There are no challenges too big for God. When the Monterey Bay Academy (MBA) team of 32 missionaries departed on Dec. 14, each member had already experienced God's intentional provisions and personal calling. For the 20 students, 12 adults (parents, staff and alumni) and younger siblings, it was only the beginning of their life-changing experience.

MBA students and faculty are not strangers to mission trips. The past three years, academy mission teams have served an orphanage in Baja, Mexico, practicing their construction skills and sharing Jesus with total strangers.

Mission team leaders, Pastor Sam Kaligithi and history teacher Tim Kubrock, began to think about a trip that would require much more time, money and effort.

"This was the right time for this India trip to happen," Kubrock explained. "Our students are excited about mission work, and they love going to Mexico, but they were hungry for a new experience. Our students wanted to help people who don't get help that often. They really had the desire to make a difference."

Because Kaligithi is from India, it was a natural location choice. Both men knew it would be easy to get teens excited about a chance to travel halfway across the world, but a very difficult task to get all of the planning and money necessary for this kind of undertaking.

"God really shapes these things," Kaligithi said. "We faced several challenges in making this mission trip a reality, not only in the early planning stages, but also right before and during the trip. We, as a group, really learned to rely on God, to trust Him and His wisdom in all circumstances."

One of the biggest challenges for the trip from the outset was cost. Each student was responsible for raising $2,000. Some students' families were able to help; others went to their church families.

"I knew from the second this mission trip was announced I wanted to go," said Rochelle Gaurino, a sophomore from Madera, Calif. "But I also knew the money was going to be a big issue. So, I went to my church and family and asked them to help me. I was really surprised at how many people helped me out. It wasn't all these huge donations either, more like $10 here and $20 there. It felt really good to know I had that kind of support."

Another challenge the group had was the trip's main project. The original plan was to build a much-needed church in the southeastern Indian state of Orissa. However, just two months before the trip, new plans had to be made due to Hindu/Christian clashes in the area.

So the trip was refocused on an orphanage run by Kaligithi's mother, Lily, near the town of Narsapur.

After four flights and a 20-hour train ride, the group was tired but ready to work. The team provided three areas of service: medical outreach led by adult medical professionals, treating everything from toothaches to backaches; working at the orphanage, which is home to 60 children ranging from infants to teenagers; and an evangelistic campaign where students provided music and drama and Kaligithi delivered messages.

"It was a real blessing to have those meetings," Kaligithi said. "We were expecting about 500 people, but each night we had 800 to 1,000 people show up. At the close of our meetings, eight people decided to be baptized."

While the meetings made an impact on the local community, the biggest impact on the students involved came from the children they had come to serve.

"As soon as we got there the kids got attached to us," said Andrew Millard, a senior from Sonora, Calif. "We went there to help them, but they were always trying to help us. It's amazing how generous and humble these kids are. Even though they have such a tough life, they have a great attitude."

After spending Christmas with their new friends and a long trip to see the Taj Mahal in northern India, the group began to make their way back home. As they look back on the trip now, they understand that it wasn't a typical mission trip.

"This mission trip was not based on building a church," explained Mona Bascoy, a senior from Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. "It was based on spiritual work. The people we helped were touched by our ministry. Some of it was singing and talking, and some of it was just connecting with people and sharing God's love in very tangible ways."

A trip that began as a unique experience to see the world, grew to be something much more.

"Sometimes when you're at school you have no idea of the world around you," said Blake Szutz, a senior from Fairmont, Minn. "But when you go on a trip like this, it gives you a better world view. It takes you out of your little box and puts things in perspective."

As far as Kaligithi is concerned, mission trips will remain one of the spiritual growth priorities for students—not just for the service they provide to those in need, but also for the difference they make on campus. "I have seen such a positive impact from the students who have participated in these trips," said Kaligithi.

"We want our students to experience God in real and tangible ways, to grow a deeper personal experience with their Savior," says Principal Bill Keresoma. "Mission trips are one of the many opportunities we offer our students so they learn to hear Jesus' voice and to see how, when we step into His will, all things are possible."

In its 54th year of operation, MBA continues to offer Christian education in a safe, nurturing environment. The board and staff praise God for a healthy enrollment of 232 students, dedicated and involved alumni and a stable, debt-free financial report. For more information, contact Jason Mustard at 831-728-1481 ext. 1221 or visit www.montereybayacademy.org.