In the summer of 2018, a group of incoming Baylor freshman did their Line Camp with Baylor Missions in the Dominican Republic. I caught up with two of the incoming freshman from that trip, Briana Hilligiest and Sophia Merdian, to hear about their Line Camp experience and how it prepared them for Baylor!
What was your favorite part of your Baylor Missions Line Camp experience?
The relationships formed with the kids I met and the missionaries I served with. – Bri
This was my first mission trip, I had no expectations and no friends going. My favorite part is two fold, the community that was created and the ministry done with the local pastor. I found friends immediately and they are still my friends now. The at home ministries we did with the local pastor, sharing the gospel and sharing with family members was an amazing experience.- Sophia
How you do think your experience at Baylor is different because you did Missions Line Camp?
It opened my eyes to the many opportunities that Baylor has. And gave me a better understanding of the culture of Baylor. -Bri
It was incredibly eye-opening! Service has always been important to me but Baylor Missions Line Camp opened doors to see that this could change how I serve here at Baylor and could even grow into professional aspirations.- Sophia
What did you learn?
Love like no other. Show love when it’s not expected because you never know what will be returned. And that God is in everything. -Bri
The big impact of doing the simple things. A hug and a smile can go a long way.- Sophia
How are you incorporating what you learned at Baylor?
I learned to go out of my comfort zone and not be afraid of what’s to come even when you’re unsure. Because of this, I’ve been able to be more open and form relationships with people I might not have before!- Bri
I’m now the outreach coordinator for her hallway, so I’m using the insights gained on the trip to reach people in the Waco community! -Sophia
Do you think you’ll participate in another Baylor Missions trip?
Yes, for sure! I’m hoping to be a leader next year. -Bri
Definitely, having this Baylor community will broaden the people I know all over the world! -Sophia
Why do you think incoming freshman should do Baylor Missions Line Camp?
One, to go into college with 20+ best friends. Two, to open their eyes to the Baylor culture and experience. It exposes them to the love that Baylor has for their students like nothing else. -Bri
I’ve seen how my Baylor experience is different from other people’s and it has changed my outlook on college. I’ve had new opportunities and friendships that started with Baylor Missions Line Camp that started in service and love. -Sophia
Thanks to Bri and Sophia for sitting down with me and telling their stories! If you have a missions story you’d like to tell, email me at Kathleen_post1@baylor.edu. If you think the relationships formed and service done sounds like something you’d be interested in, take a look at our 2019 Baylor Mission Trips!
Kathleen Post is the Ministry Associate for Global Missions and a student at Truett Seminary.