Wesleyan Summer Missions Teams Impact Lives for Christ

MORE THAN 30 WESLEYAN STUDENTS AND STAFF TRAVEL OVERSEAS THIS SUMMER TO SHARE THE HOPE OF CHRIST WITH THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA AND SPAIN.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation …”  Isaiah 52:7

At Wesleyan, students at all grade levels have the opportunity to participate in ministry outreach throughout the school year.  Additionally, this summer, many WCA students had the privilege of traveling overseas to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. By God’s grace and provision, Wesleyan was blessed to send two mission teams to work with international ministries this summer. 

Zacapa, Guatemala (Hope of Life International)
More than 20 students and staff members boarded an airplane on June 7 to serve the people of rural Zacapa, Guatemala.  WCA Bible teacher and team leader Kevin Cox explained, “The students helped build a classroom with cinder blocks in the mornings and then in the afternoons, ministered in areas they felt drawn to.  Many students went to the top of the mountain to play soccer with kids at the orphanage, while others went to the hospital to hold and feed malnourished babies who had been brought to Hope of Life, care for elderly nursing home residents, or faithfully feed, care for and play with children with severe disabilities.” 

Student Sarah Hoskins shared, “Christ’s love was evident everywhere we went. Seeing all of the smiles on everyone’s faces and the amazing spirit that everyone carried was inspiring. I am forever grateful for this experience.”  Mr. Cox added, “Watching these students step up, and step out of their comfort zones to show Jesus’ love to the precious people of Guatemala is something I’ll never forget – and I doubt they will either.”

Banyoles, Spain (Camp L’Arcada)
Our Spain mission team of 11 departed July 5 and headed for a Camp L’Arcada in Spain for two weeks. WCA Spanish teacher and team leader Charwyne Baker, shared, “It is believed that only 0.07% of the Spanish population has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Camp L’Arcada, therefore, was created as a means to reach those who would not come to a church or to a church camp.”

Wesleyan students engaged with the Spanish youth through storytelling, games, sports and small group times to ultimately introduce them to the concept of God’s hope.  Per camp directors, it can take multiple trips to Camp L’Arcada for a camper to be open to receiving Christ’s gift of salvation. Thanks to this experience, our students had the opportunity to be seed planters in the lives of these campers.

But, as senior Caroline Swaney explains, God was also at work elsewhere, “Whether singing around a campfire, participating in a river walk, or playing Uno during siesta, God’s work at Camp L’Arcada is evident in not only the campers’ and counselors’ lives but also in mine.  He has taught me through the physical uprooting of being comfortable with what I know, that growth often calls for inconvenience – a little rustling of your own feathers … but I realized that through it all, He is faithful.”

We thank the Lord for these wonderful opportunities and experiences that help our kids put feet to their faith.