By Morgan Lewis

Maryland/Delaware Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) staff and students are on a mission to rebuild the DNA of their ministries by encouraging students to go on life-changing mission trips. In January, students traveled to Nicaragua, Mexico, and Alabama to serve, share the gospel, and build lasting connections. These trips not only impacted the

UMCP Student Johari Flowers (center with red shirt) travelled to Nicaragua with Aletheia Church, College Park. (Photo courtesy of BCM)

communities they visited but also inspired students to take a deep look into their faith. Every trip had the same purpose: to serve, share the gospel, and build relationships.

Nicaragua: Continuing Service
For Aletheia College Park, the annual mission trip to Nicaragua has become a tradition. This year, Johari Flowers, a student at the University of Maryland College Park, returned for her second trip. “I wanted to see how God could use me in a third-world country,” Johari shared. “I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and use my language skills to share the gospel.”

The team spent their time sharing the gospel and providing essentials—food, water, and clothing. Johari shared more about her trip, stating, “This experience has transformed my faith, teaching me to trust God completely. Even when we ran out of supplies, He always provided exactly what was needed.”

One afternoon, Flowers played soccer with the local children. When she needed a break, she sat beside Pam, the ministry leader and an older Nicaraguan woman. They didn’t speak, but their presence was enough. “Before I left, I told her, ‘Mucho gusto, señora,’ and we shared a handshake,” Johari recalled. “It was firm, intentional.”

That evening, at a worship service, Flowers saw the same woman again. When the pastor asked who wanted to give their life to Jesus, her hand went up.

Mexico: Strengthening Faith
In Guadalajara, Mexico, students partnered with Janna Smith, a missionary who coordinated summer mission trips throughout Latin America. Students from Towson University and the University of Maryland, including Jake Peachey and Emma Shafer, participated. Both had profound experiences,

Peachey, inspired to join the team by UMD’s Baptist Chaplain/State Director of Collegiate Missions Jess Senasack, was deeply moved by the dedication of Janna Smith and her team.

Students from Towson University and the University of Maryland served on a mission in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo submitted)

“Serving alongside them was incredibly motivating,” Peachey said. “They actually put God first. I’ve heard that phrase a million times but in Mexico, I saw what it looks like.”

Peachey said he left Mexico with a new boldness. “If I can share the gospel with someone who doesn’t even speak my language, what’s stopping me from doing it at home?”

Shafer recalled an unforgettable moment when a local man excitedly approached her, expressing his faith in Jesus. Before leaving, he added their team leaders to large group chats, ensuring that the gospel message would continue to reach students across the region.

“We wanted them to understand that living out your faith isn’t just about attending a Bible study — it’s about making Christ part of your everyday life,” Shafer explained.

Meghan Larsen, a student at Towson University, was inspired to go to Mexico after a previous mission trip to Honduras. She shared a touching encounter with a young mother of two. When Meghan and her team approached the mother to talk about Jesus, the woman burst into tears and embraced them.

“She didn’t say much, but we could see she was exhausted and overwhelmed. I hope we reminded her that God sees her and is with her.”

Alabama: Building New Partnerships
Candyce Beazer, a Morgan State University student, had never been out of the state with people she didn’t know. Alabama was a leap of faith.

Maryland college students partnered with college students from Alabama to help encourage and equip them. In March, Alabama students will partner with Maryland students. (Photo submitted)

“I wanted to step out of my comfort zone,” she said.  “When we were sharing the gospel at Tuskegee, we were welcomed with so much love and generosity. It was a divine connection.” For her, the trip wasn’t just about evangelism. It was about breaking through the idea of “cultural Christianity”— people who claim faith but don’t live it.

Beazer said, “This experience changed my perspective on missions. I now have a more open mind when speaking to others about faith.”

They visited five campuses, giving out free food, praying, and connecting with students. The partnership is just beginning. Alabama teams are visiting Maryland in March, and Maryland students have applied for Alabama’s summer mission program.

Looking Ahead: The Call to Go
Each of these trips was different—different places and different challenges—but the mission was the same: Go, serve, and share the gospel.

Whether serving in impoverished communities, strengthening international ministry efforts, or inspiring other campus ministries, these students embodied the heart of missions. And that thrills Senesack. She said, “We have too many Christians staying in their comfort zones,” Jess noted. “Our goal is to send them where they’re needed — to places where the gospel needs to be shared.”

Johari offers simple advice for students considering missions: “Just go once. You’ll never be the same.” For churches, Senasack invites you to partner with collegiate ministries.

Visit our website to learn how you can be involved with BCM — as a student, volunteer, or church.

Morgan Lewis is a Morgan State University student pursuing a degree in Multiplatform Production and a freelance writer. 

Feature photo shows Aletheia College Park Church mission team. Johari Flowers is in the middle in a red shirt and shorts. (Photo courtesy of BCM)