As a CollegePlus! student you have the tremendous advantage and flexibility to take part in “non-traditional,” real life learning and ministry experiences. This was something I discovered firsthand during my own degree journey. A few months after beginning full-blown into my accelerated degree studies in 2001, a little write-up on a 5-week ministry trip to Taiwan captured my attention. Everything about the mission seemed to fit precisely with the vision God had put in my heart.

But what about my CLEP studies? The internal wrestling match began. If I took this trip I would graduate 1-2 months later than planned. My face had been set like a flint to stop at nothing to finish my degree in 12 months. Spreading the matter before the Lord, I evaluated the life purpose He had put in my heart, the purpose I felt my Communication degree was preparing me for and the things I believed God would teach me on such a trip.

A few months later I was on a plane to Taipei, Taiwan. It reminded me of the day I committed to earn my degree through ADL: there was trepidation, nervousness, excitement, and peace that God had prepared the way.

During that ministry trip God magnified Himself, grew me, and used me in ways I could have never anticipated. So much so that a few months after returning I again decided to teach English in Taiwan, this time for 2 months. My college graduation date was moved, but looking back, those were some of the best months of discovery and enrichment invested in my degree journey.

These trips during college helped me keep the big picture of God’s purpose for my life outside of the intense study I was immersed in back home. It renewed my vision for why I was getting my degree and how God could use it in His kingdom. In Taiwan I faced unavoidable opportunities to view the needs in the world and force myself to ask, “How will I respond?” Five years later I remained changed. My studies took on a new dimension.

That’s why I’m completely thrilled about the three week CollegePlus! trip to Lima, Peru in November. Not only will it be with a fantastic group of students on a similar degree journey and purpose, but above all it will give you an up close look at what God is doing among the nations for His glory. I firmly believe you will come home with a broadened perspective that applies to all areas of your life. For those who have never traveled outside the U.S. and for those with a well-marked passport already, if God is prompting you to consider Peru 2008 with CollegePlus!, don’t miss out.

Christie Ballmann, CP Academic Advisor, is delighted to join the leadership team to Peru in February. God has put a specific life calling in her heart to disciple college age students to live with an eternal perspective of spreading God’s glory among the nations.

Click here to register today for the upcoming mission team to Peru!