When she recounts the number of mission trips she’s been on, her love of serving becomes evident. “I think 5 mission’s trips, including Mexico this year for the 4th time. But this was the first trip I felt was more relational driven than project driven. Other trips were more hands-on. Our trip focused on building relationships while there, and with each other, and strengths were evident in each aspect of the trip.
The group’s bonding as a church shaped Ashley’s experience. “I loved the intergenerational aspect of this trip. There was a strong ministry element and I got to learn ministry tools from older folks. The evening debriefs were intellectually sound and learning was deeper than on the surface. It was shocking what I learned from younger kids.”
She spoke of other aspects of the trip that impacted her, particularly of visiting a woman in Tijuana. “Our group hoped to provide her with a basket of groceries and to pray with her, but she wasn’t home. When we returned the following day, the woman told us her brother had died that morning. Gods timing was at work! To rely on His timing, to meet the right people at the right time- it made the world of difference to me.”
Ashley was also heartbroken to see two boys in Tijuana whose shoes were torn, with rubber soles dangling. “This child doesn’t have good shoes or food. But the family see’s different things than we do. Their biggest problem is the struggle to see the next day.”
I asked her about how she felt after the trip. “It’s hard to hear about all those things you cling to so tightly, like providing dinner or money for education. I’d like to continue to use the blessings I have to bless others.”
Ashley spent this past summer as a Mariners’ youth ministry intern. “It’s been really cool, especially to be on staff. It is crazy to see what’s behind the scenes in all the groups I grew up in.” When asked about her faith and love of serving, she simply credits her mom and dad. “My parents have always been good mentors about church and serving.”
Ashley’s next plan is a Missions trip with fellow Azusa Pacific students, heading out to serve victims of Hurricane Harvey, in Texas.
