More Than a Mission Trip: How Serving Together Strengthened Our Bond and Deepened Our Faith
There’s something about returning to a place where your heart has already taken root. For Mt. Bethel Church member Amelia Mackowski, this year’s journey to Honduras wasn’t just another mission trip —it was a continuation of calling, connection, and purpose.
“Orphanage Emmanuel is a place where you can feel the spirit of the Lord, from the people who work there, to all the kids. It’s a special place to me,” Amelia shared.
Her trip this year was extra special because this time, it wasn’t just her journey. She had the joy of returning with her 11-year-old daughter, Avonlea, who had also been before and was eager to reconnect with the people and place that meant so much to her.
“It’s a blessing to be able to serve as a family,” Amelia said. “Even though you go expecting to give, you receive so much more.” Witnessing Avonlea actively participate, offer help, and deepen her faith added a special connection to the mission experience for Amelia.
Orphanage Emmanuel is a place of deep need and deep love. The children there come from difficult backgrounds, and many are without families. At Emmanuel, they are seen, and they are loved. Just being at the orphanage, no matter where their paths take them, they are part of something that can change their lives.
“The kids love you so much,” Avonlea said. “They brighten your day when you’re around them.”
“The kids at Orphanage Emmanuel are still just like the kids here,” Avonlea reflected, comparing the kids she served in Honduras to her friends in East Cobb. Her compassion was evident in her words and actions, and she made sure to serve each child with joy.
The week was packed with activities: a ballet camp and show, working to fix up the fish farm, organizing supply closets, teaching pickleball and just being present with the kids. Every day brought something new, while also having the same routine allowed them to be more present and be reminded why they were there.
“It’s a great place to go on your first international mission trip,” Amelia answered when asked what she would tell families thinking about going on Mt. Bethel Church’s annual June mission trip to Honduras. “The campus is safe, the people are friendly, and God is already working there.”
As you think about answering the call to serve, please pray. Jesus tells us to pray for the widowed and the fatherless. Pray for family reunification and for God to send long-term volunteers and provide local staffs to not only care for them and lead them, but to also share the love Jesus Christ has for each of them.
When you answer the call to serve with someone you love, you grow in faith together.
And what you bring back with you?
Not just photos and memories of where you’ve been— You return transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit working in you and through you. And that is worth more than any gift you will ever receive.