The Mission Field Starts at Home: Regent Students’ Spring Break Mission Trip
Each March, college students from around the country look forward to a weeklong hiatus called spring break. This cherished pause in the academic calendar offers a refreshing respite from coursework demands, providing the opportunity to travel, participate in activities, and spend quality time with family and friends.
While the main objective of spring break is to relax and recharge for the final stretch of the academic year, there are always those unique individuals who return to class with stories that embody the spirit of service and ministry. Such is the case of 40 Regent University students who volunteered for the Homefront Mission Trip, March 10-12, 2025.
The three-day local trip, organized by Campus Ministries staff, engaged Regent students in service, evangelism and spiritual growth across Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Chesapeake). Students partnered with nonprofits such as Mercy Chefs, The Winter Shelter, CBN’s Helping the Homefront, Operation Blessing, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Sunrise Missions, United in Him, New Life Church, Global Student Friendship, and the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.
Students were divided into four groups led by a Regent University staff member/chaperone:
- ALPHA: Joshua McMullen, Ph.D. | Dean | College of Arts & Sciences
- DELTA: Joy Windham | Worship & Student Care Manager | Campus Ministries
- SIGMA: Chavon Freeman, Ed.D. | Student Success Manager | Center for Student Happiness
- OMEGA: Samuel Okai | Head Men’s Soccer Coach | Athletics
After returning to campus, group leaders reflected on the transformative experiences they had witnessed. They joyfully shared how the outreach efforts deepened everyone’s faith and strengthened their commitment to helping others. The connections formed during this time were inspiring and energized the students’ desire to find ways to continue serving the local community, both while at Regent and in the future.
“It was amazing to see the students putting the Gospel into action,” said Dr. Joshua McMullen. “I loved seeing their passion to demonstrate the love of Christ within the community. Whether they were packing grocery boxes for military families, preparing meals for the hungry, or praying for people on the street, God was working in them and through them in a powerful way.”
Joy Windham and Dr. Chavon Freeman both expressed their honor in leading their respective groups and shared how the experience deepened their passion for serving the Lord.
“God is inviting us to know Him, understand His heart, and partner with Him in advancing His Kingdom,” said Windham. “Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the love of God, and the gifts He has given to the body of Christ, we were able to share the Gospel and lead people to Jesus,” added Freeman.
Structure of the Trip
During the day, students engaged in activities focused on service projects, evangelism and spiritual practices. Whether packing food bags for those facing food insecurity or sharing the love of Christ with those experiencing homelessness, each day allotted time for guided solitude, contemplative prayer and communal reflections—all designed to encourage personal growth and foster a deeper intimacy with God.
Groups gathered for dinner, fellowship, reflection and debriefing in the evening, allowing everyone to share stories, pray, and process the day’s experiences. Accounts of answered prayers and personal breakthroughs were particularly meaningful. Students also participated in outreach worship services, including a powerful youth-targeted worship night at Shaw Chapel.
“I’ve never been so encouraged as I am with the testimonies of this trip,” said Jeff Gossmann, DSL, director of Campus Ministries at Regent University, recounting how each night students would share dozens of God moments that they encountered throughout the day.
“There were multiple worship services each day, and students were appointed to share their testimony or preach during these services. By the end of the three days, they all had a greater sense of solidarity with each other and a passion to serve God through evangelism, service, and contemplative prayer,” explained Gossmann.
“The excitement each night was euphoric—it feels like revival is breaking out,” added Gossmann. “Our students are on fire for God!”
Reported Impact & Personal Transformation
- Heightened Compassion & Practical Service
Hands-on efforts (e.g., packing 1,000+ bags of food in total) revealed the importance of tangible acts of service. Several students called these projects “eye-opening” and credited them for strengthening their resolve to serve vulnerable populations.
- Bold Evangelism & Spiritual Confidence
Students repeatedly noted newfound courage in sharing the Gospel. A handful of individuals at public outreach locations prayed for salvation, underscoring the effectiveness of the students’ boldness.
- Healing, Unity & Community Building
Each group functioned like a close-knit family supported by their staff leader. The unity spilled over into worship and prayer times, where personal struggles were shared and prayed for.
- Deepened Intimacy with God
Contemplative prayer sessions were credited for removing performance-based mindsets and fostering deeper trust in God’s voice. One student commented, “I’m leaving this trip a changed daughter of God … I can never be the same.”
- Measurable Kingdom Impact
Beyond the food bags and direct care for 50+ unhoused individuals, the most notable fruit was spiritual: around 15 students at the youth-targeted worship night chose to follow Christ, along with several new believers in public spaces.
Gossmann expressed enthusiasm for his team and highlighted the positive impact the students made through their service and evangelism efforts. These activities provided practical assistance to the community and resulted in significant and transformative spiritual outcomes.
“Students returned with stories of powerful encounters with God, strengthened unity, and a renewed passion for service,” said Gossmann. “This brief but impactful trip demonstrates that immersive, Christ-centered outreach can bring about lasting change for both the participants and the communities they serve.”
Madelynn Howe (SCA ’24), who is currently pursuing her M.A. in Christian Ministry and M.A. in Human Services at Regent, confirmed Gossmann’s assessment of the Homefront Mission Trip and its impact: “This experience has encouraged me to be more intentional with people in my community and to find ways to serve others regularly. Going on the Spiritual History Tour opened my eyes to what God has planned for our city and how to pray for his Kingdom to come here. God called me to be an evangelist a couple of years ago, and this experience further solidified that calling while boosting my excitement for sharing the Gospel.”
The Lord Provided & So Can You!
God’s blessing on the students was evident from the start. Initially, they were asked to pay $130 each to cover the cost of food during the three-day mission trip. Once the recruitment process was underway, Campus Ministries received a large donation from the Orr family and part of the donation covered all the expenses for the Homefront Mission Trip. As a result, the students were able to participate for FREE!
At Regent, we praise the Lord for our generous donors. If you would like to help sponsor impactful student service and ministry opportunities—like the Homefront Mission Trip—please visit regent.edu/give and donate your best gift today.