Background and Need Served:

Service Learning experiences are one of the three main focuses of the Wesley Foundation’s ministry to and with university students. While we are involved in service locally throughout the year Spring Break affords students a chance to be immersed in service-learning in an area of need further away from Ann Arbor for a whole week. Furthermore, giving students an alternative to some of the more hedonistic spring break trips is a faithful and responsible expression of putting faith into action.

Students from the Wesley Foundation have been responding to people in need on immersion trips for over 16 years. The last few years we have partnered with other campus ministries at U of M. This year we will once again partner with the Ecumenical Center and International Residence offering two trips.

Honduras: Following Hurricane Mitch ECIR began partnering with the Christian Commission for Development (CCD) working together with Honduran villagers on community building and empowerment projects.

GulfCoast: Students from the Wesley Foundation will return to the Gulf Coast for their third time since Hurricane Katrina to continue work with UMCOR to rebuild homes in the area.

Outreach Project Purpose:

The purpose of both experiences is to build community while learning and serving. While physical labor is one component of the experience, building relationships and understanding are of equal or perhaps even greater importance.

Current Team Leaders:

• From Wesley and FUMC: Eric Stone, Joanne Bartelt,
• From ECIR Roger Pohl, Jerusha Haasenritter, Esperanza Barcelona

Estimated Project Costs/Resources Required

Honduras:  Each participant is expected to pay $1200, which covers airfare, food, lodging, insurance, exit visa and transportation in Honduras. Both Wesley and ECIR subsidize the actual per-person cost by raising an additional $1800 each. Individuals must pay for their passport and any travel medical expenses.

GulfCoast: The last two trips were significantly different in cost due to different travel arrangements. This year (like last) the group will likely drive; costs will be reduced significantly depending if vehicles are rented or borrowed. The cost per participant is estimated at $250 but may be lower. Fees will cover travel, food, and lodging.

Proposed Source of Resources/Funds

All expenses are paid for by participants, group fundraisers (primarily “Rake and Run” and “Super bowl Sub Sales”) and appeals to home congregations, civic groups, and family members.  The Wesley Foundation program budget has limited funds available if needed.

Date Completed: October 29, 2007
By: Rev. Eric A. Stone (eastone@umich.edu)