Alumni

I saw skills forming that I never knew I had. My true self finally felt seen. I entered the year being a shy kid who felt overlooked and left as a leader.

I’m inspired by the deep desire to learn more about Anabaptist theology and how the churches in Latin America see the relevance of Anabaptism today. The people in the churches often talk about this being their spiritual heritage.

After having a year full of learning, self-growth, and new connections with people here in San Francisco, I knew that I wanted to stay for a second year.

In a world where there is individualism and putting up of high walls and sectioning off clean water wells, it’s been encouraging to see the Nigerian church allow the community to access clean water from its different properties within the community. I see that as being Jesus, given unconditionally, without words, to the community.

We came face to face with some harsh realities in South Texas. Every day, we met people who are working hard to quench thirst, clothe, and provide shelter and dignity to people who desperately need it.

I’m passionate about faith formation, and I think Mission Network provides fantastic opportunities, especially for young people, to be the hands and the feet of Jesus in this world.

I was placed in a nonprofit organization that serves refugees, and I found myself falling in love with the work and the people. I also really like San Antonio and all the opportunities that it has to offer young people like me willing to do service. I am very happy to stay with my placement organization and work with them for this amazing cause.

Something that I’ve learned a lot about is social justice and how to participate in that. Coming from a context of being a college student and hearing about all of these protests but not really being involved in any of them, it’s been really cool to learn more about that process and get involved and be able to make my voice heard in some of these actions.

Since being on the board, I have appreciated the ways in which mission is seen as accompaniment — of people across the world and in the United States— and all of the service opportunities. It’s not, “I’m going to serve you because I’m such a good person and you need my help.” But, it’s accompaniment, where we’re going to do this together. We’re going to figure it out. We’re probably gonna mess up sometimes, but that’s the way it works. That’s the way life works. And, that’s the way following Jesus works.

We learn from our partners. And they are equal partners with us.