DBU Students Spend Spring Break Serving and Learning Across the U.S.

From serving pancakes and driving vans on South Padre Island to touring the Stock Exchange in the heart of New York City, our Patriots were hard at work learning and serving across America this Spring Break. With over 150 participants spanning six trips, students across all disciplines embarked on transformational experiences alongside their peers.

Washington, DC

Under the instruction of DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright, and DBU Trustee and Adjunct Professor Dr. Brent Taylor, 16 students spent time learning about leadership through the lives of the Nation's Founding Fathers. Through visiting iconic monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, and the Capitol, connecting with DBU alums and friends in DC, and venturing out to Colonial Williamsburg, these Patriots were able to see history come to life this Spring Break. Students also visited the National Archives to view the Declaration of Independence, explored the Smithsonian museums, and paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

New York City (Manhattan), New York

22 students led by Prof. H. Rick Jordan, Prof. Jamie Jordan, and Dr. Sergiy Saydometov embarked on a journey to the Big Apple to study finance, management, and kinesiology. With excursions like touring the New York Stock Exchange, talking with representatives at JP Morgan, visiting Madison Square Garden, Citi Field Stadium, Rockefeller Center, and more, this group stepped outside the classroom and gained invaluable hands-on experience. In addition, students also enjoyed exploring Times Square, Broadway, and Chelsea Market.

New York City (Brooklyn), New York

Each year, DBU partners with Swerve Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn, to both serve alongside and learn from North American Mission Board church planters, Danny and Melissa Torres. While serving, Patriots were given the opportunity to minister to the Bushwick community, gain understanding of the transient, diverse community in Brooklyn, foster relationships with Swerve Church leadership and members, and deepen their knowledge of urban church planting. Throughout the week, students participated in hands-on service activities such as painting a low-income housing unit, organizing school supplies for a local elementary school, and distributing church invitations. They also engaged in meaningful conversations with residents, served pancakes and coffee outside the church, and hosted a community gathering for children and families.

Civil Rights Trip

A powerful and profound trip each year, the integration of faith and learning is ever-present on the Civil Rights Trip. Led by Dr. Jack Goodyear, Dr. Rodney Garrett, and Prof. Tish Hearne, undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students alike join to journey throughout the South (Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; Birmingham, AL; Montgomery, AL; Jackson, MS) and study the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Stops included the Rosa Parks Museum, the Civil Rights Memorial Museum, and the historic Tuskegee University. Students also visited the home of Booker T. Washington and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, gaining firsthand insight into the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights era. They also had the opportunity to visit Chris' Famous Hot Dogs, a historic restaurant that has served significant figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Elvis since 1917. Dr. Garrett emphasized the significance of the trip, stating, "It's not just about black history or civil rights history, it's really American history. Once we learn our history, we can move forward and make it better." 

Chapel Worship Songwriting Retreat

Our DBU Chapel Worship team journeyed to Westcliffe, Colorado, for their annual songwriting retreat. The beauty and stillness of the mountains surrounding them provided the perfect backdrop for these team members to spend time studying the Word, creating new songs, workshopping ideas, and reflecting on the Lord's goodness. The students, inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:15-21, dedicated time to writing worship songs to bring back and share with the DBU community. 

Beach Reach

Nearly 60 DBU students and staff members chose to participate in Beach Reach, in South Padre, Texas, with the Baptist Student Ministry this year. Students from around the state gathered to faithfully serve the spring breakers visiting South Padre Island through providing free van rides and pancake breakfasts, as well as fervently praying for those around them. Under the leadership of BSM Director Meghan Hendrickson, these Patriots impacted the lives of others this Spring Break in the name of Jesus. Throughout the week, DBU students engaged in nearly 500 gospel conversations, witnessed salvations, and even experienced baptisms in the ocean during worship sessions on the beach. 

As another exciting week of travel ends, Dallas Baptist University is proud to see so many students making the world their classroom and mission field! If you or someone you know is eager to participate in a Global Studies or Global Missions trip through DBU, visit the Global Studies website to learn more.