Summer Mission Trip Interview with Nick Bishop

 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

Whenever I think of mission work, the first Bible verses that come to my mind are these Bible verses from Matthew 28. These two Bible verses have been preached frequently in the context of missionary service, and I think many of us share a similar experience. These quotes have encouraged many to join the mission work, but personally, it deterred me from participating in those activities, as I interpreted mission as the spread of the gospel, and I did not see myself "filled with spirit."

However, Nick Bishop (junior, psychology) shares that every individual, regardless of their talents or belief, has something to contribute to the mission work. He describes the mission as a manifestation of love towards our neighbor through action, not words, just like it is written in Matthew 25:40 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." And caring does not require Adventist background or even Christian background. We all have it. Thus, Nick believes we all have what is needed in the mission field. He tells us more about his thoughts and experiences in this interview.

First of all, could you tell me where you went over the Summer and how everything worked out for you? I am pretty sure there was a variety of mission fields available to the students. How did you make up your decision?

I went to the Hogar de Niños (which translates to children's home) in Santa Barbara, Honduras, over the summer. I actually have already visited them before summer back in December of 2021 as a part of a mission trip with Dr. Glenn Russell in the religion department. So I was able to have a preview of what my experience would be like if I visited them in the Summer. Most importantly, I absolutely loved my winter mission trip experience there, mainly because of the personal connection I built with the kids. Learning not only the names of the 55 kids, but hearing some of their stories made it very clear to me that the work is undone. I think that was what gave me assurance to decide to serve there for a longer time, as well as the fact that I believe God always has us where he wants, when he wants us. I followed my heart and his guidance, and that led me to Honduras.

I also noticed on Instagram that you asked the Andrews community to support your mission trip by donating school supplies through Amazon. Could you elaborate more on how this project happened, and how the community has responded to you? 

Since I had the orphanage directors' contact information, I was able to research what the kids there needed and how to bring it to them. My mom suggested making an Amazon wish list based on those needs, so we worked on that together; some items were school supplies, soccer balls, shoes, hygiene products, medicine, and books. The list was extensive, yet every single one of them was provided by the community soon after I posted on my social media that I needed their support. I also fundraised a trip to the beach and doubled my goal overnight, which provided many of the kids the opportunity to see the beach for the first time in their lives. I was so shocked and blessed to witness how the Andrews community responded to the fundraisers. I am grateful to everyone, including the Andrews Instagram page, who reposted and shared the story. I truly felt supported by them.

What were your expectations as you were heading to Honduras? Did things turn out to be the way you expected? If so, or not, could you describe more about your experience there?

I didn't have many expectations going into my trip to Honduras; I thought it was better not to expect things so I wouldn't be disappointed if things didn't turn out the way I expected. I did pick up more roles besides my initial role as time passed. When I started out, I was told I would be helping with classes and making sure the kids there did their assignments. By the time I was done, I was given the roles of teaching reading, Spanish, English, mathematics, religion, welding, and helping kids learn maintenance work of all sorts. But the best role I had was to be a friend to each kid. Another key role I played was to be a listener, to provide a safe and warm place where all beliefs and desires were welcomed and were to be heard. My experience in Honduras was so beautiful, and the friendship I formed with the people there is the biggest blessing God has given me in this life.

Other than gathering the school supplies by donations, how else did you prepare yourself for the mission trip? Did you find the need to learn something new, have counseling with pastors, or work to save money to make this mission trip start and end successfully?

I prepared myself by praying and having trust; I trusted that God was leading me on the path to do something great. The biggest thing I did was trust God's plan. Although it was hard for people to understand why I was spending my summer there, I knew God understood, and that was all I needed. Other than that, I had to work to pay for the plane tickets. I also received advice from my mentors here at Andrews, like Teela Ruehle and Chaplain José; they encouraged me and helped me out a lot.

How, if it did, has the mission trip changed your perspective about our world or your spiritual life?

Something that changed through my mission experience follows a quote that a dear friend of mine, Nathan Fernandez, shared with me during my time there: "Don't just read the word; live the word." In the gospels of the Bible, we don't see Jesus sitting in church for hours getting preached to or preaching to others. We see God forming relationships, healing, and always out with the community he has been placed to serve (Hint: His community is the world). We are called to live like Jesus, and all that means is to live in love. To do all things with love is not a matter of religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social status, or economic status. I learned through my time in Honduras that my role was, and is, to love everyone I interacted with as Jesus has done.

To extend the conversation about spiritual life, do you think that Andrews University's student mission trip could be a valuable experience for even those who are not spiritually active or are not part of the Adventist faith?

Absolutely. Serving in the capacity of a missionary isn't just about religion. It's about devoting kindness and love, however that may look for you. Some use the Bible as a resource for that, and others don't. In my experience, they called me family, and I called them family. I didn't feel like I was there as a missionary but someone just having fun with his family. I enjoyed every drop of sweat that poured down my face under the sun and every hug that poured out of their hearts. And that has nothing to do with religion or spirituality.

Lastly, could you please provide a piece of advice to everyone who is considering participating in the mission trip? Or you could also encourage people who did not consider participating and tell them why so!

My advice is if you're already considering it, God has probably placed it in your mind for a reason, so go! If you haven't considered it yet, I strongly recommend considering the idea of being in a place where you could help others—and start there. Then, talk to people around you; see the mission director near you, and converse about the idea. I think once you've done that, your next step will be on the airplane to whatever destination God has placed you to. My time in Honduras was the greatest thing I've ever done or been a part of my entire life. I believe it will also be the same thing for you if you devote yourself entirely to the mission you are a part of. So do yourself a favor and just go! And I'm here if there are any questions, my email is nicklaus@andrews.edu.