A Half Century of the Human Needs and Global Resources Program
“22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death..."
1 Corinthians 15:22-26
“The church, we say, is such a struggling minority to take upon itself the task of changing society. This overlooks the fact that the powers of the kingdom are already present. The kingdom is not entirely future, a sudden invasion from outer space at the end of time. It is here, leavening history in a powerful way.”
Dr. Melba Maggay, Transforming Society 1994
The Human Needs and Global Resources program celebrates two important milestones in 2026: its 50th anniversary and its 1000th intern! Founded in 1976 through the generous support of Wheaton faculty, the Human Needs and Global Resources program continues to offer Wheaton College students from all majors an exceptional opportunity for experiential learning and vocational development through a six-month internship with global Christian leaders working creatively for Jesus’ kingdom in their communities. The program has organized a series of celebratory events in 2026 to recognize our campus-wide connections and global relationships.
The “Each in Turn” theme for the 50th anniversary events draws inspiration from 1 Corinthians 15, where we witness the early church wondering about the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. In looking back over 50 years of Human Needs and Global Resources, we invite our alumni, partner organization friends, and campus community to consider the past, present and future signs of Jesus’ resurrection life within and among us. What seeds were planted in our lives – as interns, as organizational leaders, and as educators – in seasons past that are bearing good fruit today? Who were those who offered creative, courageous witness to Jesus – the first crop of a harvest of life – even as they “faced death every day”? How are we to ordinarily live and work for resurrection today, in energetic anticipation of fullness of justice and abundant life to come?
