mission’s trip – Houghton STAR

By Victoria Hock

Houghton students were busy over Spring Break. Some went on vacation, some traveled for sports training, others relaxed at home, and then there were the Eight Houghton students (including one December graduate) who went on a mission trip to the Czech Republic.

This trip was run through Global Partners, which, according to their official website, is an organization that works towards “Amplifying local church mission for global transformation.”

Junior Sarah Rider was one of the students who traveled on the trip, noting that group members “all learned so much about the importance of authentic relationship building as a part of starting and growing churches.”

Rider further adds that attendees had the opportunity to learn “about the history of Czech culture,” and that they were able to meet and make friends with a lot of Czech people, who she described as “wonderful.”

Students on the mission trip were hosted by two Houghton alumni, Kevin and Cindy Austin.

Senior Kendra Evans, another mission trip attendee, commented on the impact the Austins had, stating, “Both of them have shared extreme hospitality with our team while we were in the Czech Republic.”

Junior Hope Willert, another student who went on the mission trip, also shared the impact that the Austins had on their trip.

“We got to see a lot of what missions look like for them, which we learned is based primarily on building relationships and sharing the faith through them.”

Students had the opportunity to participate in many different activities while on the mission trip. “We visited local schools, helped out at a church youth event, had Czech lessons, traveled to three different cities (including Prague!), tried lots of Czech foods, and so much more,” says Willert.

Evans noted that students were able to visit places like Pogêbrody, Kutna Hora, and Brno, in addition to Prague. She also added that they were able to assist with a conversation club to teach English to adults in Brno, as well as a “youth hangout with high schoolers.”

Helping out with a few Christian organizations was another opportunity that Evans mentioned.

“It was great to see and help the Christian organizations in the Czech Republic,” says Evans, “Mijak (which means lighthouse in Czech) and Remedy (a church of twenty people). Christianity is kept on the down low due to the Czech Republic having the highest concentration of those who do not associate themselves with a religion.”

Evans also discussed that they saw “the effects of the war in Ukraine,” and they became friends with Ukrainian Refugees.

Overall, attendees seem to be in agreement that they were positively impacted by their mission trip, with Willert stating that after talking with the people who went on the mission trip, she feels that they “have all been changed for the better because of this experience.” She further added that “God clearly worked through the people there to open our eyes to the new culture and the missions field there. Coming home, we are all inspired to find more ways in our lives where we can serve God in both big and small ways.” ★

In their second season headed by Coach Charlie Ellis, the women’s tennis team welcomes seven new players to their roster. The recruits include five first years, one junior transfer, and one senior who did not play on the team during their first season. “The [new players] definitely bring a new culture to the tennis team,” says senior captain, Jennifer Iacucci, “since they are so young and [are] learning at a rapid pace, they have a bright future.”

Senior, Jennifer Mechler, said, “[Our bigger team] brings more competition, more resilience.” The returners have improved and they are able to teach the new players who have high school experience. Iacucci commented that, “Skills have gotten better, confidence levels have grown, and [they are gaining an] understanding of collegiate tennis.” However, not everyone is able to travel when they have away games. Coach Ellis maintains that the team, “plays together competitively every day. [He plays] everybody in exhibition matches to get experience.”

“All the returners are with new players so even [if] they are not playing, they can still be a part of the team,” said junior captain, Bethany Chesebro. The women’s tennis team arrived early before school started for preseason among other fall sports. Iacucci said, “It was easier to have good team chemistry during preseason. We are intentional about the time we spend together.”

The women’s tennis team is currently 2-6 overall, but these scores do not show the improvements they have made from last season. This year, the team is able to conduct themselves better in matches because they know the rules and know what to expect. Coach Ellis’ main goal was to win at least two matches and they have already achieved that. Iacucci shared the team’s main goals are to: “slowly work [their] way up the ladder in each match, [win] at least individual matches, be friendly, have the highest team GPA on campus, be a well-rounded team, and [be] visible and supportive of [each other] in all that [they] do.”

Throughout the year, the team aspires to grow spiritually as well. Before matches, they invite their opponents to pray with them so everyone remembers they are playing for the glory of God. Prayer as a group and with their prayer partners is a big part of their devotionals, headed by the team chaplain, senior, Andrea Melhorn. “Prayer partners are a good idea because you can hold someone accountable,” said Chesebro. Beyond attending church and doing devotions together, they are currently planning a mission’s trip to the Dominican Republic for preseason next year.

Since the start of this season, women’s tennis has shown signs of progression and improvement. Chesebro said, “He exposes us to competitive play and it has helped us because we are now able to compete with other teams in the conference.” However, Coach Ellis wants his girls to know that being competitive is not their sole focus as a team so they should not walk away discouraged from any match. He does not see the girls just as tennis players, but is invested in their lives off the court. Coach Ellis wants, “[His seniors] to enjoy their last year and to pass on the culture [they have] created to the new players by respecting one another, being thankful for what God’s given [them], honoring what [they] are doing, and not being self-centered.”