A MeSSAGE FROM
Dr. Paul Alexander, President
President of Trinity Bible College & Graduate School
Upon seeing the excess number of years that young people took to decide upon a major and to finally graduate, Trinity's President, Dr. Paul Alexander, envisioned this program to fulfill the need to cut the time it took to make a decision.
“We desire to see young adults take a year off to seek God's will for their lives. Pack Your Bags is designed to help students graduate and be successful in any college or career.”
“We sense the calling of students to long- and short-term ministry and we desire to provide opportunities for young adults to grow towards their future plans in a safe, yet challenging environment. Students can excel in life by having an early experience that will shape their worldview and direct their life decisions.”
Est. 2013
The PYB Story
In 2012, Dr. Paul Alexander, President of Trinity Bible College, had a vision for a pre-college program that would teach life skills, Biblical foundations, missions, and career mentoring. Dr. Paul saw the number of students who started college and changed their major multiple times because they hadn't taken the time to get to know themselves and God before selecting a career. They were wasting time and money at college, so he envisioned a different path. He pictured a program that would take students on four trips: inner city USA, a Native American reservation, South Africa, and Israel…and Pack Your Bags was born!
With the help and hard work of directors Jordy and Elizabeth Nuñez, the program was developed and they recruited the first team. Pack Your Bags launched in 2013 with seven students. By 2014, the second team had doubled to 14!
In 2015, Josh and Carissa Bialik replaced Jordy and Elizabeth as the PYB directors. Pack Your Bags continued to build reputation and momentum in the region and nation as an alternative first year of college to focus on God, serve others, and travel the world. The program continued to grow steadily, adding students each year. In 2018, Pack Your Bags added a second track to The Philippines.
Trinity hired Mary Beth King to serve as the director of PYB in 2019, and then added a third track to Nepal! The Pack Your Bags classroom and offices underwent some major renovations in 2019 as well.
Pack Your Bags has been dedicated to student growth for the last seven years. In that time we have seen over 100 students join our PYB family. We believe that each of these students are on their way to healthy, successful, Christian lives.
We have had a variety of students, leaders, trips, experiences, classes, and adventures in Pack Your Bags, but one thing has stayed the same: God’s presence. Since 2013, we believe that each person who has come through PYB has encountered a Godly atmosphere, caring mentors, amazing experiences, and solid Biblical learning.
2014 PYB Graduate
Emily
“There was a time when I craved adventure and needed change. I wanted a mission experience without four years attached. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to go to these new places, meet these people, and become the person I am today. If you have the chance to do PYB - do it. It’ll be the best time of your life!”
