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Pioneer Trek

Pioneer Trek is a program designed to curate experiential opportunities linked to three areas of travel, learning, and service:

Local, domestic, and international travel linked to mission focused work and service. 

Local, domestic, and/or international travel linked to vocational preparation and service. 

International study abroad travel linked to enriching learning experiences at other CCCU and Church of the Nazarene affiliated locations.

The curation of these opportunities provides students with a robust menu of experiences designed to lead to transformation through travel and interactions with the diverse world around us. Pioneer Trek represents a piece of the Nazarene role in the global Church, connecting people and opportunities, offering a stronger connection between Sunday and the work week, and helps us meet the Great Commission. 

Goal

Every student will receive an opportunity to participate in experiential learning for spiritual and/or academic enrichment through the Pioneer Trek program.

Short-Term and Semester Study Abroad

The experiences of a semester of study and travel overseas provide an essential dimension of a liberal arts education that can be obtained in no other way. Summer programs and study abroad semesters provide special opportunities to focus on business, education, humanities, intercultural studies, religion, psychology, sociology, science, mathematics, theatre, music, art and other disciplines. Upon graduation, many students conclude that participation in an international program was the single most significant experience of their undergraduate years. Study abroad programs are offered through third party partnerships and some through MNU professors. As a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU),  a number of off-campus learning opportunities are available through this consortium. While institutional aid is not eligible for study abroad tuition costs our Financial Aid and Bursar’s offices can walk students through the financial responsibilities of a study abroad semester. Most opportunities offered through MNU’s partnerships are eligible for federal financial aid and other grant programs.

More information on study abroad and CCCU programs is available through MNU’s Registrar’s Office. 

Past Trips
SPIRITUAL FORMATION

MidAmerica Nazarene University
Weatherby Chapel

2030 East College Way
Olathe, KS 66062-1899

Office Hours
Mon. – Fri. 8:00am – 5:00pm

December 30, 2022 – January 7, 2023

MNU School of Nursing Trip to Guatemala

Students will be able to experience the grace and love of God through using their nursing skills to assess children that are part of Nazarene Compassion Ministries to identify any health issues that may need to be addressed.

Dr. Amanda Addis
asaddis@mnu.edu

March 11-18, 2023

Riobamba, Ecuador

Open to all MNU instrumental and vocal music students, this trip will focus on teaching music to Ecuadorian children and youth.

In addition to our work with the youth, a day trip to the Amazon is included along with some opportunities for sightseeing. Cost: $1995 with $100 deposit due Nov. 1, 2022. Pioneer Trek assists with fundraising ideas to cover the cost.

A special aspect of this effort is collecting new or used musical instruments to donate to the youth in Ecuador. Alumni and friends of MNU can donate their instruments.

Contact trip organizers for more information:

Dr. Luke Johnson: ldjohnson@mnu.edu
Dr. Randy Cloud: rrcloud@mnu.edu

May 12-20, 2023

MNU School of Nursing Trip to Guatemala

Students will be able to experience the grace and love of God through using their nursing skills to assess children that are part of Nazarene Compassion Ministries to identify any health issues that may need to be addressed.

Professor Amanda Addis
asaddis@mnu.edu

May 13-22, 2023

Dominican Republic

Discover Missions will be an intentionally global event with university students and leaders from around the world. This event is created for students to learn about missions, gain practical missions experience, and grow in community with students from other regions. During this week, students will interact with many cultures, learn from a variety of missionaries and missions experts, serve in a new cultural context, and further discern God’s call on their lives.

Deanna Williams
dmwilliams@mnu.edu

June 9-14, 2023

Love Your Neighbor

Nazarene General Assembly Service Project
Indianapolis, Indiana

As part of General Assembly 2023, we will have the joy of making a powerful impact on the city of Indianapolis and other areas around the world. Service projects are an important part of Love Your Neighbor. During the registration process, participants will select the types of projects that interest their team. The project categories are listed below:

  • Evangelism (i.e., sports camp, VBS, art camp)
  • Food Preparation
  • Clean-up Projects
  • Light Construction (i.e., basic home repairs, painting, etc.)

Dr. Randy Cloud
rrcloud@mnu.edu

July 11-26, 2023

Czech republic

Addison Lucchi, MNU Instructional Librarian, led this trip. Addison’s brother helps people in the Czech area learn English. In the Czech Republic, the participants helped teach English and artistic skills to Czech high school students in a weeklong educational experience. The team members also participate in storytelling-based Bible studies as a form of ministry, building relationships with Czech students while working alongside missionaries and Czech believers. 

amlucchi@mnu.edu

May 8-16, 2024

MNU Bible Land Journey

Join MidAmerica Nazarene University’s, Dr. Randy Cloud, Dr. James Edlin, Dr. Dean Flemming, and MNU Bible Professors Emeriti, and Guest Lecturers, on a Holy Land tour May 8, 2024.  Visit the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Bethsaida, the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, Chapel of the Primacy, Nazareth, Mount Tabor, Qasr El Yehud, Jericho, Bethlehem, Shepherds’ Field, Church of the Nativity, Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem, House of the High Priest Caiaphas, Upper Room, the Western Wall, pass through Lion’s Gate, and much more. Starting cost $3,996 from Kansas City, MO. A 5-day Optional Extension: Greek Isle Cruise and Cities of Paul. May 16-21, 2024, for $2098. 

Dr. Randy Cloud
rrcloud@mnu.edu

More Information 

March 10-18, 2023

New York City
Urban Plunge

Students will explore the rich multiethnic, multiracial, multicultural, and intergenerational ministry opportunities in America’s largest city. In addition, our trip seeks to help our participants experience the abundant historic locations and artistic endeavors available. Emphasis will be placed upon exposing our students to the rich diversity that a trip to the city has to offer.

Dr. Ron Jackson
rrjackson@mnu.edu