JONESBORO — They’re getting ready to go, leaving for places ranging from Alaska to Thailand. They come from an assortment of First Baptists as well as churches with names like Burning Bush and West Acres.

And, they are about to experience something that will strengthen them as believers and the future of the Church.

So say leaders in Collegiate Ministries of the Georgia Baptist Convention. An April 12 commissioning at First Baptist Church here saw 250 students preparing for departure this summer along with 17 adult leaders and campus ministers. The student total is the highest-ever for Georgia Baptists, stated Collegiate Ministries consultant Warren Skinner.

“Summer missions is probably our best discipleship tool,” he said. “Students learn more about faith and following Christ – discover how big God is – than in doing anything else because they are participating in faith steps. They are learning by doing.

“It changes the face of our churches and BCMs as these students grow and become more mature. It changes everything because it changes the student.”

GBC Collegiate Ministries specialist Joe Graham said the experience is an integration of several facets taught through BCM.

“The ministry includes discipleship, service, and evangelism. We hope that students are discovering something new about their lives. It brings together what God teaches them about themselves and what He’s calling them to be.”

Stephen Moye, a Christian Studies major at Brewton-Parker College, will be spending ten weeks hiking into remote areas of Nicaragua where his team will present the gospel through the “Jesus” film. Having already spent two spring breaks in the country, he said he’s looking forward to returning.

“[Summer missions] challenges you spiritually,” he said. “It humbles you and allows you to realize how much we have here we don’t need. Everybody is called to go, it’s only a question of where and when.”

Going on missions has expanded her view of the importance of the gospel, said Meredith Jolly, a freshman at Truett-McConnell College.

“Every time that I have spent serving God, wherever I am, He has opened my eyes to more of what He has in store for me,” she said. “Missions has broadened my worldview. If I had never gone on these trips, I don’t believe I would be the person I am today. When a church provides missions opportunities for their students they make a significant impact in their community and all over the world.”

Jolly, who spent spring break in Ethiopia, will be traveling to Alaska this summer through World Changers in addition to working at the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis.

Spending time with God becomes a consistent part of the experience, added Malisa Cawood, an early childhood education major at Dalton State College.

“You learn something every time you go,” she said. “You’re submersed in serving God but also need to make sure you spend time with God.”

Cawood, who helped build a home in New Orleans during spring break, will travel the state this summer through WinShape Camps, operating daycamps in each area.

“I want to take the lessons I learned about leadership in New Orleans with me into the summer,” she said. “I want our team members to be there for each other and serve God in whatever He has in store for us.”