HBCU STUDENTS ENGAGE IN INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 23, 2024 Chyler Hughes, a recent graduate of historically Black Lincoln University in Missouri, had never encountered the concept of international missions until she left her home state of Kentucky and enrolled at Lincoln University in Jefferson City. At her local church, the focus had been on ministering within their community, with little emphasis on missions beyond their immediate surroundings. It wasn't until she became involved with Rooted, a collegiate ministry, and Soma Community Church in Jefferson City, that the world of international missions opened up to her. During her time with Soma Community Church, Chyler had the opportunity to participate in a short-term mission trip to São Paulo, Brazil. This experience proved to be transformative as she encountered IMB missionaries Eric and Ramona Reese, who were actively involved in sharing the gospel in the favelas, the low-income settlements of São Paulo. For Chyler, seeing Eric and Ramona ministering in such a diverse community was deeply inspiring. It shattered her previous notion that missions were limited to certain demographics or ethnicities. Reflecting on her experience, Chyler remarked, "It was really inspiring to see Eric and Miss Ramona in a place like Brazil. Seeing that representation shows that missions are for everybody." This encounter highlighted the diversity within the mission field and reinforced her belief that anyone, regardless of background or ethnicity, can play a crucial role in spreading the gospel globally. Jon Nelson, the pastor of Soma Community Church, recognized the significance of this experience for his predominantly African American congregation. He noted that while only a small percentage of missionaries globally are African American, exposure to missions experiences like the one in São Paulo helps to broaden perspectives and challenge misconceptions. For many of the students from Lincoln University who participated in this trip, it was their first international experience. Nelson emphasized, "The students were able to see people who look like them. This takes the racial aspect out of missions and allows them to think about what it looks like to serve God in another country. They see that it’s about being obedient to God." The impact of the trip was profound for Brian Kinney, another participant from Lincoln University, who found himself drawn to the idea of full-time missions after experiencing the joy of serving others in São Paulo. Like Chyler, he discovered that meaningful communication transcends language barriers, manifesting through simple acts of kindness and genuine interactions. Throughout their time in São Paulo, Chyler and her peers engaged deeply with the local community, interacting with children in the favelas, listening to personal testimonies, and providing support to those in need. These experiences opened their eyes to the universality of human struggles and the transformative power of faith. For Chyler, the trip sparked a personal transformation. She shifted from viewing missions as something for others to do to realizing her own potential and responsibility in spreading the gospel. "There are so many people out here in São Paulo and all over the world who are struggling with things similar to how we all struggle," she reflected. "They just need Jesus in their lives. We need more people out there spreading the gospel." Ultimately, Chyler Hughes' journey from initial unfamiliarity with international missions to becoming an advocate for global outreach underscores the profound impact of cross-cultural experiences in fostering empathy, understanding, and a deeper commitment to faith-based service. Her story serves as an inspiring example of how exposure to diverse mission work can ignite passion and purpose in individuals from all walks of life. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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