2021 Leadership Fellows Global Engagement Trip

This year's Global Engagement trip was different from previous years. Typically, HELM takes the rising seniors on an international trip to visit one of the Disciples’ global partners. Due to the travel restrictions and the impact that COVID-19 has had on many of our partners, leaving the country wasn't a possibility for the second year in a row. Luckily for us, the Disciples consist of congregations that stretch far and wide across the United States and Canada, and we were presented with an incredible opportunity to take two classes of HELM Fellows (the senior class who missed their Global Engagement trip last year because of COVID, and this year's junior class) to visit First Christian Church of Anchorage and the beautiful state of Alaska. We were accompanied by Paul Boling, the Head Pastor of FCC Anchorage, Associate Pastor Dave Boling, Elder Helen McNeill, and two of Pastor Paul Boling's sons. Their presence and generosity were easily the largest blessings we received on this trip. We enjoyed nearly 24 hours of sunlight each day as well as seeing some of the exciting wildlife that draws people to Alaska every year. More importantly, however, students were able to engage with and learn from leaders who are working with communities on issues of justice and healing related to indigenous land, culture, and history. To read reflections from a few of the students who participated in this year's Global Engagement Trip, click on the photos below!