Summer Missions Make an Impact

Summer 2012 offered several opportunities for students to venture out into the world and deliver the message of Hope to people groups in foreign countries as well as in our own backyard.

The Spiritual Formation department sent students on global outreach to countries such as Cuba, China, Romania, and England. These trips offered an exciting chance for students to travel to new places and bless people with the Gospel.

Junior Jessica Sanchez-Gonzalez is one of the students who traveled abroad this summer. In choosing to participate in the Romania outreach, she decided to fundraise in a unique way.

Knitting was her method, and it paid off. In selling her knitted scarves, along with receiving donations from friends and family, Jessica was able to fund her trip to Romania, and, consequently, have a life changing experience in a foreign land.

“Going to Romania this summer solidified my belief that going on a missions trip is one of the most fulfilling forms of worship and fellowship,” Sanchez-Gonzalez said. Her team did youth outreaches in which they performed skits in order to connect with the Romanian children. In doing this, they were effective in teaching about Jesus.

One student had an incredible journey to not just one country, but two. Senior Celina Frenn traveled to China and Cuba this past Summer. “The people impacted me the most on the trips,” Frenn said. “They had nothing but yet had so much to offer. I felt so blessed by them. No matter where you are, people can teach you things”, she said.

Junior Justin Salazar was able to travel to London for his second time, participating in outreaches where he was able to work with the youth of the United Kingdom. “It was an amazing experience being able to work with all of the staff from the UK and being able to work with kids there,” Salazar said. “I feel that I learned more from them then they learned from me,” he said.

Justin (left) spends some time with the staff he worked with in London.

Each student offers a different perspective on their trip and experiences, but, collectively, each is grateful for their time of service.

They encourage any and all students interested in missions to participate in these trips. For those interested in joining a missions team for day trips, spring break, or the summer, contact the Spiritual Formation office on the first floor of Laguna.