College is demanding enough without adding all the complexities of navigating a worldwide pandemic at the same time. Chloe* and Payton* found themselves in that exact situation. Despite many challenges and roadblocks, they were both driven by their faith and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. They understood the importance of service and action.

As they prayed about and explored ministry opportunities, a Reach Beyond USA missionary was in the process of partnering with their university to co-lead an upcoming missions trip to a refugee camp in Greece. Chloe and Payton both decided that this trip would be a great opportunity to put their desire to serve into action – and they headed off to Greece.

We talked with Chloe and Payton about their experience working in the refugee camp.

Q: As full-time college students, how difficult was it to make time for the Greece trip amidst juggling exams, part-time jobs, and maintaining relationships with family, friends, and your church groups?

PAYTON: Our Greece trip happened over winter break, so managing that wasn’t too bad even if the added trainings and team meetings did bring some added stress. But the knowledge that those meetings were preparing us to serve the Lord and His people in the most effective way made the meetings a sort of break – and even a highlight – during our hectic school weeks.

Q: What was your biggest aha moment from your Greece trip? What was your biggest learning experience?

CHLOE: Observing the volunteers on the field that lived and served there faithfully every single day was eye-opening. They gave their lives for the sake of those who were in need spiritually and physically. It was especially encouraging to watch the women in leadership who had a simple obedience to the Lord, who were gentle and meek, and were strong and hard workers. Watching their faith lived out was a testament to me that what the Lord called me to do was not only possible, but it painted a clear picture of what my calling would look like, including the challenges and the triumphs of everyday ministry. The best lesson I learned was that all God truly desired from me was to continue to be faithful to Him.

PAYTON: Just as much as the Lord provides for an overseas trip – meaning everything from walking out of my front door to the plane finally landing back home – He must also be the one who keeps us present during the trip. I experienced personal conflict and team conflict during my time in Greece, and it was very easy for me to focus on those circumstances and let them distract from the purpose of my trip. However, the Lord was always gently and kindly reminding me that being faithful to Him in all moments is all He asks for. A short term trip can really be a whirlwind, but He desires for us to be present with Him in every moment and not get caught up in all the stressors around us.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

CHLOE: God brought us overseas in the same way He brought the refugees there under such pressure and tragic circumstances. He is the God of the wanderer, the traveler, the foreigner. It was quite overwhelming to witness the true resilience of the people we met. God showed His heart for the world in that He protected the travelers and allowed them to make it safely to a new place. Hearing the stories of visions and testimonies of miracles from the refugees was the most humbling and awe-inspiring experience we will forever cherish.