Our students spent the summer impacting the world in so many ways. Our A Cappella Choir performed in salt mines and in international competitions, our interior architecture students assisted with the building of several projects in the Dominican Republic, students took part in incredible internship opportunities and some had the chance to use an Arts in Mission scholarship to follow their unique callings across the globe.
Currently enrolled Samford students are invited to apply for an Arts in Mission scholarship to assist in a missional endeavor that integrates missions and arts.Qualified students offer a written proposal describing their mission project, how the arts will be employed, and how their work will serve the Church and reach people for Christ.
Dean of the School of the Arts Joe Hopkins notes, “These students carry a message of hope and creativity out into the world that embodies the School of the Arts’ mission. We are very proud of the work they are doing and appreciate our donors for helping make these opportunities a reality.”
From South America to Korea, students shared their passion and love with communities in need through their special talents. Senior music education major Gloria Roy started her summer in South America teaching English as a second language and then led a Samford mission trip to South Korea where she helped teach English at vacation Bible schools. Gloria says, “Music played a big part in the lessons. It has been a dream for me to visit South America and teach children. I'm so grateful for the opportunity the scholarship provided me.”
Senior Cole Arn traveled to Kampala, Uganda with his wife Lindsey where they had a two-month stay to serve with Show Mercy International. Cole describes his trip, ”The program is multi-faceted, and we spent our time serving in many different capacities. I led worship for weekly gatherings of children in their sponsorship program and spent time learning worship music and practices from local worship leaders. We organized and participated in a medical mission that spanned four days, during which we saw and treated almost 1500 patients. On other days, we visited the elderly and disabled, taught English classes for those in remote villages and lessons at schools, engaged in prison ministry, and prayed for those at a local clinic. I grew exponentially in my faith and in my music and worship leadership, teaching and storytelling, and interpersonal skills, and have gained new relationships that will last a lifetime.”
Theatre for youth major Anna Johnson went to Haiti for the fourth summer in a row to help with impoverished areas. Her trip was cut short due to unrest but she says, “I had a great time in Haiti and got to spend lots of time with the kids. I set up a library in the orphanage with 167 books and read with the kids for hours every day. We also listened to music and danced. I gave several little dance classes and the kids loved them. I already plan to go back next summer.”
Sophomore music education major Jackson Vaughan was also able to have two different experiences, one in Middlesborough, England and one in Chicago. He says “While in Chicago, I was able to accompany the Meadow Brook Baptist Church youth choir and serve alongside them through concerts, neighborhood canvassing, homeless shelter ministry, and renovations in Another Chance Church.”
In Middlesborough, he served the Saint Thomas Catholic Primary School in the small town of Easterside working as teacher’s assistant. He recalls his experience, “Two days into the week, I was informed that the school had lost their music teacher about 10 years ago due to budget cuts; therefore, for the rest of the week I was able to go to different classrooms and teach music lessons to the kids! This was easily the highlight of my summer! After school, the kids gathered at the middle of the town for a sports camp. Through this camp, we were able to play with the kids and share the Gospel through fun sports games.”
These students reflect how Samford is educating both the mind and the heart and the School of the Arts is committed to providing these opportunities through the Arts in Mission scholarships.