A mission trip to Puerto Rico gave members from three Arkansas churches opportunities to serve their host community while discovering how mission work canWe traveled to Puerto Rico hoping to make a difference. Two weeks later, we returned home realizing the mission had changed us, too.
A team of seven members representing the Amity, Arkadelphia, and Malvern Seventh-day Adventist churches served alongside church members in Manatí, Puerto Rico, July 14–28. Throughout those two weeks, we conducted a Vacation Bible School, held evangelistic meetings, completed community service projects, distributed literature, and built lasting relationships with the local church and community.
The trip was filled with memorable experiences, but the greatest lesson was not simply what we accomplished—it was what God accomplished in us.
Mission work has a unique way of interrupting ordinary life. Our normal routines are placed on hold, and for a brief season our minds become fully focused on one purpose: serving God and serving others. That change of mindset is one of the greatest blessings of a mission trip. It reminds us that the Christian life was never intended to revolve around comfort, convenience, or routine. It was always meant to be lived in service.
Like every mission trip, ours was not without obstacles. We experienced unexpected transportation problems, adjusted schedules, and a full-day power outage. Yet, time after time, we witnessed God opening doors that we could not have opened ourselves. Challenges became opportunities to trust Him more deeply, and every obstacle became another testimony of His faithfulness.
God blessed the ministry beyond what we imagined. Twenty-one children participated in Vacation Bible School, 13 families were reached, two homes were blessed by community service, evangelistic meetings grew throughout the week, and approximately 80 people attended the VBS graduation on Sabbath. Most encouraging of all, several new families expressed a desire to continue attending church, providing opportunities for future Bible studies and continued discipleship. Yet, while these numbers are encouraging, they do not tell the whole story.
Every missionary returned home changed.
Serving together strengthened friendships. Working through difficulties developed perseverance. Seeing God answer prayers increased our faith. Watching children learn about Jesus reminded us why ministry matters. Most importantly, we were reminded that Christianity is never merely something we believe—it is something we live.
Mission trips also teach us an important truth: Serving God does not have to mean choosing between ministry and joy. Puerto Rico gave us opportunities to worship, serve, encourage others, and also appreciate God’s beautiful creation. We enjoyed time together at the beach, explored historic places, experienced Puerto Rican culture, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Those moments did not distract from the mission—they strengthened our fellowship and reminded us that God delights in giving His children meaningful experiences as they labor in His service.
Perhaps that is one reason mission trips are so powerful. They demonstrate that serving Christ is not a burden to endure but a joyful privilege to embrace.
Our prayer is that this will not simply be remembered as our mission trip. Instead, we hope it becomes an invitation to many others. If your church has never organized a mission trip, consider making it an annual tradition. It may start with a neighboring community, another state, or a church plant that needs assistance. Plan a project. Take your family. Invite your youth. Involve your children. Step outside your routine and intentionally create opportunities to serve.
You may discover, as we did, that while God uses you to bless others, He is quietly transforming you as well.
transform those who serve.
