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From mid-May to mid-June, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) students used a portion of their summer break to serve people in several countries in Europe and Asia. These trips provided opportunities for students to build meaningful relationships, grow in faith, and follow God's calling.

Read about their adventures below.

A European Expedition

For three weeks, while exploring Europe, this team of five students had the chance to foster relationships in Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Finland, and Estonia. They worked alongside multiple churches and groups as they traveled across Europe.

Some highlights of the trip were "seeing the beauty of God's creation in so many different places, connecting with people from each country, and learning about their cultures and worldviews," according to trip co-leader Kayla Poulton, a recent graduate in graphic design.

After some long travel days, the whole team returned to PBA safely, and with tales of their adventures.

Building Relationships in Greece

Seven students journeyed to Greece for two weeks to volunteer at a children's festival. The festival was hosted at a coffee shop, which is owned by a field partner in the area and serves as an outreach center for the community. After facilitating crafts, games, face painting, and other fun activities at the festival, the team helped with renovations and tasks around the coffee shop and local youth center.

The service team also had the opportunity to enjoy the change of pace as their field partner showed them the slow and relational culture of Greece.

"Going on this trip for me just reiterated the importance of intentionality and relationships when it comes to our faith," shared trip co-leader Daniel White, a recent graduate in human performance and sports. "We had so many opportunities to talk with the people of Greece, hear their stories, and learn about them."

Journeying through Japan

Two teams of PBA students travelled to Japan. The first team of eight students spent two weeks working with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), an organization that reaches out to people of all ages, in Yokohama, Japan. They split their time there between fellowship with YWAM staff and outreach at local skateparks, beaches, and parks.

"Early on, we struggled with not seeing the physical fruits of our service right away," shared trip co-leader Logan Weyforth, a junior studying political science. "A lot of the ministry we were doing was relational, and at times it was difficult not knowing if it made a difference. We overcame this by understanding that sometimes our job was to simply plant seeds for others to water."

The second team of 10 students served in churches, taught English in local schools, and assisted with outreach events over the course of three weeks. The primary goal of the trip was to "make friends for Jesus," according to trip co-leader Elijah Noel Figueroa, a recent graduate of business administration.

Through their new friendships, the team found that any activity can be used as an opportunity to connect people to faith. During a rest day in Nagasaki, they found that shopping quickly turned into a chance to share God's word with residents.

"We love when teams from PBA visit because you guys aren't just here to do events, but to actually spend time with us," said one of the team's new friends, whom they connected with at an outreach event.

A Priceless Time in the Philippines

During their three-week trip, 11 students were welcomed by the joyful and hospitable culture in the Philippines as they worked with Kids International Ministries and their various outreaches to build relationships and join in fellowship. They also worked with a local school and fostered friendships while helping them clean and paint the classrooms.

Although the team faced some challenges, they were able to rely upon God for strength and make the most of their time.

"It was challenging to go every day while not feeling good," confided trip co-leader Lindsay Daniels, a recent graduate of psychology and education. "It was frustrating because we wanted to give our all, but at times, we did not have much to give. We learned that God only asks us to give what we have, even if we do not think it is much."

Seeking in Spain

Throughout Madrid, Spain, 12 students sought to spread love for the arts by curating exhibits that could lead to fruitful conversations about faith. For two weeks, they worked with their field partners to explore new ministries they hope to start working with. The team's explorations were successful, leaving Life International School, Vida Nueva Church, and International Community Church eager for future partnerships.

The team faced long and exhausting days, but "surely the Lord was our strength, and we always found fellowship in Him," shared trip co-leader Emersen O'Donnell, a senior studying cinema arts.

Teaching in Thailand

Nine students returned from a three-week trip to Krabi, Thailand, where they worked with a local church and various schools to establish new friendships while simultaneously teaching English.

"[The team was] able to build relationships with students and teachers at the schools and to best connect them with the local church," shared trip co-leader Nathan Free, a senior studying marketing.

Learn more about PBA service trips at https://www.pba.edu/campus-life/christian-community/student-missions/.