This article is from the EMU News Archive. Current EMU new is available at www.emu.edu/news

LEAP Into Summer 2004

Is someone you know showing potential for a career in Christian ministry - a relative, a son or daughter or a student from your congregation or conference? Encourage him or her to take a LEAP of faith!

LEAP, or Learning, Experiencing and Participating, is an Eastern Mennonite Seminary initiative that provides practical opportunities for seminary faculty to engage high school students in experiences of mutual learning, exploring theology, pastoral ministry and cross-cultural exchange.

In July 2003, 50 high school students and 13 adult leaders attended the Global Youth Summit and the Mennonite World Conference in Zimbabwe, Africa, through the program. Throughout the three-week experience, LEAP participants were involved in theological reflection, spiritual formation, vocational discernment and multi-cultural community, all taught in the classroom of the world.

This year, up to 50 high school junior and/or seniors will gather at the EMU campus to kick off LEAP’s Summer 2004 Experience. Students will study with seminary professors and other resource persons, July 15-26, 2004.

After that, the student participants will take field excursions to Indonesia, Nicaragua, Trinidad or New York City from July 26 to Aug. 7. Upon returning to campus on Aug. 7, they will reconnect with new friends and the entire group, share experiences, reflect on and celebrate God’s workings in their midst and prepare to return home.

The necessary portion of financial support for participation in the LEAP Summer 2004 Experience is estimated to be $1,700. This amount does not include the costs of acquiring passports, visas or immunizations; travel to and from campus; or other costs associated with preparation for participation in LEAP. Full and partial scholarship opportunities may be available.

Deadline for nomination and application is May 28, 2004. For more information, please visit www.leap.emu.edu, email , or call 540-432-4692.

The LEAP program is funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., a private Indianapolis, Ind.-based foundation that supports college and seminary initiatives in religion, community development and education. EMS has collaborated with Calvary Community Church, Eastern Mennonite Missions, Philadelphia Mennonite High School and Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions to offer LEAP.

— article by: Jim Bishop; posted April 5, 2004