T he first half of my childhood was spent watching my mom and dad stand behind the pulpit, listening to them preach each Sunday. Not only did I observe them, but I also joined them in engaging with our church congregation and local community. In the second half of my childhood, we moved between a couple states and I switched schools countless times, making me the “new girl” more times than not. I learned to be adaptable and face the new, unknown, and unfamiliar with openness and curiosity. When I was given the opportunity to tag along with a group of college students and travel across the world, I maintained the same posture of openness and curiosity, and said yes! Despite the uncertainty of what this trip would look like for me, I felt confident that God had a plan and knew exactly what he was doing in opening this door. This, of course, proved to be true.
In May 2023, I spent three and half weeks in Oman with the Al Amana Centre, an interfaith organization that aims to build bridges and foster peace between faith communities. We hiked through dry rocky mountains, swam through wadis, explored historical castles and forts, toured grand mosques, drove through towns and countryside, ate fantastic food, had deep and transformational discussions, and so much more. My biggest surprise: out of all the planned activities and interactions, the unplanned encounters and conversations became my most treasured moments. For example, during our flight to Oman, a young man approached my group, interested in knowing what was bringing us to the Middle East. After a three-hour airplane conversation about faith, culture, and more, we ended up spontaneously getting together with this young man and his friends to play a game of soccer and enjoy an Omani picnic. This young man’s act of curiosity revealed that asking a simple yet brave question can inspire genuine connections and significant conversations that leave a lasting impact—a message I was blessed to take home with me.
My time with Reformed Church of America missionaries in the Middle East was just the beginning of a rich journey of developing greater compassion and empathy for communities beyond my own. In August 2024, I had the joy of being part of the Reformed Church in America’s She is Called/Ella Es Llamada trip to Cusco, Peru. Through a series of creative workshops, our intergenerational group of women spent time engaging with and encouraging young adults from rural areas who were transitioning into life in the city. The various workshops welcomed laughter, tears, self-expression, vulnerability, friendships, and more. It was humbling to hear of the adversity and trauma these young women and men experienced at such a young age, many of them younger than myself. This humbling experience quickly shifted to a transformative one—one of strength, hope, resilience, and profound faith. This time of shared healing and encouragement became more than just a trip; it became a glimpse of the church as it’s meant to be: global, interconnected, and alive with God’s presence.
Related: How global experiences and mission led me to my call
Most recently, I joined missionaries, church planters, and others from North America and Europe for the Reformed Church in America’s 2025 European Church Planting Retreat, a weeklong trip that brings European church planters, their supporting churches, and other mission-minded people together to retreat, learn, and connect. While each of my trips have expanded my understanding of God’s global church in unique ways, my time in Europe displayed the richness of God’s kingdom on Earth. With a mosaic of languages, cultures, and testimonies all pointing to the same faithful God, it was a powerful reminder that the church is not bound by culture or geography, but united by the Spirit.
Related: the global church and mission: how we can connect better
In a world of division, short-term mission reveals the unity we have in Christ. Short-term mission still matters because it allows people who can’t serve long-term to meaningfully engage with the global church, learn from others, and bring that experience back to bless their home communities. For anyone considering an RCA short-term mission trip, go with a posture of openness and curiosity. You are not necessarily going to fix anything, but you’re going to witness the Spirit’s work, deepen your faith, help where you can, and be reminded that we are one in Christ, everywhere.
Hear more from Noelle about transformational short-term mission experiences in this Q&A with Stephanie Soderstrom, the Reformed Church in America’s supervisor for short-term mission and North American partnerships.
Noelle DeWard
Noelle DeWard is a senior at Grand Valley State University, where she is pursuing a major in communications and a minor in psychology, with plans to graduate in May 2026. She has served as a communications and events assistant at Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry for over four years. Noelle also spent a year volunteering virtually with the Al Amana Centre, a mission partner of the Reformed Church in America based in Oman. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, exploring God's creation, and expressing her creativity through various outlets.
