KJ
Kayla James
  • Class of 2015
  • Kearney, Neb.

Concordia University, Nebraska student Kayla James travels to Belize for medical mission trip

2014 May 30

Eight students in a global health class at Concordia University, Nebraska are visiting Belize on a nine-day medical mission trip May 26-June 3. The group is led by Dr. Joseph Gubanyi, professor of biology and chair of the natural sciences department at Concordia Nebraska as well as his wife Heidi, director of the RN to BSN program at Concordia Nebraska, and alumna Julie Banning, a physical therapist in Lincoln.

Students participating in the trip include:

Kayla James, junior, Kearney, Neb.

The group plans to teach elementary students in Belize about hand washing, perform experiments to show people the dangers of contaminated water and talk to village women about women's health.

"This is a great opportunity for our students because it will open their eyes to opportunities to serve our Lord not just in this country but throughout the world," Joseph Gubanyi said. "The reality is that the impact we will have on Belize will be minuscule compared to the impact the experience will have on us. Everyone who is going is excited at the opportunity to serve. It is our hope and prayer that people we encounter see Jesus, not us, through our words and actions."

Besides medical work, the group also wants to interact with Belizean children and teach them games, songs and Bible verses.

The trip also includes a day to explore sights around Belize including the waterfalls of Big Rock Falls and Xunantunich, an ancient Mayan ruin.