This past summer two mission teams from Valley traveled internationally to serve and care for others.
Baja Bound
In June, a team of 13 people (including 7 students, 2 teachers, and 3 VLHS alumni) traveled to Baja, Mexico to build a house for a working but poor family through the organization, Baja Bound. Keep reading to hear from members of the team about their experience.
“In Ensenada, we had the opportunity to construct a house for a caring family in need of shelter from the frequent crime in Baja California. The living conditions in that area are so dire that basic necessities we often take for granted, such as clean tap water, an indoor bathroom, and even locks on their doors, are inaccessible to them. While learning how to construct a house from the ground up was fun, my favorite moment happened on the last day when a local priest stopped by to bless the family and their new home. Seeing how grateful the family was for the Lord providing for them in their time of need was more than enough proof that we are His hands and feet.” – Brayden (VL ‘25)
“We typically worked from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the exact hours varied each day. The temperatures were manageable, and despite the demanding nature of the work, it was very rewarding. Plus, we worked non-stop meaning there wouldn’t have been time to complain even if I wanted to. With a group of capable young adults and teenagers, we were able to build the house quickly. Communication was smooth, thanks to four team members fluent in Spanish and three others with a Seal of Biliteracy. Also, the local helpers in Baja knew enough English to guide us through the construction process. Each team member contributed in their own way. I spent much of my time working on the roof. From framing to shingling, I was climbing around daily. Others, less fond of heights, focused on drywall and painting below. The entire experience was meaningful and impactful. Not only did the family who received the house see Christ in us, but so did others in the community and at the airport. Between the delicious Mexican food and the vibrant, finished house, I would highly recommend this mission trip to anyone. It required minimal effort on our part but made a substantial difference in others’ lives while providing a valuable experience.” – Katya (VL ’25)
“Working with Baja Bound was an amazing and eye-opening experience. I was blessed to be a part of the mission team that was able to build a home for a family in need in under three days. We were all able to try new things, get to know new people, and experience a new culture. Each and every person on our team played a huge role and it was amazing to see how God was working through each of us to bless that family. One of the most impactful moments of the mission trip was the dedication of the house that we had just finished building. It was amazing to see the thankfulness of the family and to understand just how much the small house we had built means to them and their future.” – Mackenzie Bernreuter, VLHS Teacher
France Fellowship
In July an 11-member team (including eight students, a teacher, an alumnus, and a grandparent) traveled to France to serve at the Parole de Vie (Word of Life) summer camp in Quévert (in Brittany). They assisted the full-time missionaries as they helped prepare the grounds, buildings and activities before camp began, cooked and served meals, cleaned spaces, led small group Bible studies, helped lead worship, participated in recreational activities, and more.
At the camp “I [got to] participate in all the activities and interact with the French campers. On a typical camp day, after breakfast, we had worship and a message, which was my favorite part of the day. Then, there was an activity, lunch, and free time. We had a big game every day, like foam games or races. Another favorite part was small groups, where we did activities, studied the Bible, and got to know each other more deeply. I also enjoyed the free time/games at the end of the day where we interacted and spent time with the campers and leaders. Worshipping with the French community and seeing the campers’ faith was very impactful. It was so cool to sing praises to God with people from halfway around the world. It was eye-opening to see that even though these students live in a much different culture and country, we all can come together and unite over our love for Jesus. [And,] although the language barrier was a challenge, we were able to have good conversations and use this trip to improve our French. I hope I can go back and serve again in the coming years.” – Reagan (VL ’26)
