PUC Students Serve in Brazil with Loma Linda University

From June 15-28, seven students from Pacific Union College joined Loma Linda University’s Students for International Mission Service (SIMS) program for a medical mission trip in Manaus, Brazil. In collaboration with the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists and other Adventist universities, such as La Sierra University, Southern Adventist University, and Washington Adventist University, the Manaus Adventist Conference partnered with these institutions to provide medical and dental patient care, health fairs, and Vacation Bible School to the communities living along the Amazon River.

“The locals, especially the children, were so happy to see us,” said PUC Marketing and Communication Videographer Josue Hilario. “Many of the locals took advantage of the medical clinic, and we were able to help out so many people. There would be a long line of people waiting for us in the morning every day, before the medical team even arrived.”

Hilario had the great opportunity to join the mission trip as the students’ chaperone and helped out in the clinics, while also working behind the lens to capture the 13-day trip. “I was blessed to have a group of great students who were passionate about serving, learning about the culture, and being there for each other,” he said. “They made the mission trip a lot of fun, and I couldn't have asked for a better group.”

Senior social work major Rut Gonzalez was one of the students who went on the mission trip, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen her relationship with God and help people in meaningful ways. During her time in Manaus, she tended women’s skin treatments, styled their hair, and worked in the optometry station, which she found to be her favorite part of the mission trip. “I did not come from a healthcare background, but I felt useful helping people, particularly older adults, a population I am interested in working with as a social worker,” she said. Gonzalez recalled that the mission trip also motivated her desire to serve others, listen to their stories, and support communities with compassion and respect.

Another of her duties was working on the kitchen boat, which taught her that serving is not only about helping communities but also about supporting team members. Gonzalez also distributed gifts at a children’s school and spent time with them playing games and painting. While the locals needed vast medical attention, the students made a lasting impact beyond the medical tents. “Besides medical care, I think the children really needed to see God’s love through our students as they interacted with them,” shared Hilario. “Many children come from homes where parents are rarely present, it’s good for them to see that there are people out there who do care and see them.”

As the students provided life-changing services for the locals, the mission trip also left a lasting impact on their lives. “I will remember this trip as one of the most meaningful opportunities that PUC has provided for me,” said Gonzalez. “It allowed me to gain experience in different areas of service, develop new skills, and apply what I am learning as a student.”

While this was a short-term mission trip, the students were reminded that serving others is not always about solving every problem. “Sometimes it is about listening, showing compassion, and being present,” shared Gonzalez. “As I continue my education, I hope to keep a servant's heart, remain open to learning from others, and use my skills to support individuals, families, and communities in meaningful ways. Most importantly, I want to remember that God can use us wherever we are to make a positive impact in the lives of others.”

“For God, no service is too small or too big,” Hilario added. “For Him, it’s all the same. Whether you share a smile with someone, pray for someone, invite someone for dinner, or travel overseas for a mission trip, you can change someone’s life.”

As these students took time out of their summer to serve in another country, their time in Manaus gave them opportunities to make new friends, deepen their understanding of service, and create memories they will carry for the rest of their lives.