HIGHLANDS COLLEGE STUDENTS serve at least one Cross-Cultural Ministry Trip as part of their core requirements in the Four Pillar Model. Students and faculty members will embark on these mission trips in 10 locations this year. For many students, this will be their first encounter with the realities of global evangelism.

“Right now, 42% of the world is unreached. These communities will never meet a Christian, never see a Bible in their language, never step foot in a church,” said Jackie Pettus, Global Missions Coordinator. “This portion of the world is known as the 10/40 window, and our students are being strategically sent there as ministers of the Gospel.”

But for many students, these trips seemed impossible. With mission costs ranging from $1,500 to $4,000, financial barriers made participation difficult. “Knowing these trips are part of their core requirements, the students were praying for funding and provision from God where they didn’t see a way forward.”

Then, a miraculous answer to prayer arrived. In divine intervention, an anonymous gift was given to Highlands College. This generosity cut costs significantly and helped cover a portion of each student’s mission trip.

“I truly believe the Lord heard the cries of our students and put these mission trips on the hearts of the givers,” Pettus shared. “Now, our students will meet people who have never heard the name of Jesus, and they will witness miracles.”

This funding did more than lighten financial burdens—it made room for a more profound ministry impact. Thanks to this grant, more trip leaders will be sent—a remarkable total of 94 students and 22 faculty. With more students laboring in the fields to reach the lost, eternal impact is multiplied. The opportunity to send our students is the groundwork for seeds to be planted and souls to be harvested for the Kingdom of God.

This grant also emphasizes deeper spiritual transformation by allowing students to expand their worldviews and become practically equipped in discipleship, church planting, and global ministry. “I hope students allow their mission to become more than their personal calling—to see the Missio Dei, the mission of God, at work in the world,” Pettus said. “It’s not just about ‘What do I feel like doing when I’m placed?’ but ‘What is God doing globally, and how can I be a part of it?'”

This grant is not guaranteed in the years to come, but this year, it has made an undeniable impact. These experiences shape future pastors, church planters, and missionaries—leaders who will carry the Gospel forward in ways we can’t yet imagine.

“To the ones responsible for this gift: thank you. Your generosity is not just funding a trip; it is changing lives, equipping leaders, and advancing the kingdom of God. We are profoundly grateful,” Pettus shares.

“This grant has removed barriers, allowing our students to step into God’s calling to reach every nation, tribe, and tongue with the Good News of the Gospel. We hope this is just the beginning of a greater movement—one where students go and steward the mission of God.” ■