Travel with a Purpose
Borderlinks
Borderlinks, begun in 1987, conducts experiential seminars to educate participants on the implications of the global economy. By experiencing life first hand in communities like Nogales and Sonora, participants are challenged to wrestle with the complexity of life on the border and to reexamine their own assumptions and beliefs. A group of Immanuel youth and adults traveled with Borderlinks in July 2004. If you are interested in having a similar experience, detailed information can be found at www.borderlinks.org.
Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship
Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship (PFF), founded in 1981, "exists to challenge, mobilize and empower Presbyterian congregations into global partnerships that establish indigenous churches among unreached people groups." PFF is a validated mission support group of the Presbyterian Church (USA). PFF has been integral in helping Presbyterians form active mission partnerships world wide in Bosnia, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Peru, Mexico, Russia, and Kenya.
Plowshares Institute
The Plowshares Institute, a global Christian ministry led by Rev. Bob and Alice Evans, has trained church and government leaders in non-viloent conflict transformation for almost 25 years. Training, both international and national, includes systematic analysis of conflict, and skills training using case studies, role-playing, and problem solving. Plowshares also sponsors travel seminars to the countries where it works, most recently to China, South Africa, Indonesia, Brazil, Uganda, and Cuba.
Plowshares Council Member Churches are the backbone of the financial support for its initiatives. Each council member church pledges $1000 or more per year to Plowshares. Immanuel became a plowshares Council Member Church in 2002.
Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. Everyone is welcome to join in building simple, decent affordable housing for those who lack adequate shelter. Homeowner families are chosen according to their need; their ability to repay the no-interest, no-profit mortgage; and their willingness to work in partnership with Habitat.
Habitat's Global Village trips give participants a unique opportunity to become active partners with people of another culture. As partners, team members help build a true "global village" of love, homes, community and hope. The fact sheet on international trips, providing information on program goals, organization and registration is found at www.habitat.org.
Habitat also offers a Collegiate Challenge for an unforgettable school break experience. You can travel to the state of your choice and spend a week working side by side with a future habitat homeowner. Collegiate Challenge is a year-round program for groups of five or more students ages 16 and older. Check this out at www.habitat.org.