This summer, two students in the Early Childhood Education program at Campbellsville University had the opportunity to participate in an international mission trip with their churches.

Rebecca Kulkofsky traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, and Stacey Chavez traveled to Belize City, Belize.

Kulkofsky, along with her son, traveled to Nairobi with Brandenburg United Methodist Church. During the mission trip, Kulkofsky worked with school feeding programs, supported initiatives aimed at reducing teen pregnancy and helped host a Vacation Bible School.

According to Kulkofsky, the group, which partnered with Eden’s Hope feed, served over 1,000 people and also brought items such as jump ropes and t-shirts. During VBS, approximately 200 to 350 children attended, with some children walking over three miles to attend.

“This trip was very humbling,” Kulkofsky said. “For some children, this was the only meal they would receive that day. Really makes you rethink your own life.”

Chavez traveled to Belize with Campbellsville Baptist Church, along with her son, Mark. Campbellsville Baptist partnered with Biscayne Baptist in Belize and also conducted Vacation Bible School, where six people were saved.

Chavez said the children loved the Bible verses. She also said the trip made her realize she needed to bring something new to VBS back home. During this mission trip, Chavez also visited a children’s home in Ladyville. Her group brought donations and attended the opening of the Church on the Hill.