Global Vision Week 2005: "Practically Speaking"

From October 31 through November 4, Global Vision Week took place at Azusa Pacific University. The theme for this year was "Practically Speaking." “This is the overarching theme because we hope the students will see that their skills are valuable and not just for us to use here in the academic environment but for the world” said Greg Muger, an International Programs Coordinator. "It is not about us, but it is about what God wants us to do in this world globally."

The purpose of Global Vision Week is to promote missions, global awareness, and highlight the international community. Whatever it was, missionary booths on Cougar Walk where students could talk and get information, to Global Fest with games, food and fun, Global Vision Week sought to expose the APU community to God’s global perspective in hope of fulfilling the need of awareness throughout the world.

The morning chapels continued the global vision theme with Wednesday’s chapel focused on the ongoing Invisible Children movement. Margie Dillonburg, the director of operations of Invisible Children, emphasized that anyone can go to other countries and/or anyone can stay locally and still be used. One example is Jade Simmons '06, who shared how she started her own small business selling T-shirts with all the proceeds going directly to the Invisible Children fund.

Global Vision Week continued with Global Fest on Wednesday evening. The fest featured games, group activities, salsa dancing lessons, live performances from international students, and various ethnic foods. It was a time to share and learn about other people’s cultures while being able to express your own.

“I love the global mindset and being able to see so much diversity come together. There is so much beauty in every culture," said Christine Yasment, international operations coordinator.

Posted: November 7, 2005