Shorter Student Serves On Mission

Story by Andrea Medel Photos submitted by Alexis Bagley

Alexis Bagley, a sophomore Christian Studies major, spent the summer of 2021 on mission with Mission Centers in Houston, Texas, where she and her team shared Christ and served the people of Houston. Bagley worked along side people from Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia. She said everyone on the team was easy going and were great communicators with each other. All of these attributes led to a team who worked well together to accomplish great things in God’s service. The team members participated in prayer walks and served those in need such as the homebound and homeless. In addition, they helped to organize a food pantry

and hosted clubs for children that focused on sharing Christ. During her mission trip, Bagley learned about the power and effectiveness of prayer and how to serve others. “As Christians, we often forget how powerful prayer actually is until we see God continuously answer them right in front of us,” said Bagley. The power of God and faith in prayer were demonstrated over and over. Being a servant of God was demonstrated to Bagley and her team as night after night churches and families blessed those on mission with home-cooked meals and encouragement. In one nightly worship service, a church group talked about the act of washing

Alexis Bagley (left) greets a member of the local Houston community where she served on mission last summer. Alexis Bagley and her teammates enjoy a time of Christian fellowship during their mission trip.

feet as Jesus did for his disciples. Bagley was surprised when a girl came up to her and asked if she could wash her feet. “It was the most humbling thing I’ve ever been through,” she said. Naturally shy, this mission trip was a huge step for Bagley. Sometimes people need a little push to step out of their comfort zone. Bagley said this mission experience was exactly what she needed. She put all her trust in God for His protection and to help her in this mission effort. “God can and did use me for His purpose. All I had to do was let Him bring me out of my comfort zone,” stated Bagley. After her experiences on mission, Bagley learned what God’s power can do and believes God will direct her life. Lessons were learned by all during this mission trip, and Bagley was no exception. Her experience made her believe in herself and helped her overcome some of her fears. Likewise, the experience made her realize that she takes many things for granted. The people Bagley and her team served often had many needs that she took for granted in her own life. “The people we served were happy as long as they had God,” said Bagley. Although the work was hard, Bagley would love to go back and continue to build relationships with the community she served.