Seventeen missionaries from Laurel, Miss., Church traveled more than 1,400 miles to Chinle, Ariz., March 16–22, 2025, to serve the Navajo Nation in a weeklong mission trip that combined service, compassion, and spiritual encouragement. The team, composed of youth and adults, led a dynamic Vacation Bible School (VBS) for local children, hosted a Mental Health Series for adults, and provided vital supplies, including school items, hygiene kits, and winter jackets. Each day, the missionaries prepared and served two meals — one for the children attending VBS and another for adults participating in the mental health sessions.
The group also completed a hands-on construction project, building a woodshed to help the Chinle Church store firewood for the upcoming winter. The project responded to the church’s practical needs, and demonstrated the group’s commitment to meeting spiritual and physical needs.
More than the programs and projects, the Laurel group’s spirit left a lasting impression on the local community. One Navajo resident shared, “I have seen many missionaries come and go on the reservation, but the Laurel SDA group was unique. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the team was winning hearts. We also immediately felt their sincere and genuine love for our people, their lack of judgment about struggling addicts, and their incredible joy and friendliness toward people they just met.”
For the Laurel missionaries, the trip was equally transformative. “We came to serve, but we left changed,” said one of the young adult volunteers. “We were welcomed with open arms, and God showed up in every conversation, every smile, and every prayer.” The mission trip was part of Laurel Church’s broader commitment to practical Gospel work, which involves ministering to spiritual, emotional, and physical needs in every community it reaches.
Plans are already underway for future mission projects, and church members are inspired to continue their outreach both at home and abroad.
Gulf States | June 2025
Comments are closed.