Missions Program a Key Part of Christian Education

Like all of us, the students and teachers at Wesleyan School enjoy their spring and summer breaks. For 270 Wesleyan School students and faculty members, however, the breaks allow them the opportunity to spend some of their time serving through mission teams.

During their spring break of March 18-25, Wesleyan School teams visited Clarkston, Ga., Chattanooga, Tn., Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Bulgaria. In June, a team will head to South Africa.

Wesleyan Head of School Chris Cleveland said that since 2005, the school has sent over 1,000 students and faculty “…to do what we believe Jesus Christ calls us to do — serve our neighbors. For our missions program, ‘neighbor’ can be right here in Atlanta, or in places like Bulgaria, South Africa, Ecuador or just up I-75 in Chattanooga.”

The program, which began with a handful of faculty and students on one trip, has become an annual tradition. In addition to the spring break mission with teams traveling near and far, the school sends another team to more distant locations every other summer. This year, a team will serve in South Africa.

“We find that not only does the missions program follow the command of Christ to serve our fellow man, but it also helps us fulfill what we are called to do as Christian educators,” said Wesleyan Director of Christian Life Greg Lisson. “When we travel with students to other places it helps students see who their ‘neighbor’ is, what service looks like and what other cultures and life experiences look like.”

Cleveland added that the Wesleyan missions program is one of the most defining aspects of the school’s community. “It’s a key part of our approach to Christian education,” he said, “and providing the opportunity for students to see firsthand what Christ-like service looks like is one of the most important things we do each school year.” ■