Eric

From VBS classrooms to an unexpected nosebleed, Eric’s first mission trip overflowed with love and unity—God renewed his heart in unexpected ways and strengthened his faith.

This was my first year attending YSMP. Before going, I didn’t really know much about Whiteriver or the Indian Reservation. I had just joined this church last summer, right around the time last year’s YSMP team returned from their trip. I remember hearing some testimonies, but honestly, I didn’t understand much, mostly because of my limited English at the time.

The only thing I knew going into the trip was that Flora had mentioned how serious the drug problems were in that area. But I didn’t really understand how deeply those issues affect people’s lives.

I knew that a mission trip wasn’t a vacation. It’s about serving God. But I wasn’t really sure what “serving on a mission trip” would look like. I didn’t know what to expect. One thing I hoped for before the trip was to have at least one deep conversation with someone. That didn’t happen, but instead God gave me something better. He refreshed my heart and strengthened my faith in unexpected ways.

VBS: Learning to Serve the Little Ones

One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was my experience teaching VBS. Originally, I signed up to be a TA because I had no experience teaching Bible study, especially to kids. But when we arrived, I was assigned to lead the preschool class. At first, I felt a lot of pressure. I had no idea how to teach such young kids about God. But I told myself, “God gave me this role, so I should try my best.”

I’m really thankful I got the opportunity to teach them. I gained a lot of experience working with children, something I hope to continue using in our church’s Children’s Ministry.

On the first day, I came in prepared. I had lots of games and activities ready, and even worried that I might not have enough planned. But it turned out I was worried about the wrong thing. Just two seconds after entering the classroom, the kids rushed straight to the corners to grab toys. They were completely out of control. No matter how many times I called them to sit or listen, they were too distracted. I wasn’t able to share the Bible story that first day, and I felt like I had failed.

That night, I realized I needed to change my approach. So I suggested that the snack team serve the snacks in the classroom right after outdoor time. That way, the kids would sit down quietly while they ate, and I could use that moment to teach. Thank God, it worked! The next two days went much more smoothly.

I was surprised at how much progress the kids made in just three days. They started listening better, focusing more, and even expressing their thoughts more clearly. One girl named Isabel behaved really well all three days. On the last day, after I encouraged her, she successfully recited the memory verse. I was so proud of her.

Through these VBS sessions, I saw how God was working in these children. I realized that even though they’re small, God cares about them so much. He may be raising up future preachers, ministers, and local leaders through them. That experience really moved me.

Door-to-Door: Facing Poverty, Sharing Hope

Another important part of the trip was going door-to-door to pass out flyers and invite people to VBS and our evening programs. On the first day, I went with Pastor Hugo from another church. He taught me how to approach people, knock on doors, and start conversations.

I remember one house where there were six aggressive dogs barking just two yards away from him. But Pastor Hugo didn’t hesitate. He kept calling out until the owner finally came. I was impressed by his courage and passion to reach others for Christ.

As I continued to passing out flyers, I became more confident. I even waved down passing cars to hand out flyers. But as I walked through the neighborhood, I was shocked by what I saw: the level of poverty, the abandoned cars, trash everywhere, boarded-up windows, and people living in isolation. Many of the houses were in terrible condition. One of the main causes of this is drug use. Some elderly people lived alone with no family or transportation. It made me realize how hopeless and isolated many of them felt. They really need a Savior.

One woman stood out to me. When I gave her a flyer, she said, “Oh, the VBS is this week? Ok, I’ll come.” Later I realized why she responded like that. Some families in Whiteriver actually look forward to YSMP every year. At the closing rally in Phoenix, one girl shared that she had grown up in the Reservation, always loved going to VBS as a child, and now helps with YSMP as she’s grown older. She was full of joy and love. That moment helped me understand how impactful this mission trip really is. The gospel we shared and the seeds we planted could help shape a child’s life forever.

Worship and Prayer: A Strengthened Faith

One of the moments when I truly felt God’s presence was during our nightly worship and prayer after VBS. Every evening, the YSMP team would gather to worship, pray, and share. As we sang together and lifted our prayers, I felt every minister’s passion for serving God and their faithfulness in loving Him. The Holy Spirit filled the room.

I especially loved the Korean style of praying, where everyone prayed out loud at the same time. It felt powerful, united, and full of faith. It was a beautiful time for me to speak to God and build a strong connection with Him. That space refreshed my heart and strengthened my faith.

Those powerful moments helped me realize how much I need God in my life—not just on mission trips, but every day.

The Nosebleed: Being Loved and United in Christ

Not long after that, something unexpected happened to me. On Monday evening, I got a really bad nosebleed, probably because of the dry weather and not drinking enough water. It lasted for over 30 minutes. I followed Pastor Jonathan’s instructions and eventually the bleeding stopped, but what really stayed with me was how everyone around me responded.

Pastor Jonathan brought out a chair for me to sit on. Flora gave me tissues and water and said she’d remind me to drink more. Greg prayed for me with his hand on my shoulder. Frances stayed with me the whole time and set a timer to track how long I should hold pressure on my nose to stop the bleeding. Afterward, Jordan gently wiped the blood off my feet. Enoch, based on his own experience, reminded me to see a doctor. Many others came to check on me and asked how I was doing.

I was really touched. Because of the nosebleed, I wasn’t able to go door-to-door the next day. I was a little sad about that, but I realized there are many ways to serve. I helped with crafts and painting instead, and that was just as meaningful.

That night, as I lay in bed, I started thinking. All that care I received wasn’t just random kindness. It came from God. Without Christ, we would all be strangers. Without Christ, we wouldn’t love each other like that. We might live lives just like those in Whiteriver—alone, hopeless, disconnected. But in Christ, we are united. We are family.

That night, I felt the deep need for Christ: the need to be loved, the need to be saved. I also realized how important unity is. That’s actually our church theme this year: unity. On Friday night, we had just studied 1 John and talked about what it means to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. So now I ask myself: Do I truly love my brothers and sisters? And how can I love them more?

Conclusion

One thing that really inspired me came from Pastor Jon at the local church. He shared that many great servants of God have come out of YSMP over the years, and that there’s a reason why this mission trip has continued for decades. God is using YSMP to raise up future leaders, and hearing that made me realize this trip could be just the beginning for me too.

YSMP was so much more than just a trip. It was a reminder of who God is, how much I need Him, and how powerful His love can be through the people around me. I want to keep reading the Bible, continue ministering, and live in the love and unity that God has called us to.