Gateway Seminary President Jeff Iorg announced a major gift received by the school to fund short-term mission trips for students. The GoGrant will cover travel, housing, food and tuition costs for one short-term mission trip for master’s and diploma students at Gateway Seminary.
Iorg said, “God has provided a way to give future missionaries, pastors, youth ministers and worship leaders an invaluable experience on the mission field as a part of their education.”
A study by the Barna Group revealed two factors that most influenced an individual’s commitment to the Great Commission were participation in a mission trip and a personal relationship with a missionary.
International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood said the research indicated these factors lead to a 400 percent increase in the likelihood a person will commit to career missions.
Chitwood added, “If you are a student at Gateway, do not pass this up – this will potentially forever change your life.”
Qualified students can begin to receive the grant in the 2023-24 academic year. For decades, the seminary has sent students on short-term mission trips, most recently through the Beyond Teams program. Beyond Team trips are hybrid classes that allow students to earn course credits.
The initial $2 million donation making these trips possible represents the largest single monetary gift and the second largest general gift the school has ever received.