Stepping Out in Boldness

Our mission trip to Puerto Rico was an unforgettable journey filled with service, fellowship, and growth. Each day brought new opportunities to connect with the local community, serve the church, and deepen our faith. Here’s a recap of our week and how we saw God move in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.

Sunday: Worship & Connection
We began our first day with breakfast and a warm welcome at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where we attended the morning service. Puerto Rican hospitality quickly became clear as we were embraced by church members with hugs and “Dios te bendiga!” The service had a beautiful flow, starting with heartfelt worship songs led by a small choir. Pastor Israel introduced us, and Tyler shared a sermon on unity after our own Jess and Ryan shared their testimonies. A highlight for many of us was the powerful moment of prayer for a man recently diagnosed with cancer. It was an inspiring reminder of the fellowship and support that embody the local church community.

After the service, we ventured to a plaza to practice gospel conversations with the locals, which turned out to be a surprise opportunity. We met a group of graduating seniors under a tent during an unexpected rainstorm. This was a blessing in disguise, as many in our group are also graduating, which made for meaningful connections. To wrap up our day, we enjoyed Puerto Rican spaghetti, flan, and unforgettable conversations with Pastor Israel's family.

Monday: Serving and Sharing
Monday was dedicated to service projects and outreach. We painted the church lobby and distributed food to students at a nearby college. Handing out groceries, praying over students, and sharing gospel messages was a powerful experience. The team’s boldness was evident, with everyone stepping up to show love and share Jesus with those in need. The highlight of our reflections from the day was the saying, “Stop focusing on what you can’t do. Start focusing on what God can do,” which reminded us of the strength we find in the Holy Spirit.

Tuesday: Community and Prayer Night
We continued working on church improvements Tuesday morning, painting and power washing to support the church’s mission. In the afternoon, we visited the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez. Though the campus was quieter due to an assembly, we still met several professors and had the privilege to pray with them.

In the evening, our team led the church’s prayer service, a night filled with worship, testimonies, and prayers for each other. Hailey read Psalm 30 in Spanish, and Barbara shared her testimony in Spanish—both stepping out of their comfort zones to share God’s love. It was an incredible night of unity and encouragement that brought the church and our team closer together.

Wednesday: Evangelism & Youth Night
Wednesday was packed with ministry! In the morning, we returned to the university to share the gospel with students and pray for them. Our conversations were filled with openness and hope, and many students appreciated our presence.

In the afternoon, we split into two groups—one stayed to paint the church while the other visited a children’s foster home. At the foster home, we sang songs, performed a gospel-themed magic show, and spent time with kids aged 11 months to 12 years old. The children’s smiles and laughter left a lasting impact on our hearts.

We finished the day with a Youth Night at Emmanuel Baptist, where we played games, shared a message about evangelism, and even celebrated a birthday. We learned traditional Puerto Rican dances and shared a bit of our culture through the Church Clap, bringing everyone together for an evening of fun and fellowship.

Thursday: Nursing Home & an Afternoon of Recreation
Thursday was our last full day in Puerto Rico and we made the most of it. In the morning we woke up, ate breakfast, and left for the nursing home right up the road from Emmanuel Baptist Church. As soon as we went to the nursing home we were greeted with joyful faces from the residents and from the staff there. We colored, laughed, played dominos, and performed the church clap for the residents. Even though we couldn't understand many of the residents there is no language barrier for the Love of Jesus that was being shown to them.

We got back to the church after the nursing home, ate lunch, and headed to the beach. We spent a relaxing time at the beach. After spending a couple of hours at the beach we headed to the mall to buy some souvenirs for our families and ourselves. We then went to an amazing restaurant where there was an assortment of different foods and delicacies. We ended off the night with our final debrief where we affirmed something we saw in each person throughout the week, bringing a sweet end to our amazing week.

Our week in Puerto Rico was full of moments we’ll never forget—moments of service, moments of connection, and moments where we saw God’s hand at work. From worship services to work projects, every experience deepened our understanding of community and faith. This trip was a beautiful reminder of the power of stepping out of our comfort zones and letting God work through us. We’re so grateful for the love and warmth of the Puerto Rican people and for the chance to serve alongside Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Thank you, Puerto Rico, for welcoming us with open arms. To God be the glory!

Puerto Rico Trip