Students for International Mission Service (SIMS)

Students for International Mission Service is a Loma Linda University program that provides students from a variety of disciplines with opportunities to serve others. Through SIMS’ service-learning activities, students can use health-care skills under proper supervision, while experiencing new aspects of Christian service in a cross-cultural setting.

Students from every school are encouraged to become involved with SIMS activities. A variety of personal skills and interests can contribute to all projects. Although many volunteers are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, members of various other denominations and non-students are welcome.

Volunteers provide primary health-care services and health education while under professional supervision.

Short-term mission projects are available in places such as Africa, Asia, Central & South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. SIMS is always adding new sites to the list of available locations, and suggestions are always welcomed.

Short-term mission projects range from three to nine weeks during the months of June to September and also during Christmas and Spring vacations.

Students are needed for short-term mission projects from all disciplines, including health professionals, translators, teachers, construction staff, and various other professions.

There are several local community projects you can get involved with locally, such as Community Clean-up, Health Education, ‘Adopt-a-Kid’ Christmas Party, Community Kids Connection, among others.

On the weekend of the third Sunday of each month, SIMS volunteers travel to Mexico to provide health-care services. Volunteers drive three-and-a-half hours to El Hongo, Mexico (near Tecate), or five hours to Ensenada, Mexico, for a weekend.

The weekend Mexico trips involve students from all disciplines, health professionals, translators, and teachers. However, support staff are always desired.

Teams work in village clinics and churches providing a variety of services including primary health care, dentistry, public and allied health-care services, and church outreach programs, such as children’s ministries.

The cost for the weekend Mexico trips is $25 for a single person and $35 for a married couple. Interested volunteers should sign up at the SIMS office beginning the Monday after each trip.

If you are interested in the weekend Mexico trips, or any oth

er SIMS function, call SIMS at (909) 558-8089 or (909) 558-4300, extension 83056.

Photo above: SIMS cottage, School of Public Health

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