For years, Eileen and Monica helped with childcare during our Bible studies—whether at our home or at church. Serving together became part of our family’s rhythm, so taking a mission trip together felt like a natural extension of the way God has shaped us. Our trip to Immokalee was a beautiful way to begin Summer 2025, made even more meaningful because we served alongside friends from our church family.
Immokalee is a small agricultural town in Florida, known for its tomato fields and for the hardworking farmworkers who sustain them. It is also one of the poorest communities in the state. For Monica, the trip made a deep impact. She said she had always heard stories about poverty, but seeing the realities firsthand—homes, working conditions, limited resources—opened her eyes in a new way. Experiencing it moved those stories from concept to compassion.
“Each day offered new lessons in patience, compassion, and small acts of giving.”
One of our first joys was sharing the children’s VBS offering with Cultivate Abundance. Their ministry used the funds to purchase gardening tools and a new refrigerator to store fresh food for mothers recovering from childbirth. Knowing that our kids helped meet such a tangible need was a beautiful reminder that generosity multiplies.
Throughout the week, we served in a variety of ways—gardening, painting Primera Church, and distributing clothing and food. Working side-by-side strengthened our youth group’s bond and helped us understand what it means to love others through action. A highlight of the trip was learning about the cultures represented in Immokalee. We heard Spanish, Haitian Creole, and several other languages. Even when communication was limited, a simple “Good afternoon” exchanged with a smile reminded us that dignity and kindness transcend words.
The trip also nurtured our personal faith journeys. Each evening we gathered to worship, reflect, and prepare for the next day. Those reflections helped us recognize the moments that stirred something in us—the conversations, the faces, the small acts of generosity that reminded us why God calls us to serve. We realized how each interaction mattered and how every act of kindness revealed the presence of Christ.
“Serving side-by-side showed us how simple acts of love can build community across languages and cultures.”
Each day brought new lessons in patience, compassion, and humility. Every encounter left an imprint. More than completing projects, this trip was about being present—listening to stories, honoring the people we met, and serving in the name of Jesus.
We returned home with hearts changed and a deeper desire to continue lifting others up. Our time in Immokalee strengthened our faith and renewed our commitment to living out Christ’s love through service.
