On November 7th, students who had applied to be a part of SIMS found out where they are going to be on mission this summer. There are nine SIMS teams this year that are going all around the world.
Kimmie Runnels, a senior graphic design major, is the team leader for the Brazil team. This is her second time doing SIMS since she has been at SNU.
Bethany Vierow, a junior pastoral ministry major, is the team leader for the South Africa team. She went on her first SIMS trip her freshman year to New Zealand.
Clifton Grear, a junior mass communication major, is the other team leader for the South Africa team. This is his second SIMS trip since being at SNU.
Why did you decide to do SIMS this year?
Kimmie: “I’ve always had a heart for missions. I decided to do SIMS because I’ve done a mission trip with SIMS in the past, and my experience wasn’t that great. This year, I wanted to try again and after a lot of prayer, I felt led to apply.”
Bethany: “I decided to do SIMS this year because I have a passion for ministry, and I wanted to make a mission trip my top priority for the summer. I love experiencing new cultures and meeting new people and have a desire to partner with others around the world to build the Kingdom of God.”
Clifton: “I went on SIMS last year but just in the USA, so I wanted to venture out into the world and build relationships.”
What are your hopes for your team as you prepare for your trip?
Kimmie: “To grow deeper in relationship with other Christ followers in different areas of the world, grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord, and to learn something deeper about ourselves.”
Bethany: “I hope my team learns to be attuned to each other’s strengths and weaknesses so we can give each other grace in stressful situations. I am also hoping that we grow as close friends and that God will equip us to serve faithfully this summer!”
Clifton: “I hope that we truly grow together as a team, are able to work together in the best way possible for us and that each of us grow in God.”
What is one thing about your trip that makes you anxious?
Kimmie: “Being the leader because I want to lead my team well.”
Bethany: “I’m a little anxious about the cultural differences and language barriers in South Africa. These obstacles are always a bit challenging to overcome during ministry.”
Clifton: “This will be my first time on that side of the world, and the trip is longer than any mission trip I’ve been on.”
These are only three of your fellow SNU students who are serving in ministry this summer. If you would like more information, or if you’d like to donate to any student, please visit snu.edu/sims.
[author image=”http://echo.snu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/IMG_4213.jpg”]Courtney McDaniel, Staff Writer
Courtney is junior majoring in Nursing. Courtney grew up as a Navy brat but now her family currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is apart of the SNU Speak House on campus that works with an non-profit to end sex-trafficking in Oklahoma City. Courtney loves listening to some Judah & The Lion, going to hit some dingers at the batting cages, and hanging out with people. She hopes to be a Nurse in the US Navy after graduation and to continue serving others through her profession. [/author]