May 23, 2025
East Texas Baptist University students experienced British history, global cultures, and Christian service firsthand during a Global Study and Serve trip to London, England. Led by Associate Professor of History Dr. Jenny Hoover and, Dean of the School of Christian Studies and Humanities, and Chair of the Department of History and Political Science, Dr. Sandy Hoover, the weeklong journey combined educational exploration with ministry engagement, giving students opportunities to reflect academically, culturally, and spiritually.
The trip began with a whirlwind tour through central London. Despite jet lag and little sleep, the group logged 18,000 steps visiting iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and the British Museum. "The mix of history, culture, and real-world learning began from the moment we landed," said graduate student Spencer Carey. "It's humbling to see artifacts we've studied in class in real life."
Traffic delays rerouted the group's original plans on the third day of the trip, turning the day into a lesson in patience and flexibility. "Even in our detours, God showed up," said senior Heather Auvil. The group explored the WWII tunnels at Dover Castle and later visited the majestic Canterbury Cathedral, where they heard the choir sing during golden hour.
Day four offered opportunities for local ministry as students visited Slough Baptist Church. After conversations with the pastor and a missionary, students joined in neighborhood cleanup efforts. "It wasn't just about seeing London," said junior Macy Holcomb. It was about stepping into the lives of people here and serving." That afternoon, students visited Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and experienced England's deep literary and spiritual heritage.
On day five, the group's visit to Oxford included a tour of the Bodleian Library, sightings of favorite spots frequented by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and a museum scavenger hunt at the Ashmolean. Students met local girls from the UK's Girl Guides program in the evening. The team shared games, conversations, and s'mores around the fire. "Many of the girls we met aren't from Christian homes," said senior Anna Thomas. "The Girl Guides are their only connection to the Gospel. It was a powerful reminder of how ministry can happen in the simplest moments."
In the final few days of the trip, students were immersed in art, worship, and cross-cultural fellowship. Visits to Westminster Abbey, the King's Collection, and the London Eye highlighted the nation's rich visual and spiritual heritage. "At Slough Baptist Church, we worshipped with people from many cultures and languages," senior Campbell White said. It reminded us that the body of Christ is global, and God is moving far beyond our corner of East Texas."
Throughout the journey, students reflected deeply on the intersections of faith, education, and global citizenship. "Every day keeps trying to outdo the one before," Holcomb said. It's a blend of the expected and the surprising. The heart of the trip is found in both the planned events and the beautiful chaos in between."
ETBU's Global Study and Serve program offers students meaningful global learning experiences through faculty-led courses conducted abroad. These transformational trips occur during the May term and other parts of the academic year, allowing students to explore diverse cultures while earning academic credit. The Global Study and Serve program makes international education both accessible and affordable, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to broaden their worldview through Christ-centered, cross-cultural learning.