“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” – Matthew 28:19

Spring break usually means rest, adventure, or catching up on assignments, but for a group of us from SAU, it meant something entirely different: stepping out of our comfort zones and serving in Seattle, WA. Sixteen students and faculty members came together for a week as we worked with various organizations to serve the community.

What We Did

Seattle is a dynamic and diverse city, full of culture yet facing many challenges. We had the opportunity to serve, listen, learn, and share God's love. Throughout the week, we encountered people from all walks of life and saw firsthand how faith can bring hope even in the most difficult situations. This experience served as a reminder that the way we love is one of the loudest things we can say about Jesus to the world around us. Our partner ministries are committed to sharing that love:

  • New Horizons: We spent time preparing and serving meals to young adults experiencing homelessness, while also listening to their stories.
  • Reach Ministry: This street outreach allowed us to connect directly with people experiencing homelessness, offering food, prayer, and companionship.
  • Epic Life Church & The Giving Room: We helped distribute food and supplies to families in need, witnessing the power of community support.
  • We Heart Seattle: We focused on cleaning up parts of the cities that contained homeless encampments. Whether we were picking up trash or having conversations, we saw how small actions can make a big difference.
  • Ballard Church: Our team worked behind the scenes, cleaning, organizing, and assisting in ways that supported the church’s outreach efforts.

Personal Impact

Every one of us walked away from this trip with personal growth. For some, it was their first time serving in an urban ministry setting. For others, it was a reminder of how God calls us to love unconditionally. Abbi Cole, a Digital Communication and Marketing major from the class of 2028, shared her experience.

“The Seattle mission trip was full of experiences—from flying on a plane for the first time, planning and making food for the homeless, growing closer to my group, and making memories that stick with me. I met some amazing people. Over the week, I felt God in a way I haven't before. He got me out of my comfort zone, and I thank Him for sending me on this trip. This was the best thing for me to have been doing, and I feel like I came back a new person.”

Returning Home

This trip wasn’t just about serving, it was about growing. Stepping out in faith can be uncomfortable, but that’s when God moves the most. We faced challenges, embraced new experiences, and saw firsthand how He works in ways we never expected. We came home with a fresh perspective, a deeper faith, and a desire to serve.  The people we met and the experiences we shared have left a lasting impact, reminding us that faith isn’t just about what we do on a trip, but how we live every day.