Over spring break, eight Geneva students, along with two staff advisors, had the opportunity to take part in a meaningful, Christ-centered learning experience by going on an immersion trip to Clarkston, Georgia. Clarkston is known as the most diverse square mile in the United States, also called the Ellis Island of the south. Clarkston provided a unique setting for students to grow in their faith, learn more about refugee communities, and practice biblical hospitality, the theme for our week.

While in Clarkston we stayed at a house owned by Envision Atlanta, which serves the needs of the refugee community while developing missional leaders in a multicultural setting through innovative ministry strategies and short-term mission opportunities. Envision Atlanta is led by Geneva College alumni Wendy (Wisor) ‘89 and Ron Baum ‘89, whose work continues to make a lasting impact in the area.

Throughout the week, we partnered with several other refugee-focused organizations. We assisted with sorting clothing for the Welcome Co-op's Shop of Hope, where refugees can obtain clothing free of charge. We spent a morning with Friends of Refugees visiting their Embrace Pregnancy Center, community food garden, and refugee family literacy program. One of the highlights for many students was a day spent serving on Envision's farm, where they were able to help with farm work and care for baby goats. On our final day, we served at a soup kitchen and clothing distribution, directly supporting refugees in the community.

In addition to service opportunities, we explored the broader Atlanta area. We visited important historical sites, including the National Civil Rights Museum and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, gaining a deeper understanding of the civil rights movement and its ongoing impact. We were able to experience the rich cultural diversity of the area through food, sampling cuisines from Nepal, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the Middle East. Two evenings were especially memorable, as a local refugee family prepared meals for the group.

Student Mason Melott ‘26 reflects on the experience:

“I went on the Atlanta trip to explore other cultures and to learn about refugees and immigration. The themes of our trip were refugees, civil rights, and biblical hospitality towards our neighbor. Each event we participated in was centered around one of these themes, whether it was meeting with different ministries that help refugees, serving in various capacities, or walking through civil rights sites. We also explored different cultures through restaurants, coffee shops, and markets. Additionally, throughout the course of the trip we had so many valuable conversations and discussions both with others and within our group. I learned so much and had such an enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend going on a future immersion trip for anyone considering it.”

Experiences like this remind us of the importance of stepping beyond our comfort zones to love and serve our neighbors well. We are grateful for the ways these students represented Geneva and pray that what they learned in Clarkston will continue to shape their faith and actions in the months and years ahead.