Faith in Action: GFU Students Head to Cuba for Research and Service
Reported by Katelyn Lam
Photo by Luci Lettau
For the first time, George Fox University (GFU) is sending students on a mission trip to Cuba. The team will be in Santiago, Cuba from May 6-21.
“This team is put together by God,” said Professor of Psychology Kelly Chang, leader of the group of 10 students. The team will conduct psychology research and assist the local community in Cuba.
“For the past decade and a half, I've done research in Nicaragua, and I really love to take students with me to help me do the research in a way that serves the ministry but also gives them an opportunity to learn and grow,” Chang said.
If the team collects enough data, they plan to compile a report and share their findings with others.
“It ends up being a really good opportunity for students who are interested in going to graduate school and want to show that they’re serious,” Chang said.
Chang hopes the students will have a transformative learning and spiritual experience, maintaining an attitude that is “flexible and willing to serve in whatever way the Lord provides.” She also emphasized the importance of building relationships with people in Cuba.
Freshman Ellarie Spencer expressed excitement about the personal growth she anticipates from the trip.
“I am an adult now, so I have to take care of things myself,” Spencer said. “I hope to grow in my independence, take on a leadership role, strengthen my relationships with people here, and grow spiritually. I want to show the love of God to others, what He has done in my life, and what He can do in others.”
In preparation, the team is learning about Cuba’s culture and traditions. Many of the students are bilingual or of Hispanic or Spanish descent.
“We are working with the Intercultural Resource Center (IRC) to talk with students who have been to Cuba and people who are from Cuba,” Spencer said.
The team is prepared to encounter limited electricity, lack of Wi-Fi, food shortages, and challenges that may accompany being outside of the US.
“I have a whole team—that’s our support system,” sophomore Alecia Skinner said. “Lending on each other and relying on each other for support is great.”
The team has an Instagram account and plans to launch a TikTok to document their journey and experiences.
“I’m hoping that after I come back, I can express my gratitude for this trip, share it with others, and show them what we learned and accomplished,” Skinner said.