Day 1 — Travel, Arrival & Orientation

After a full day of travel, our team arrived in Puerto Rico and was warmly welcomed by missionaries and members of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel. Once settled, we spent the evening getting oriented to the ministry schedule, learning about the community we would be serving, and praying together as a team.

Although the day was primarily focused on travel and preparation, it quickly became clear that the Lord was already at work within our team. There was a growing sense of excitement, unity, and anticipation for what was ahead.

Day 2 — Worship & Outreach

We began the morning in Ephesians 1 before joining Iglesia Bautista Emanuel for Sunday service. Despite language and cultural differences, it was a powerful reminder of the unity we share in Christ. Several members of our team had the opportunity to help lead in worship.

That afternoon, we went out into Mayagüez for evangelism and outreach. We engaged in many conversations about faith, salvation, and the Gospel. Some ended in prayer and encouragement, while others revealed hearts that were more resistant. It was a clear reminder that evangelism is about faithful obedience—planting seeds and trusting God with the results.

We ended the day with fellowship downtown, reflecting on what God had done and continuing to grow closer as a team.

Day 3 — University Outreach & Youth Night

In the afternoon, our team went to the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez campus during ongoing protests. We handed out snacks and water, offered prayer, and engaged students in Gospel conversations. The experience reinforced the importance of simply showing up, listening well, and meeting people where they are.

Later, we visited Lizzy and her mother, Gladys, after learning about Lizzy’s battle with cancer. We spent time in their home worshiping, praying, encouraging them, and celebrating their birthdays together. This became one of the most meaningful moments of the trip, as we witnessed both the weight of their circumstances and the strength of their faith.

That evening, we returned to Iglesia Bautista Emanuel to lead youth night through games, worship, testimonies, and teaching. The night ended with laughter and fellowship as relationships continued to deepen.

Day 4 — Fellowship & Community

After breakfast and our morning meeting, Greg shared encouragement about identity, strengths, and faithfully using the gifts God has given us.

Later, we spent time with university students connected through Pan y Vida, helping them practice conversational English. What began as casual conversation quickly grew into meaningful relationships and deeper discussions about life and faith.

The afternoon allowed space for rest, exploring the community, and continued team bonding. That evening, we joined the church for a prayer service where the congregation gathered around us, prayed over us, sang “The Blessing,” and presented us with Puerto Rico and Mayagüez flags. It was a powerful expression of unity in the body of Christ.

Day 5 — Community Outreach & Youth Night

We began with devotionals and fellowship before heading back into the community. Throughout the day, we invited people to church, shared the Gospel, and encouraged those we met. God continued to open doors for meaningful conversations, and a small portion of our team had the opportunity to witness a woman place her faith in Christ.

Later, part of our team visited the París neighborhood, where we spent time with an elderly couple who welcomed us into their home. We listened to their stories, shared Scripture, and prayed together—one of the most encouraging moments of the day.

That evening, we returned for another youth night. Several students we had met earlier in the week attended, making the time especially meaningful as relationships continued to grow. We ended the night praying over Pastor Israel and his family, thanking God for their faithfulness and asking for renewed strength in their ministry.

Day 6 — Fellowship & Travel to San Juan

Our team began the day by preparing and serving breakfast for the missionaries, pastors, and church members who had cared for us all week. It was a meaningful opportunity to serve those who had so faithfully served us.

We then spent extended time encouraging one another—speaking truth, Scripture, and affirmation over each team member. Pastor Julian also shared biblical wisdom that deeply impacted many of us.

In the afternoon, we packed, cleaned the church, and said goodbye to our church family before traveling to San Juan. That evening, we enjoyed one final time of fellowship together, reflecting on all God had done throughout the week.

Day 7 — Homeward Bound

Our final day marked the journey home. After one last breakfast together, we delivered donations to a local church connected through Praying Pelican Missions before heading to the airport.

The day was filled with laughter, reflection, and gratitude. While we were excited to return home, there was also a shared sense of sadness as the week came to an end. What began as a group of individuals had become a close-knit family.

Post-Trip Reflection

Returning home has felt both comforting and unfamiliar. After a week of living, serving, worshiping, and doing life together, the quiet of normal routines feels different.

The simple moments—shared meals, late-night conversations, laughter, worship, and serving side by side—became some of the greatest gifts of the trip.

Throughout the week, it became clear that this mission was never about us, but about God’s Kingdom and His faithfulness. We saw Him move through evangelism, prayer, worship, conversations, and simple acts of obedience, while also building relationships that will have a lasting impact.

This trip stretched and challenged us, reminding us that missions does not end when the trip is over. The same God who was moving in Puerto Rico is still moving here, and the same calling to love, serve, and point others to Christ remains.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
— 1 Corinthians 15:58 (CSB)