The New Vision Vocal Ensemble traveled on mission to Mexico City Jan. 4-11.

The group of 20 included New Vision Director Allen Hendricks and Spanish professor Dr. Pamela Peek. Hosted by International Mission Board missionary David Boyter, the schedule included worship opportunities in an assortment of places including outdoor venues, a homeless shelter, and a rainy day spent under a tarp which housed several families.

Worship at the homeless shelter impacted many of the students, including Katie Caulder, a senior from Beaufort. “When we had a worship service at a homeless shelter, I was like, ‘these people are homeless; why are we doing an offering?’ Then these guys started bringing trash bags full of aluminum cans and dropped them at the altar,” said Caulder. “Just when I thought I had nothing else to give God – I was emotionally and spiritually drained – these homeless people are giving aluminum that they could have traded in for money.”

The worshipers loved songs sung in both Spanish and English, with one of their favorites being the Southern Gospel song, Halfway. “Language was a barrier when it came to conversation, but it never was a barrier when it came to worship,” added Caulder.

This was the first international mission trip for 10 of the students. Many were saddened by the poverty but were humbled by the people’s contentment and their willingness to share.

For sophomore Clint Johnson, “It was reminder of the call on my life and every Christian’s life to be salt and light. The mission field is when I wake up and step out of the dorm room. It’s wherever I am.”

According to Hendricks it has taken three tries for this trip to finally happen, but he believes God’s timing was perfect. “We had a terrific, exhausting, but terrific experience,” said Hendricks. “We have already scheduled a worship service at one Spanish speaking congregation in our area and have leads on a second. We’re finding international mission opportunities right here in our own community.”