Jacques François, III
Roger R. Wade
The South Central Conference empowers the next generation of leaders through its annual international mission trip. This year’s trip, with a destination of Alajuela, Costa Rica, brought together 19 students and 21 adult volunteers for a week of service, spiritual growth, and cultural exchange. Five schools participated this year: E.E. Rogers Junior Academy, E.L. Minnis Junior Academy, Ephesus Junior Academy, F.H. Jenkins Preparatory School, and Oakwood Adventist Academy.
Focused on creating a tangible impact and imparting life-changing lessons, the mission team worked diligently to spread hope, initiate positive transformations in local communities, and embody the principles and values of servant leadership.
During the trip, participants partnered with the Center of Influence — Esperanza Hope, located on the Adventist University of Central America campus. Their projects included painting and beautifying two local schools, painting classrooms, stairs, tables, and benches to create a welcoming environment for students.
As part of their outreach, the team hosted English conversational classes to help Costa Rican students practice their language skills and provide a vital educational boost. Additionally, they delivered a health talk led by medical professionals within the group. The conversation aimed to share essential health knowledge with students, empowering them with tools to lead healthier lives.
A highlight of the trip was the special worship programs led by student participants. This allowed them to share their testimonies with the Costa Rican community and their peers, demonstrating what it means to live a life rooted in faith and service. The students from University High School felt inspired to volunteer for the first time for a mission outreach in the city of Limón later this year.
For many students, serving in Costa Rica was not only about helping others; it was also about personal growth. Klossmeryl Francois, Conference associate education superintendent and mission trip director, emphasized the opportunity for participants to step outside their comfort zones, develop compassion and humility, and discover God’s calling in their lives. Alongside the impactful service projects, the experience broadened their perspectives as they engaged with a new culture and way of life.
The mission to Costa Rica doesn’t end with the students’ return home. A follow-up initiative invites participants to stay connected with Costa Rican students by hosting monthly Zoom sessions to continue English conversation classes. This ensures that the relationships formed during the trip — and the impact — will continue to grow.
One of the project chaperones shared, “It was such a blessing to witness my daughter working in the mission field for God. This increased my faith in Christian education!”
The path to Costa Rica was not without challenges. The mission trip was initially planned in collaboration with a different organization, but local government regulations changed those plans. The team sought God’s guidance, and the opportunity in Costa Rica became clear.
“The project provided students with an opportunity to be actively involved, demonstrating practical service and forming meaningful connections with their peers in another country, particularly through the English conversational component, which offered insights into different educational responses and fostered friendships,” said Francois.
While not everyone can participate in the mission trip in person, there are still ways to support this transformative work. South Central invites participation from anyone inspired to provide financial assistance to students who wish to attend future mission trips. Those interested can contact any principal in the Confereence’s school system to contribute.
The next generation of servant-leaders is emerging, prepared to follow wherever God leads.
South Central | June 2025
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