Our team has safely returned to the United States! Our overnight flight from Lima landed in Miami this morning, and we are grateful that all of our luggage arrived with us. Throughout every stage of this trip, we have clearly seen God’s hand of protection, provision, and guidance over our team.
Although we have arrived back in the United States, the journey is not quite complete. Some team members are continuing home by car, while others are boarding connecting flights to destinations across the country. Please continue to pray for safety, smooth connections, and strength as everyone completes the final portion of the trip and reunites with family and friends.
As we look back over the past two weeks, we are in awe of all that God allowed us to experience. Our days were filled with ministry in schools, churches, children’s programs, and community outreaches, as well as meaningful conversations, new friendships, and opportunities to experience the beauty and culture of Peru. God worked not only through our team but also within the hearts of each team member, teaching us to depend on Him, serve others, step outside our comfort zones, and see the worldwide body of Christ from a broader perspective.
Before leaving Peru, each team member took time to reflect on the experiences, relationships, and spiritual lessons that made the greatest impact on them. Their testimonies offer a personal glimpse into what God accomplished during this trip and how He used the people and ministries of Peru to challenge and encourage our team.
You can read their reflections and testimonies below:
Hailey Barker
I’m so grateful for this opportunity and the many blessings God has provided during this trip. Whether building relationships with students, singing for churches or exploring God’s beautiful creation, these past two weeks have grown my perspective of life and relationship with my Savior. I’m reminded that everything I do is ultimately for Christ alone.
Maggie Cannon
I saw more than I ever imagined, and God showed up even when I felt like I couldn’t. I loved teaching, singing, playing games, but the greatest gift was the friendships and connections we made. The children I met showed me what it truly looks like to love with the heart of Jesus.
Abby Coomes
The biggest blessing for me on this mission’s trip has been connecting with the kids at all the different schools we went to. I also made so many new friends during my time here, and I’m so thankful for how God carried me through this trip. Even though I may not witness the influence we had on these schools, I know with certainty that they have had a massive influence on me, and for that I am so grateful.
Alina Daoust
I wish I had the words to truly express how much this trip has impacted me, but if there’s anything I’ve learned it’s that love can be demonstrated far beyond a shared language. Sharing Jesus’ love can come in many forms, whether it’s through Spanglish and laughter, a common interest in futbol, or coming together in song. I joined this trip to make a difference and help change hearts, but I underestimated how much the connections we made would change mine in the process.
David Dare
From this trip I relearned the need on the field is great and the workers are few. We as Christians must always be looking for ways to serve and support those going out to the mission field. Time is short, the need is great: what are we going to do about it?
Jason Dyer
Coming to Peru, I thought it would be easy and simple. But I had no idea the challenges we faced would be complex, yet still glorify God. Teaching the children and seeing the passion they have for not just simple things but for God the Father was beautiful. And with the privilege of living here for two weeks to see lush forests and peaks that pointed to Heaven; to even eat food so amazing, I looked forward to every meal – I have fallen in love with Peru.
Heather Fenison
It was a privilege to visit Peru and to meet wonderful people. I learned a lot and grew in many ways. It was great to see God work through our team. I’m so glad to have been able to be part of this missions trip.
Levi Jackola
The Lord worked in many ways in my life this week and I am very grateful to have had this opportunity. One of my favorite parts of the trip was the class I was helping in at Pioneer Christian School. Meeting so many other young Christians and helping in several different ministries (Christian schools, vacation Bible schools, and churches) was so encouraging knowing that God is doing a work in Peru.
Madison LeBeuf
Being in Peru has been an incredible experience. As we served in the schools, I had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with children I never would have crossed paths with otherwise. More than that, knowing that each of these children was uniquely created by God with a purpose has deeply impacted me. It has been such a privilege to play even a small part in their lives, and I will always be grateful for the time I spent with them.
Sara Navarrete
God has opened my eyes to the needs of Peru and the ability of ordinary people to serve him. I have seen how he can use the simple obedience of his children to bless others. God has used the people here to touch my heart and encourage me as we worked to encourage and bless them. Our God truly is a good God.
Carryn Oleksy
This trip stretched me in so many ways. It showed me some strengths and it also showed me areas of weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). I entered this mission trip anticipating to serve and make a difference for God, but God was equally working on me.
Sophia Ramondetta
This trip has been a huge blessing and encouragement in my life. I have recently felt the Lord calling me to missions, and through lots of prayer and experience on this trip, I do believe that call is confirmed. What I’ve learned here is priceless, and I’ll forever be grateful I had this opportunity in Peru.
Kida Sanchez
I loved spending time with the children and visiting the Deaf school. Seeing how grateful they were for our time together reminded me that even small acts of love can make a difference. I’m so thankful God brought me here, and I pray He continues to use me as a light wherever I go.
Bethany Woods
These past two weeks, I have learned a lot. God has made me realize the deepness and importance of missions. I was able to see firsthand the love that people have for the Gospel. I was also able to see God’s beautiful creation whether that was the Andes Mountains or the beautiful people He has placed on this earth, and for that I am incredibly thankful.
As our team members complete their journeys home and begin returning to their regular routines, we know that the impact of this trip will continue far beyond these two weeks. We are deeply grateful to every person who prayed, gave, encouraged, hosted, transported, translated, and served alongside us. Your support helped make each ministry opportunity possible. We leave Peru with cherished memories, lifelong friendships, and a renewed desire to serve Christ wherever He places us. Above all, we praise God for His faithfulness and give Him all the glory for everything accomplished through this trip.