Northeast District Mission Trip Witnesses God’s Love at Lydia Patterson Institute

BY TIM MCHUGH

In a powerful testament to unity and service, ten members from five churches in the Oklahoma United Methodist Northeast District, led by Pastor Tim McHugh of Grace UMC in Claremore, embarked on a life-changing mission trip to the Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI) in El Paso. Known for its mission of empowering students from the U.S.-Mexico border region through faith and education, LPI served as the perfect backdrop for transformation and ministry.

Over five unforgettable days, the team poured their talents, faith, and energy into a variety of activities that reflected their deep commitment to Christ’s mission. From teaching and mentoring to repairing and creating, every moment offered opportunities for connection, growth, and transformation. Each team member brought their unique gifts, and each returned home with profound stories of transformation.

CJ Shell, a retired math teacher from Bartlesville FUMC, witnessed the joy of seeing a struggling student succeed after improving his grade on a test. For CJ, the pinnacle of the trip was Friday’s chapel service, where missioners, students, and staff swayed together in worship, arms around one another, united by faith.

Rev. Pam Cottrill from Inola UMC played her clarinet and mentored budding violinists, embracing the chance to inspire young musicians.

Thomas Trollinger, also from Inola and a first-time missioner, took the lead on maintenance projects, including plumbing, painting, and landscaping. Transformed by the experience, he declared he would “definitely do it again.”

Sandy Singleton from Bartlesville FUMC, a seasoned servant in UMCOR and other missions, was moved by the compassion of a fellow missioner who bought socks for a refugee sleeping on the sidewalk.

Rev. Tasha Holopeter, serving Ochelata and Oak Park UMCs, led the team in a prayer walk through the halls of LPI, laying hands on walls and doors, and leaving a spiritual imprint on the campus.

Laura Gomez, a first-time missioner from Grace UMC in Claremore, found confidence in her newfound faith, affirming she is on the right path. She was transformed so much that she stopped at Family Dollar to get socks for a sockless migrant.

Audrey Braucher, Grace UMC’s worship leader and a mission newcomer, was invited to sing with the LPI praise band during chapel. She witnessed God through the team’s evening devotionals and wrote a heartfelt poem on the flight home, which deeply touched another missioner.

Joy Reinhart from Grace UMC was transformed by hearing students’ stories, realizing the media’s portrayal of the border often misrepresents the reality. She was inspired by the students’ resilience, including their determination to walk for hours each day to attend school.

Judy Tener from Bartlesville FUMC offered vital behind-the-scenes support, embodying quiet strength and humor that lifted the team’s spirits.

Pastor Tim McHugh summed up the heart of the trip: “One of my greatest moments on any mission is when someone realizes why they are there—the ‘Aha’ moment of just being, not doing.” He also summed up the trip by saying, “From the classrooms to the basketball court, from a simple pair of socks to the worship service, we saw the love of God in action, it was a privilege to be part of His work”

Rev. Tasha Hollopeter leads a prayer walk through the halls of Lydia Patterson Institute.

The trip’s highlights extended beyond service projects. The mariachi band practice impressed missioners with its celebration of cultural heritage, and the newly formed dance team’s performance brought joy and energy. Evenings were spent cheering at a home basketball game and bonding over shared meals and stories. Wednesday evening the team went to Trinity UMC in El Paso and made Passing Plates with the LPI students bible study.

The spiritual apex came during the student-led worship service on Friday. With heartfelt songs, Scripture, and testimonies, God’s presence was undeniable. Missioners left the service feeling renewed, inspired by the students’ faith and leadership. This mission trip demonstrated the transformative power of collaborative, Christ-centered service. It reminded participants that missions are not only about giving but also about receiving—through lessons in humility, love, and faith.

The team returned home as witnesses to God’s work in El Paso, carrying with them stories of transformation, gratitude, and hope. This mission to Lydia Patterson Institute stands as a powerful example of what happens when God’s people unite to serve in His name. If you are interested in Lydia Patterson Institute or missions feel free to talk to your pastor, contact OKVIM at okvim@ okumc.org or email Pastor Tim at pastortimmchugh@ gmail.com.

Audrey Braucher got super involved during her time at Lydia Patterson Institute. She helped lead worship, taught cheer, and posed with Laura Gomes.