ heartbeats to caring for an adult’s crocodile bite scar.

“Our Zambia nursing J-term trip was a powerful time of service, learning, and growth,” Nursing senior Rylee Ruiz said. “We practiced hands-on skills, learned Zambian culture, built relationships with local nursing students, and experienced God’s faithfulness through daily reflection, making this trip both deeply impactful and unforgettable.”

Alongside practical experience, the team explored the beauty of Zambia on a safari and spent two days at a game park seeing wildlife such as rhinos and monkeys. They also visited local churches and experienced worship in a different culture. Students were able to sing, dance, participate in Bible studies, and help with children’s church ministry.

Lehrian reflected on the experience, saying, “I was excited to share my passion for Zambia with my students and see them experience their passion for nursing through working in the hospital, clinics and ministering to the people of Zambia.”

Witnessing God at Work in Kosovo

Admissions Counselor Brendan Maloney led a group of eight students on a Lighthouse mission trip to Kosovo over J-Term. The group partnered with six local missionaries from Greater Europe Mission to help with day-to-day operations in a country where less than 1% of the population believes in Jesus. The group helped with a myriad of tasks, including distributing food and water to people affected by flooding and helping run a youth group for a local church.

Junior Lucie Parkison reflected, “The Lord is working in Kosovo, and His people there are making room for Him. It caused me many times to wonder, ‘Are we?’”

"I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this trip,” Maloney said. “The Lord revealed Himself to me and the team in mighty ways. I would encourage anyone to go on this trip or visit this beautiful country.”

Entrepreneurship in Paraguay

Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Operations Manager Kyra Zylstra and Professor of Entrepreneurship Dr. Mick Bates led 12 students on a business-focused J-Term trip to Paraguay. There, they interned at a wide range of businesses, including coffee shops, restaurants, food production corporations, and real estate agencies. Through these internships, students gained real-life experience creating marketing plans, updating software, calculating logistics, researching FDA regulations, and creating brand campaigns—all while gaining cross-cultural experience.  

The trip focused on the integration of faith and learning, teaching students how to minister through the marketplace. The trip also focused on educating Paraguayan women in microfinance, a new avenue for women to support their families. Those on the trip also experienced personal spiritual growth and support. Each day, one student was chosen as the “person of the day.” Everyone on the trip would pray for that person and come back to them at the end of the day with songs, scripture, and anything else God put on their heart to share.

Junior Finance major Tristan Hildebrand said, “We got to see the Holy Spirit work as we helped train women entrepreneurs from difficult backgrounds, made new connections in Paraguay, and all prayed over one person each day and often saw God move in very specific ways through that.”