Service and Missions
Missions allow students to develop a deeper understanding of God’s love for all people of the world. The nature of these experiences – interaction with other cultures, reflection, discussion, and service – produce a teachable arena where a student’s ideology and understanding of scripture come face to face with the world. In that place the compassion of Jesus can be learned; the Kingdom of God can be recognized, and a lifestyle of mission and servanthood can be developed.
Why We Serve
At HCU we believe that we should be holistic in our faith. We not only sharpen our theology but we apply our faith in our daily lives. Matthew 25: 34-40 states,
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.”
How Do We Serve?
Check out below what Houston Christian University is doing in the city of Houston and internationally!
Local Missions
Houston is a big mission field that encompasses many people from various backgrounds and HCU is committed to being a pillar in the Houston community. We love to partnering with organizations to meet the needs of our community. Our students perform various acts of service throughout the Greater Houston area. Contact nmahand@HC.edu for more information.
Global Missions
HCU is committed to being a beacon into the world. We are committed to making an impact internationally by doing acts of service through evangelism and being the love that Christ exemplified when ministering to the needs of people. For more information regarding international mission opportunities contact nmahand@HC.edu.
Missions Learning Opportunities
See below for a description of Missions Learning Opportunities. Applications can be picked up in the Spiritual Life Department located on the 2nd floor of the MD Anderson Student Center (right above the HCU Spirit Store)
Houston Welcomes Refugees
Periodically during the semester students will have the opportunity to help set up an apartment for a refugee family relocating to the Houston area. The move in takes about an hour and usually happens over the lunch hour. There is a Huge refugee population near HCU and it is our honor to partner with HWR.
Beach Reach 2025
South Padre Island, TX
March 2025
Cost: Email Nathan Mahand, nmahand@HC.edu for cost
Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through creative ministries to thousands of college students that go to South Padre Island for Spring Break. Learn how to share your faith story with others as you minister to your peers. All of the following ministries are used throughout the week to create opportunities for sharing:
- Free Rides… Each evening, Sun-Thur 8 p.m.-6 a.m., “Beach Reachers” give free van rides on the island.
- Free Breakfast… Each morning we feed pancakes to hundreds of hungry college students
- Prayer & Worship… Each evening students gather for prayer, worship, and sharing
- Midnight Breakfast… Each evening at midnight a breakfast will be available for beachgoers
Interact, serve, and worship alongside hundreds of other Christian students who have come to South Padre for the same purpose. Contact Nathan Mahand, nmahand@HC.edu.
International Ministry
When we can’t visit the world, God brings the world to us. This is a wonderful ministry in which we learn from other cultures and share our culture through the love of Christ. Activities are planned campus-wide and everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend. Contact Shannon Bedo, sbedo@HC.edu