Showing God's Love Through Laughter and Joy
March 26, 2026
Saba Team
If you have never heard of Saba, it's an island off the coast of St Maartan and is 5 square miles, is home to 2158 people, has one road, and is a place that many Lipscomb people call their second home. Saba is a beautiful place that I’ve been incredibly blessed to visit for the second year in a row. Over time, the Lipscomb team has built such a strong and loving reputation on the island that many kids and families can't wait for March to come. What started as a simple spring break mission trip has grown into something much deeper. A long-term mission rooted in consistency, relationships, and love. Year after year, the Thomas family and Lipscomb students pour their time and energy into the people of Saba, with the hope of drawing others closer to Jesus and sharing God’s love throughout the island.
The moment I realized this mission team was truly making an impact on the people of Saba happened last year. When we first arrived and gathered for our opening event, a local walked up to our leaders and simply said, “Welcome home.” At that moment, something clicked for me. Even though I was only there for a week, Lipscomb’s presence on the island had become something lasting and meaningful. We weren’t just visitors, we were known, remembered, and loved. Since then, I’ve experienced that same kind of love over and over again being poured out not only onto the Lipscomb students, but onto the people of Saba as well. While many on the island have a foundation of faith, the reality of daily life can be difficult, especially for kids. Family relationships are often strained, and some children are left to navigate life on their own far too early. That’s where this mission steps in. Lipscomb shows up with consistency and compassion, offering not just activities or programs, but presence. They listen. They care. They remind these kids that they are seen, valued, and not alone even when it feels like no one else is paying attention.
As a team, we spend our days in the schools, teaching, connecting, and simply being present with the kids. Then in the evenings, we host events for the entire island. Each activity ties back to a central theme, and this year’s theme was “Celebrate.” In the schools, we talked about what it means to celebrate Jesus, celebrate ourselves, and celebrate others. In the evenings, we brought that theme to life through events like a New Year’s Eve bash, an Easter egg hunt, and a “Very Merry Lipscomb Christmas” to close out the week. I especially loved this theme because of how relevant it felt. Particularly in the high school sessions. We had meaningful conversations about real-life topics, like what comes next after graduation. Whether students were thinking about college or entering the workforce, I felt like the Lipscomb students met them where they were and encouraged them in a real and meaningful way.
While I felt Jesus moving in many ways throughout the week, I really felt God’s presence through laughter. There was something so genuine and unfiltered about it. Whether it came from moments with the team or from time spent with the Sabans. I truly can’t remember the last time I laughed this much. But it wasn’t just about having fun, it felt deeper than that. It felt like joy in its purest form. The kind of joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances, but instead reflects something bigger. I could see that same joy on the kids’ faces, their smiles, and their excitement. In those moments, I realized that laughter can be a powerful expression of God’s love. It breaks down walls, builds connection, and reminds people that they are seen and valued. The reason we come to Saba is to share God’s love, and I truly experienced that not just through words or lessons, but through the simple, beautiful moments of smiling, laughing, and being present together
Not a Trip
Category: Student Life