March 8, 2010

Mission trip to Mexico planned for spring break

MITCHELL — “Sacrifice or Service” is Dakota Wesleyan University’s motto and the Student Ministry Council gives this motto meaning each year with an international mission trip.

Last year DWU students trekked to Peru and partnered with the United Methodist Church doing construction work in the town of Chincha. This year, 17 students and two staff members will travel to Puerto Vallarta along the Pacific coast of Mexico, during spring break, March 13-20.

Puerto Vallarta, the fifth-largest city in the Mexican state of Jalisco, southeast of Baja, Calif., is known for its resorts. When travelers arrive in the lush, mild-temperature oasis, they are struck by the beauty of the area – probably unaware of the poverty that lies beyond the resorts’ borders. Two major projects are planned during the mission trip: building homes for the homeless near the city and working and spending time with children at an area orphanage.

The students participating in the mission trip include: Derik Fossum, Canton; Kelty Godby, Mountain Home, Ark.; Mallory Gould, Sioux Falls; Charity Kear, Mandan, N.D.; Seth LaBounty, Mitchell, Neb.; Tanner LaValliere, Sioux Falls; Shannon Mack, Mobridge; Abby Mettler, Wessington Springs; Amanda Myers, Howard; Kelsey Miller, Belle Fourche; Jeannette Mitchell, Copperas Cove, Texas; Alicia McKnight, Rapid City; Kelsie Nebelsick, Canistota; Kara Robertson, Kincardine, Ontario, Canada; and Liz Stewart, Meadow Grove, Neb. Campus pastor Brandon Vetter and his wife, Vicky, both DWU alumni, will also be accompanying the group.