SMU’s Chi Alpha chapter is again hosting their annual International Student Easter Retreat April 18-20. This year’s getaway will be held in Lafeyette, La., and attendees will get a taste of Cajun life as well as a glimpse of a Christian Easter.
The group is also in the process of trying to get a charter from the Student Senate. Members met with the Student Organization Committee last night to give their presentation. From there the Senate committee will decide whether or not to recommend the group for a charter, something that Chi Alpha feels is needed.
“Right now we don’t really have a way of making our presence known on campus,” junior CCPA major Barbara Wolf sa.
A charter would give the group access to Senate funding, facilities, a place on the SMU Web site and access to advertising on campus.
The Easter retreat is one such activity that could benefit from the charter. This year’s trip costs $50, which covers registration, accommodation, meals and transportation. Currently, the price relflects costs that have been subsidized by Dallas area Assemblies of God churches.
Although the primary focus is on international students, the trip is open to all members of the SMU community and there are no space contraints.
“We’ll find room for anyone that wants to come,” campus pastor Vinnie Mosquera said.
The trip is a joint event with students from Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana attending. Mosquera says it is a great way for students to make friends with other international students while learning about a part of American culture.
Students will experience Cajun food and music first hand and attend a church service on Sunday. Although students are not required to attend the service, most have attended in previous years.
“For the most part they do want to see how Christians celebrate the Easter holiday,” Mosquera said.
He went on to say that although not all students who go on the trip stay active in Chi Alpha, they often continue to attend events sponsored by the group.
Chi Alpha, derived from “Christ Ambassadors,” has been on campus for seven years. The group’s mission is to express the person and claims of Jesus Christ.
The group holds a weekly Thursday service from 7:30-8:30 p.m., as well as bimonthly dinners for international students. They also work alongside Global Connections and other campus groups.
“Our primary focus is to the community within SMU,” said President Finny Benny.
Anyone in the SMU community interested in attending the conference can contact Paula Morrison-Living in the International Student’s Office at (214) 768-4476 or the Chaplain’s Office at (214) 768-4502. A $10 deposit is due by April 11.
