South Asia Trip Reflection

By Brooke Crittendon, Establish Network Summer College Intern

I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to travel and serve with our college team in the place I called home for seven years. Being able to invest in the same place that shaped so much of my early life was a true gift from the Lord. Our team had a very encouraging time partnering with the local church to put on a Youth Camp. Witnessing young believers from all over the island come together and worship the Lord stirred something deep inside me. It was beautiful to see a generation and culture so hungry for truth and unafraid to pursue Christ boldly. 

I had the opportunity to help lead worship, form deep relationships, and share my testimony with many students. The people in this place are the most hospitable, joyful, and gracious I have ever known. I felt incredibly honored to worship alongside them and even more humbled to share parts of my story and see how God used it to encourage others. 

At camp we played games, watched and performed many skits, laughed over meals and shared moments that I will cherish forever. Outside of camp I got to explore parts of the island again, try familiar foods that brought back memories, and step into conversations with people that led to sharing the gospel. It was priceless to get to reconnect with the culture I grew up in, but this time through a personal calling of my own. 

More than anything, what impacted me most was being able to encourage the local church. Seeing how faithfully they serve reminded me that ministry is happening every day, even when no one sees it. I left feeling both full and challenged to continue living missionally wherever I am with open hands and a willing heart.