All trips include daily group discussions that deepen your understanding and inspire action in your community.
For years, I have served as a minister in the ELCA (Lutheran), leading teams in service both overseas and stateside. I am passionate about helping people find meaningful ways to serve, connect, and learn from the global community. IN OUR HANDS offers a unique opportunity to make an impact while building friendships, gaining new perspectives, and finding inspiration for what’s next.
I created IN OUR HANDS to connect people with meaningful service opportunities, locally and globally. Our trips go beyond service—they’re immersive experiences where you’ll build friendships, engage in thoughtful discussions, and gain new perspectives on the world and your role in it.
Take a look at the meaningful journeys we’ve shared. From walking through history on our Civil Rights Trip to serving communities in Jamaica and Puerto Rico, each experience has fostered connection, learning, and impact. See how travelers have engaged, grown, and made a difference—get inspired for your journey!
Create a service and learning experience tailored to your group’s goals. Whether you want to focus on social justice, community development, or cultural exchange, we’ll help design a meaningful trip. Work alongside local leaders, engage in projects, and deepen your understanding of global issues. Let’s build a trip that inspires!
Join us on an unforgettable journey where service meets learning. Our trips offer hands-on opportunities to engage with communities, explore cultures, and gain fresh perspectives. Whether you're passionate about social justice, global service, or making an impact, there's a trip for you. Find one that inspires you and be part of something meaningful!
Your donation helps us create impactful service and learning experiences, making a difference in communities around the world. Every contribution supports meaningful connections, education, and hands-on service opportunities. Thank you for being part of our mission!
- Carol
"Standing at the Alabama river in Montgomery, ….where the slaves were unloaded from boats and marched in chains….past throngs of white people, it’s beyond my imagination to think of this. My heart and my eyes have been opened by this experience. I am grateful."
- Ann
"I continue to wonder how I could’ve lived through the 1960s without knowing much about this period of history in the US. The African-American experience is real history in our country. We cannot let this dehumanization happen again!"
- Steve
…a highlight for me was our experience at Dexter Church and the parsonage. It was so amazing to hear from Wanda Battle , who encouraged us and even helped us to sing in public!!
- Karen
"What a treat and delight to begin the day by listening to Carolyn McKinstry!"
This is the letter from MLK Jr. while he was jailed in Birmingham. He wrote this letter on scraps of paper while he waited to be released. It is a challenge to the entire white community to take seriously all of white supremacy that was happening around him in the 1960s.
Explore stories, insights, and reflections from our journeys—highlighting the impact of service, learning, and connection.