Over Spring Break, several Holmes students from the Goodman and Grenada campuses traveled to Arlington, Texas, to unite for one cause: a mission trip. The students traveled to Mission Arlington-a center that offers different services such as providing clothing, medical, and food supplies to people in the community. The students are members of the Baptist Student Union (BSU), and the organization always takes an annual Spring Break mission trip to a different location.
According to Mission Arlington’s website, the organization began as an idea when its founder and director, Tillie Burgin, was serving as a missionary in South Korea and thought, “Why can’t I do this in my hometown in Arlington?” After extended periods of prayer with family and friends, Mission Arlington was birthed under the idea of “Taking church to the people.” This same concept that began in 1986 has carried the evangelistic mission into 126 different apartments, neighborhoods, and churches.
Above all, the BSU members were impressed with Burgin. In her early 90’s, Burgin is still actively involved with the organization and implementation of the day-to-day activities of the community mission project. She still meets with each group, gives them instruction for their project for the day, and prays over each group. Students were amazed by her will, determination, and passion for the Gospel that she displays each day. Students were more shocked when they didn’t find her in her office, but working alongside other groups.
At a joint share service at the BSU House on the Goodman Campus, Goodman student Bailey Rutledge had the following to say about his experience: “This trip taught me that it doesn’t matter how big or small an act of kindness or a mission project may be-it’s still important. We’re called to share the Gospel in big and small ways in Arlington and in Goodman at Holmes Community College. I feel God leading me to continue that mission work in my daily life, wherever that may be.”
Grenada student Maddison Porter (capitalize the P) shared those sentiments by jokingly saying, “Even though we had to suffer through air mattresses and the guys’ snoring, we had a great time. We had a great time getting to know one another and playing with children and sharing the Gospel with people in a different community than my own.”
After the trip, everyone agreed they could all be more like Tillie Burgin and have a greater passion for their calling, even when they’re older. They hope the mission trip continues to be an annual thing among the campuses.