Small but Mighty: When God Works Beyond What We Expect
March 30, 2026
Written by: Anna Beth Wright
Going into this trip, I was nervous...not necessarily about traveling or serving, but about how much of a difference our team would actually be able to make. With only three students and three leaders, our team was much smaller than we expected. It was hard not to wonder if that would limit our impact. It’s easy to believe that impact requires something big...big teams, big plans, or big moments. But over the course of the week, God showed us something completely different. He doesn’t need large numbers to move in big ways.
As we traveled into Ensenada, the ocean stretched endlessly, and everything felt calm and beautiful. It is truly one of the most breathtaking places. But what I didn’t realize at the time was that the most impactful parts of the trip wouldn’t come from the views. They would come from the people, the conversations, and the moments that changed my perspective in ways I didn’t expect.
We traveled to Ensenada for a medical mission trip, where we partnered with Baja Missions to serve local communities through clinics, home visits, and relationship-building. From the very beginning, it was clear that this week would be less about what we could accomplish and more about how we could show up and be present.
On Sunday, we attended church at El Zorillo Church of Christ, where we were welcomed with so much warmth and joy. After the service, we spent time playing with the kids. Despite the language barrier, we laughed and connected in ways that didn’t require many words. Later that day, we went on home visits throughout the community. These visits were some of the most eye-opening moments of the trip. We stepped into people’s homes, listened to their stories, and prayed over individuals and families who were hurting. It reminded me how powerful it is to simply sit with someone, to acknowledge their pain and bring it before God together.
Over the next few days, our group spent time in clinics at El Zorillo and the Guadalupe Valley. We provided dental and primary care for people who cannot afford those services. As a pre-dental student, this was one of my favorite parts of the trip. It was incredible to be immersed in the field of dentistry while also seeing the primary care side. I loved the opportunity to serve and show God’s love to those in need, as we are called to do. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to care for the whole person and how physical health is connected to overall well-being.
Each day after finishing in the clinic, we spent time playing soccer with the kids. These moments quickly became some of my favorites. There was something so genuine in the simplicity—running, laughing, and building friendships without needing perfect communication. It reminded me that connection doesn’t always come from words, but from simply being present and willing to engage.
On Thursday, we traveled to the Oasis after-school program, where we set up a mobile clinic. Even in a completely new setting, the purpose stayed the same: to serve, care, and meet people where they are. I was reminded that ministry doesn’t depend on location or resources—it depends on a willingness to be available.
Throughout the week, I kept coming back to the story of David. What once felt like a limitation, our small team, became something God used to teach me one of the biggest lessons from the trip. Just like David, we didn’t need to be the biggest or most equipped for God to work through us. He simply asked us to be willing. Time and time again, He showed us that He doesn’t need large numbers to make an impact. He works through faith, obedience, and a heart that is ready to serve.
Looking back, this trip changed my perspective on what it means to serve. I realized it’s not about doing something impressive or having everything figured out. It’s about showing up, being present, and trusting God to do the rest. I left Ensenada feeling deeply grateful for the people we met and everything we experienced. I was reminded that even in the smallest moments, God can do more than we could ever expect.
One thing that impacted me deeply was the perspective of the people we served. In many ways, they have so little compared to what we’re used to. Yet their faith that God will provide is incredibly strong. Their hope isn’t placed in material things, but fully in Him and His provision. Their trust in the Lord was unwavering. Their gratitude for even the smallest things was something I couldn’t ignore. It challenged me to reflect on my own life and recognize how easy it is to take things for granted.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” — Psalm 23:1
Not a Trip
Category: Student Life