In the last 15 years, hope has been given, the love of God shared and lives across the globe have changed as a result of California Baptist University’s (CBU) Office of Mobilization (MOB).
CBU has something to celebrate as 2011 marks 15 years since the start of MOB.
MOB has come a long way throughout the years, from their first volunteer teams sent to Ecuador, East Asia and Russia in 1997 to the present day, as they now prepare to send over 40 service teams overseas to a total of 21 different countries.
Today, over one-third of all CBU traditional undergraduate students particpate in an International Service Project (ISP) or United States Project (USP) at least once during during their college career, as they follow their calling to spread the gospel to the nations.
Junior Katie Armstrong is one student that did just that. As a freshman, Armstrong was part of the first ever ISP team to travel to East Africa. While overseas, Armstrong spent her days working in elementary schools and forming relationships with students there.
Through this experience, Armstrong learned the meaning of perseverance.
“I was there for a reason,” Armstrong said. “I learned about finding contentment in what God has for me rather than what I want for myself.”
The financial coordinator, Erin Wood, is another individual deeply impacted through her involvement with MOB. Wood has worked in the MOB office for the past five years, but her history with the program dates back to when she was a student participant of ISP.
“It really showed me that, as children of God, my purpose is to share the hope I have and to reach others for Him,” Wood said. “It took me from a me-centered outlook of God to an others-centered outlook.”
Project Coordinator Tiffany Adcock has also had much experience with MOB. Working with the program for over 14 years, she has led multiple volunteer teams overseas.
Adcock explained that she never really understood the amazing number of unreached people until she took part in one of MOB’s ISP teams.
When asked what MOB will look like in the next 15 years Adcock stated that one of the program’s main goals for the future was to establish more long-term workers. As students participate in short term ISP and USP teams, it is hoped that a passion for reaching the unreached will be sparked and from that we may see an increase in the number of CBU alumni dedicating their time to long-term work both here in the states and around the globe.
MOB has had a remarkable journey, and it has provided many opportunities for students to share the love of Christ to people groups around the world. Fifteen years of ministry is certainly something to be celebrated.
