SEU Missions gives students the opportunity to step into the unknown, serve others, and encounter God in powerful ways on every trip. Along with a team of 23 other students, Raevn Richie, a student at SEU, traveled to Mexico with SEU Missions to serve and bring the gospel to the people of the Yucatán Peninsula. The experience that this team had was nothing short of life-changing. In the following blog, Raevn shares her experience and all that God did throughout this trip.
Over spring break, I had the amazing opportunity to go to the Yucatán Peninsula with SEU Missions to serve the people of Tizimín, Mexico. The Lord had been speaking to me about this trip for a long time. Mexico is a location that was laid on my heart about a year before GoConf 2024 (SEU’s annual mission trip conference). It was a place that never left my mind, which led me to continuously pray about Mexico, its people, and the possibility of me going there to do ministry.
When I was at GoConf 2024, I saw that SEU Missions was leading a mission trip to Mexico in 2025. The peace and joy that I felt upon seeing the table and hearing the ministry focus of the trip was the final confirmation that I needed in order to know that I was supposed to apply to be part of this trip’s team. A little over four months after joining the team, I was boarding a plane to do ministry in a place where I knew without a doubt that God had called me.
Saying “yes” and being obedient to follow God’s call for me to go to Mexico was one of my most life-changing decisions. God marked me and broke my heart for this nation and its people in more ways than I can describe. Time and time again, through every experience on this trip, God confirmed that He was calling me to this trip to do ministry in Mexico and to serve His people.
Versatility of Ministry
During the eight days that my team and I were in Mexico, we experienced a number of different ministry opportunities. God’s movement through the versatility of ministry on this trip was evident on day one. My team and I got to serve the community through eyeglass ministry (providing free glasses and evangelizing to locals), food distribution, painting buildings and houses, and cleaning up a beach in Rio Lagartos. We were also able to host VBS services, a church service, and several worship nights with the community. Through every single moment, we could see God touching the hearts of those we encountered — not only moving powerfully through the ministry itself, but also bringing inner healing. It was clear He was restoring lives from the inside out by instilling hope, peace, reminders of love, and emotional wholeness in ways that were miraculous to see.
Intentional Presence
Over the course of preparing for this trip, God laid so many things on my and my team’s hearts that truly set the tone for stepping into how we served in these ministries. One of the main things that we carried throughout this trip was the concept of reclining with everyone we met. Reclining means to lean or lie back in a relaxed position. Jesus exemplified this perfectly any time He would dine and commune with others. We wanted to approach every ministry opportunity with this heart posture because there is such beauty in meeting people where they are. Being able to sit, commune, serve, and pray with others throughout this trip marked me in ways I never would have imagined. God orchestrated so many opportunities for my team and I to slow down and truly allow the Holy Spirit to move through every conversation. Each ministry moment was deeply rooted in this intentional presence.
Every person we met, from the youngest to the oldest, carried a story. As we lingered with them, we created space to listen — and in that space, God moved. He spoke to hearts and touched areas of their lives in ways only He could. The openness people had to receive love from their Heavenly Father was one of the most beautiful things to witness.
“Let the Little Children Come to Me…”
One of the most impactful parts of this trip was being a part of the youth and children’s ministry. Over the course of our trip, we had the privilege of hosting Vacation Bible School (VBS) at two different churches — one in the village of Chan Cenote and the other near our base in Tizimín. During four of the eight days we were there, our days were filled with worship, laughter, and moments spent connecting with the children.
Each VBS service began with songs and dances that filled the room with excitement. Following this, we would read Bible stories, brought to life through skits. We shared stories like David and Goliath, Peter walking on water with Jesus, and Joseph’s journey from pit to palace — showing the children how God moves in every circumstance. Afterward, we enjoyed crafts and sports, giving space for deeper connections with the children.
Our first VBS day was spent in Chan Cenote, and the welcome we received there was unforgettable. As soon as we stepped off the bus, children ran up to us with bright smiles and open arms. In that moment, it became clear: God was not only going to use us to bless these children, He was going to use them to reveal His heart to us.
The following three VBS services took place at a church closer to where we were staying. There, we continued to witness the same overwhelming joy, gentleness, and eagerness from the children. Their openness to connect and their willingness to engage in every part of the day was beautifully humbling. What struck us most was their faith. Many of these kids carried personal burdens that we could hardly imagine. Yet even so, they radiated hope, love, and a deep trust in God. They lived out what Jesus meant when He spoke of childlike faith. Their faith showed us firsthand what it means to come to Jesus with no barriers.
As a whole, this trip brought Luke 18:16 to life in a profound way: “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’” We witnessed this truth not just during our time at VBS, but in every moment of connection throughout the week. The joy, trust, and openness we saw in the children reminded us that the kingdom of God truly belongs to those who come to Him with childlike faith — fully trusting, fully surrendering — regardless of their circumstances. It was a powerful reminder that being a child of God isn’t defined by age. From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, their hearts were open to receive the love of Christ, and that openness challenged and inspired us all.
Stepping Into God’s Global Story
Every year, SEU Missions provides opportunities for students to step into the story God is writing all over the world. Because of this, I was able to travel to Tizimin, Mexico to participate in the work of the gospel in ways I never thought possible.
This trip is just one of the many trips sent out by SEU missions this year. During spring break, there were 9 teams of over 200 students that were sent to locations such as South Africa, Norway, Ireland, Miami, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, and the Middle East. SEU Missions will also be sending out 29 trips throughout the summer of 2025. Over 400 students have been preparing to go to the nations. Through these trips, students have the opportunity to step out in faith to make a global impact and share the hope of the gospel around the world.
About SEU Missions
Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff travel the globe each year through SEU Missions. Each student-led mission trip has a specific purpose with one overall goal — to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth.
By Raevn Richie, SEU Student Writer
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