By Savannah PedenWCU studentThe WCU Cooper School of Missions and Ministry recently sent seven students to Amman, Jordan, for their Intercultural Field Experience. The trip provides ministry students with a rich, in-depth, cultural experience that introduces missiological principles and methods necessary for effective communication in an intercultural setting.
During their trip, students spent time exploring the local Jordanian community and attending lectures on the history, architecture, and development of Amman. They visited the Arabic language school, the Consortium for Global Education (CGE) Jordan, and spent time interacting in the native tongue and working with Syrian refugees.
The students spent the evening of their first night in the dessert of Wadi Rum, ending with a hike to see hundreds of shooting stars in the open desert sky. The next morning, they had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the ancient city of Petra.
In Petra, students met the Bedouin people, who are believed to be decedents of the Canaanites. The students traveled through Petra on camels as a few people of the Nabatean tribe shared stories about their lives.
As the trip progressed, students traveled to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. They visited the site of the Jerash Roman ruins, a city of trade and transport during the Greco and Roman periods, the Amman Citadel, where Uriah the Hittite was sent by King David to the front of the battle lines, and Mount Nebo, where Moses overlooked the Promised Land.
The experience that students receive from these exposure trips is immeasurable. The Cooper School has established a unique partnership with CGE Jordan. Our students begin their study of Arabic at William Carey University and then travel to Amman, where they finish their language studies in the heart of the Middle Eastern city.
With this program, the Cooper School is preparing its students to serve both locally and globally, all while giving them the tools to reach their professional goals. With each lecture, class, and program, we are equipping students to expect great things from God and to attempt great things in His name.
Savannah Peden of Sumrall is Cross-Cultural Business Management major. She served as SGA president in 2021-22 and will graduate in May. Savannah says: “I am open to any opportunity that the Lord may have for me. From the excellent education I have received from the School of Business and Cooper School of Missions and Ministry, I feel fully equipped to pursue any professional vocation.”
