Mercer On Mission is a unique blend of study abroad and service-learning that provides life-transforming experiences for students through academic instruction, cultural immersion, meaningful service, and spiritual reflection. Cohorts of 8 to 15 students are led by two Mercer faculty members.  The faculty members collaborate to offer two three-hour courses that directly relate to their particular international setting and to their specific service project. Mercer On Mission is scheduled during the five weeks of either summer school session. Generally, the first and last week of the term are spent in class on the Macon campus. The middle three weeks are spent abroad, participating in significant service and active learning. Baptist relief and mission agencies offer logistical support for service projects and in-country accommodations. The University provides travel scholarships that cover food and lodging while abroad as well as air fare. 

Activities

In the summer of 2007, Mercer On Mission sent its first group of students and faculty to provide service and assistance to those in need in other parts of the world. 

• Ten students and four faculty/staff went to Brazil, where they worked with 35 students in Projeto Vida and with Joao XXIII Institute, a school for students living in poverty. The students also raised money for relieft work in Brazil.
• Twelve students and two faculty went to Guatemala, where they tutored and mentored 85 orphans in the Foundacion Salvacion orphanage and provided food, recreational equipment, and art work for the children. In addition, the students helped raise money to fight poverty in Guatemala.
• Sixteen students and three faculty went to Kenya, where they distributed almost 5,000 mosquito nets to Ilchamus families and built a cooking hut at the Integrated Child Development Center in the village of Longeiwaun.

2008 Programs and Partners

• China: Global Health Initiatives with Hong Kong Baptist Hospital
• Costa Rica: Political and Environmental Studies of the Americas with Goodwill Industries and Iglesia Methodisto
• Liberia: African Studies with Ricks Institute/ Liberian Baptist Convention
• Senegal: Senegalese Literature and Economic Development with the Baobab Center
• South Africa: South African Literature, Politics, and Reconciliation with American Baptist International Missions.
• Zimbabwe: HIV/AIDS Intervention with Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention

How to Get Involved:

Students apply online at www.mercer.edu/mom.

Faculty and Staff Contacts
 
    Dr. Craig McMahan
    University Minister and Director of Mercer On Mission
    mcmahan_ct@mercer.edu
    478 301-2992

    Dr. Eric Spears
    Director of International Programs
    spears_ek@mercer.edu 
    478 301-2573