RIVERSIDE (Dec. 5, 2013)—California Baptist University's Office of Mobilization launched a new season of volunteerism Dec. 4 by revealing the makeup of 47 teams who will serve in 17 countries this summer of the more than 400 students and team leaders selected, 73 percent are participating for the first time.

"We're about men and women called to be world Christians," said Jared Dobbins, assistant director of global mobilization. "Our theme this year is Stand: stand on, stand up and stand fast."

In addition to identifying the teams, the university commissioned one student and an alumna who will serve a two-year term with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board as journeymen. Candace Berg, a liberal studies major who will graduate at commencement services on Dec. 13, and Kaitlyn Kirchmann, a recent graduate, will both serve in Africa. Berg will be teaching English among refugees, and Kirchmann will be working with an unreached people group. Both said their calling began with an ISP/USP trip at CBU.

"On my first ISP trip, God confirmed he wanted me to go farther," Berg said. "Let me tell you that Satan will do everything possible to stop you, but the power of God will see you through.

Team members immediately began training for their new assignments, which will continue through the spring semester.

"We don't do mobilization a few days a year," Dobbins said. "We do mobilization 365 days a year. It's one of the ways CBU shows its commitment to the Great Commission."

-30-