The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Davis speaks as part of lecture series

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WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — Phi Alpha Theta hosted one of three lectures in its 2012-2013 Lecture Series. Elizabeth Davis of Van Wert, president of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society, shared her travels to Peru with a packed audience.

Many students know Davis around campus due to her presidential position in Phi Alpha Theta, and working in Archer Hall as a resident assistant. In Peru, many of the children would probably recognize her by her humble and genuine attitude when interacting with others. What makes Peru stand out for Davis — a country she has visited four times already — is that the people are so loving and on fire for God.

Van Wert native Elizabeth Davis lectures at the University of the Cumberlands. (photo submitted)

“I wish more people, Christian and non-Christians [could] experience such a place where they have so little but still give so much,” says Davis.

During this summer, she helped paint the Missions House of the Latin American Children’s Fund and also assisted with the children’s lunches at the school. Through the years, Davis has worked with the Latin American Children’s Fund and traveled with them; but this year, Davis says that she and her dad traveled and worked with the organization independently.

Through praying, fundraising and letters of support, Davis has travelled to Mexico, explored Williamsburg, Ky. with the campus ministry Mountain Outreach, and Peru. Davis says that she experienced her first mission’s opportunity at 13 years old and has been led to return ever since then. During this summer trip to Peru, she traveled with her father, Thad Davis. “We argued a lot, and had some hard times, but in the end, it was great bonding experience for us.”

During the lecture, Davis shared information about the social norms of Peru, the culture of the country and the nature of the people. Through the information shared, the students in the audience could see her love for the country shine. Davis is a double major in social studies secondary education and social studies special education, with plans to become a high school history teacher wherever God leads her. When considering missions trips, Davis encourages everyone to pray about it and seek for an opportunity to participate in them, saying that it is an opportunity that is not at all forgotten.

Located in Williamsburg, Ky., the University of the Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction that currently offers four undergraduate degrees in more than 40 major fields of study; nine pre-professional programs; twelve graduate degrees, including two doctorate, two specialist and eight master’s degrees; certifications in education; and online programs.

POSTED: 10/31/12 at 6:06 am. FILED UNDER: Youth