What is the Purpose of a Compassion Trip in theUNDERGROUND?
In theUNDERGROUND, we believe that Jesus embodied a compassionate lifestyle, and as Christ followers we aspire to be the same. This trip is designed to allow us to learn and grow as a community of people as we look at what it's like to become compassion in our own neighbourhood. Living compassionately is a transformative process that is a result of communities transforming communities. Our hope is that each student that participates in this compassion trip is empowered and encouraged to shine as beacons of hope in their own families, school and communities as they learn to live compassionately.
There are four main reasons that theUNDERGROUND has decided to offer this compassion trip.
Awareness. We realize that students are aware of the major issues in the world around them such as health issues, poverty, and lack of education, but awareness grows in experience as well. In a trip such as this, the transition from awareness to the desire for more information on these issues develops quickly.
Education. Our students will be educated through learning, and through experiences in regards to urban issues and how so many people are affected. This awareness coupled with further education will then lead students to the third reason for this experience: action.
Action. This experience allows students to go beyond simply talking about compassionate living to actually roll up their sleeves and dig right in. Students will be completely immersed in the culture and surrounded by compassionate individuals who serve in this capacity on a regular basis.
Transformation. Our desire is that our students will continue to be transformed in Christ from the inside out and that this experience will help to shape and motivate that process. Our desire is that our students will help to transform the lives of people who they connect with throughout this experience while they are being transformed themselves.
For more information on compassion at The Meeting House, check out:
www.themeetinghouse.com/compassion
Who Will Be a Part of the Team?
This compassion trip is a cross-regional experience; which means that we have opened the application process up to all of The Meeting House sites in our region. Only students in Sr high may apply for this trip. This team will be composed of up to 30 students + leaders.
What Will The Team Do?
theUNDERGROUND will be connecting with local compassion agencies in the Oakville area to learn and serve hands on. Details around this are still being finalized, and more details of these partnerships will be available closer to the trip date.
Travel, Housing, and Meals
The team will be staying together in at The Meeting House, Oakville site (2700 Bristol Circle, Oakville) and all meals during the trip will be provided for the team. We will be travelling around Oakville by foot, or cars driven by leaders. Students will need to bring their own bedding (including air mattress).
Process
After application is submitted, the leadership team will review applications. Applications close Wed Feb 15th, students will be contacted no later than Feb 19th to let them know if their application has been successful. If your application is successful, you will be sent the links to the online permissions and payment form.
Cost
The cost of this trip is $115, and included meals, accommodation and travel. If application is successful, this is due no later than Wed March 8th, with permission form.
Application & Commitments
-submit application no later than Wed, February 15th.
-be recommended by your site Youth Pastor or Youth Coordinator
-regularly attend theUNDERGROUND programs
-available for trip from Thursday March 15 through Sunday March 19, 2017