Serving Snapshots

Amanda went on a short-term mission trip to Ecuador with a group from Foundations Church. She left her family behind to join the journey and had a positive experience seeing new places and forming relationships with the team. She enjoyed trying new foods and experiencing the culture of Ecuador. Amanda advises future short-term team workers to be open-minded, flexible, and willing to try new things. The trip also had a spiritual impact on Amanda and the students, igniting a spark in their relationship with God. Amanda is open to future cross-cultural service opportunities and hopes to involve her family in future trips.

Jesse Watson shares his experience serving in Spain with One Collective and the impact it had on his life. He discusses the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, the cultural differences he encountered, and the growth he experienced through cross-cultural ministry. Jesse also offers advice for those preparing to go on a short-term team trip and shares his plans for cross-cultural service.

Lily Richardson shares her experience of a trip to Greece with a group of eight girls from her school. She talks about the unique aspects of Greek culture, such as the late dinner times and the relaxed attitude towards punctuality. Lily also discusses the importance of sitting with people and listening to them as a form of ministry. She offers advice for those going on a trip, emphasizing the need to be flexible and open-minded. Lily expresses her desire to go on another cross-cultural service trip in the future.

Wade shares his experience of a trip to North Africa and the impact it had on him. He talks about the people he went with, his favorite moments, and the cultural differences he encountered. Wade also discusses how God worked through the trip and how it has shaped his perspective on cross-cultural service. He offers advice for those preparing for similar trips and shares his plans for future involvement in cross-cultural ministry.

Kaylie shares her experience of a trip to Spain, where she had previously lived. She went with a small group and had the opportunity to introduce her friends to the Spanish culture. Some new experiences for them included the crosswalks and the healthy lifestyle of walking and biking everywhere. One of Kaylie's favorite moments from the trip was helping a homeless pilgrim return home. The trip taught her the importance of the ministry of presence and being patient. As a result of the trip, Kaylie feels called to do missions in some form and will be working locally in Azusa. She also hopes to go on another trip in the future.

Madison Campbell shares her experience of going on short-term team trips to Nicaragua with One Collective. She talks about the relationships she has built with the local people and missionaries, the cultural differences she has encountered, and the ways in which she has seen God at work. Madison also offers advice for future short-term team trip participants and discusses her plans for future cross-cultural service.

Brayden Hall shares his experiences on short-term team trips to Nicaragua with One Collective. He emphasizes the importance of community and camaraderie among team members, especially when returning to the same location multiple times. Brayden highlights the impact of the projects completed during the trips, such as building roads and community centers, and how they have transformed the local communities. He also discusses the spiritual growth and personal development he has experienced as a result of these trips. Brayden expresses his plans to continue cross-cultural service, including his dream of funding and investing in a baseball complex in Mase Tepe, Nicaragua.

Austin shares his experience on a mission trip to Nicaragua and how it impacted his faith and relationships. He talks about the pineapple farm, the cultural differences he encountered, and the personal growth he experienced. Austin also discusses the after-effects of the trip, including how he has become a leader in his community and how his friends have shown interest in his faith. He offers advice for those considering a mission trip and expresses his desire to lead a trip in the future.

In this episode, we sit down with Noah, a passionate and dedicated individual from Aiken, Minnesota. Noah shares his inspiring journey from being homeschooled with a strong faith foundation to his mission work in Nicaragua. Learn about his experiences working on community projects like alcohol rehabilitation farms and community centers, and how these trips have deepened his appreciation for community and faith. Noah's story is a testament to the transformative power of cross-cultural service and the personal growth that comes with it. Tune in to hear about the challenges, memorable moments, and spiritual reflections from his mission trips, and gain valuable insights for future missionaries.

Abby Stroven, the executive director for the La Vida Center for Outdoor Education and Leadership at Gordon College, shares her experience leading short-term team trips with One Collective in Ecuador. She discusses the importance of building long-term relationships and trust with partner organizations in the field. Abby highlights the transformative impact these trips have on students, as they learn about different worldviews, become more present, and deepen their relationship with God. She emphasizes the need for thorough preparation, including team bonding and prayer, and encourages sustainable practices in cross-cultural ministry. Abby looks forward to seeing the long-lasting impact of these trips and the growth of students as they bring their experiences back to their communities.