Southwestern Adventist University holds various events and opportunities for students to engage in and be a part of. One of the special things the university offers for students who seek outreach, expanding/broadening their horizons and perspectives, and service, is the chance to be involved in mission trips. This year, a group of students from the Kinesiology department, deans, faculty, and staff were called to be missionaries in the heart of Lares, Puerto Rico.
The mission trip destination was selected this year by the Kinesiology department due the impact of past hurricanes that affected communities in the Island. The mission consisted of cleaning/rebuilding some areas of affected and damaged homes, being of service to the local church (Tres Angeles SDA) and hosting a mini health clinic in the area as well. At the same time, the group got to learn more about the culture and what Puerto Rico had to offer. The group embarked on their trip on May 16th of 2023 and returned on May 24th as a one-week project.
The group landed around midnight at the airport in San Juan and took a two-hour drive towards Lares on a school bus by a friendly bus driver. The next three days would have groups scattered to work on three different houses, while some stayed behind to work on the church. Many of the houses had ceilings that were crumbling, or yards/gardens that were left unattended due to lack of assistance and care. This left the groups to manually repair, paint, and tidy up the homes themselves. The church needed some extra hands to help paint certain spots inside their meeting area, and clean the sanctuary. The group members were always rotating so everyone at least had a chance to take part in different jobs that needed to be done.
The work honestly was no easy task. The group faced some challenges along the way here and there. They were faced with working through the sun’s scorching heat, dealing with uncertainty at times, stepping out of each one’s comfort zone, giant lizards and not to forget the attacks of many bug bites. Despite working through those situations, the group managed to always end the day with smiles on their faces knowing the amount of hard work and dedication that each put in together.
One of the group’s favorite moments shared together was the heavy and unexpected rain day. After working through the heat, a heavy rainfall poured down as everyone jumped out of the bus. Without hesitation, everyone decided to play games in the rain and slide down a nearby hill. It may seem to be something simple to experience, but it was indeed a “shower of blessing” for the group.
The end of the week had quickly approached before everyone had known it. The students held the Vespers and Sabbath morning services. The church members were blessed and thrilled with their church coming alive and filled with youth. Majority of the members were elderly and had not experienced worship with a bunch of energetic young people in a while. The church was filled with connection and communion praising God all together. The mini health clinic was later held on Sabbath afternoon. This was a great way for students who were studying to be future healthcare workers to gain experience and be able to help the community better themselves by sharing beneficial health advice. Lastly, the Sabbath closed with a hike up a steep and tall hill that had a breathtaking view at the top that made the climb all worth it. Church, community, and the university group gathered to worship and appreciate all that God had done through testimony and song.
The last three days were spent admiring and exploring some places you wouldn't want to miss before leaving Puerto Rico. The group got to visit Antillean Adventist University, adventure inside a natural cave, beat the summer's heat by relaxing at a beautiful clear watered beach, and finally got to roam and take in the city of Old San Juan.
 
Many new mixed emotions were felt by the end of the trip, compared to the ones felt at the beginning. Many new connections were formed between the university group, church members, and college students. Connections built together…and built through Christ. Everybody was thankful for the trip and seized every moment until…it was time to head home.
This concludes the report of the Southwestern Adventist University 2023 mission trip. It was truly a blessed experience to be a blessing to others, and a vessel for Christ despite being broken vessels ourselves. This also would not have been possible without the support and care of sponsors that ranged from deans, faculty, and staff. The lessons and experiences learned on this mission trip should not only be left imprinted on the sandy beaches of Puerto Rico. Just as Dean The encouraged, we must “Keep the five alive!” May we all continue sharing God’s message, and be missionaries within our encounters, friends, family, and university.