Alumni

We all have filters based on who we are, where we come from, and our life experiences. We see the Bible through that filter. So, when you have people who have diverse filters relating together, we get a fuller understanding of the Bible and of God. We recognize the diversity of the global family of faith and the perspectives of the indigenous churches which enrich our understanding of God and what God calls us to do.

I was placed in a nonprofit organization that serves refugees, and I found myself falling in love with the work and the people. I also really like San Antonio and all the opportunities that it has to offer young people like me willing to do service. I am very happy to stay with my placement organization and work with them for this amazing cause.

I would never have know about or understood to the level that I do now, having participated in MVS, the homelessness crisis in San Francisco and all of the complexities associated with it. Its been eye-opening and thought-shifting in terms of the beliefs that I’ve grown up around and intrinsically had towards homelessness and the people who are homeless. That’s been really powerful.

Having grown up in Swaziland, I learned the history of apartheid. I came on this trip thinking I might learn a thing or two, but was very surprised by how much I learned and how much I had to unlearn. It’s not the job of minorities or people of color to identify the racism, the systemic injustices and oppression. That is on us to find creative ways of stopping counteracting those. I’m returning home with a renewed sense that what I do and how I interact in the world make a difference.

This year of work, community and church has reminded me over and over again that the place that God consistently shows up in our society is among those who are most vulnerable. Those on the edges, and in the shadows. God offers an invitation to us to join in and amplify that movement. That is the good news.

I really appreciate how the pilgrimage emphasizes learning and how to apply that to your own stories, your own context, what is happening in your lives, in your countries, and in other places.

I think MVS is a good transition place, if you’re not quite sure what you want to do. It’s a place where you can really reflect with a community who’s behind you and wants to support you. Just do it!

I saw skills forming that I never knew I had. My true self finally felt seen. I entered the year being a shy kid who felt overlooked and left as a leader.

I remember hearing about Service Adventure all throughout high school and at my church. I thought it was a cool idea, but for the longest time, I thought I had to go straight to college after high school or I would be considered a failure. I am so glad that God called me to change my plans and that I decided to follow through with Service Adventure

After having a year full of learning, self-growth, and new connections with people here in San Francisco, I knew that I wanted to stay for a second year.