The School of Religion at Loma Linda University continues to advance the university’s institutional mission of “making man whole” by carrying forward the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus. Faculty and staff within the School of Religion are honored to serve as spiritual leaders and mentors on campus.
This academic year, the school’s commitment to bridging the gap between the classroom and the community has been reflected through a partnership with LLU’s SIMS (Students in Mission and Service) office. This past month, Dr. Zane Yi, Associate Dean of the School of Religion, and Dr. Miguel Mendez, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies, joined the School of Nursing on a mission trip to the Mount of Olives orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico.
The weekend trip brought together more than 40 nursing students who led a variety of community service and humanitarian activities in support of displaced migrant communities in Ensenada. A highlight of the trip was a Christmas celebration organized for the children and staff at the Mount of Olives orphanage. Students, faculty, and staff from the School of Religion, School of Nursing, and SIMS purchased and wrapped gifts, organized games, and prepared a shared meal to create a memorable Christmas experience.
The weekend was filled with laughter, singing, a retelling of the Christmas story, and meaningful connections formed outside the classroom—an experience that reiterated the SR's commitment to practice the ministry of presence by forging meaningful connections.