Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Marcela Zuniga, a junior at Campion Academy, served for almost one month on a mission trip to Mansa, Zambia, in June. A group of about 20 attended the trip including Marcela’s sister, Dayanara, an incoming freshman, Haley Beckermeyer, a recent graduate, and Kent Kast, a former staff member.
Organized by Jim Lynch with Give Back to Humanity, the group spent most of their time constructing a wall for a Seventh-day Adventist school in Mansa. The wall would help the school to mark off the property and keep the kids safe during the school day. Marcela shared that they typically worked 10-hour days but were able to spend time in worship with the local children each evening.
Marcela remembered, “The local people were very hospitable, always making us feel like we were at home. I enjoyed that they were happy with what they had, and they showed me that small things in life do matter. The kids showed so much faith and love for God and were grateful for what they had.”
Haley Beckermeyer agreed saying, “My favorite part was getting to know the local students. They were all super kind and friendly, and you’d never feel lonely while you were there. They were all very thankful for us coming, and it felt like they were more of a blessing to us than anything we did.”
Despite the hard work, the students expressed how the experience blessed them. Marcela shared, “It made me grateful to know we praise the same God and helped me realize I am blessed to be able to go to Campion Academy. It was a rewarding and life-changing trip.”
—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy communication director. Photos supplied.
