Does a Mission Trip Really Matter?
A Q&A with Maggie Oertli
Q: What was your mission trip like?
A: This summer, I had the privilege of traveling to Uganda with a team of nine students from CCU, led by Isaac Cash and Meara Hoffman. After more than 30 hours of travel and a few close flight connections, we arrived safely with every single bag. From the very beginning, I could see God’s provision at work in the details. Our time in Uganda was filled with cultural experiences and ministry opportunities that stretched us, bonded us, and provided us with a deeper understanding of the global church.
Q: What was your favorite part of the trip?
A: My favorite moment was visiting the hospital.
We walked through the children’s and maternal ward and prayed over the mothers, babies, and families. It was hard, but also so powerful. That moment reminded me that prayer is never insignificant, and it left a permanent mark on my heart. Another highlight was the FaithQuest Camp, where I led a wonderful small group. Spending time with them, encouraging one another, laughing together, and sharing about the body of Christ was so special. Finally, the Hykioto services (which are their version of a church service) stood out to me because of how joyful and freeing they were. We all worshiped God at the top of our lungs, dancing around a bonfire. That night gave me a glimpse of what true, uninhibited worship looks like, and it was so beautiful.
Q: What was it like serving with your team?
A: Serving with the team was such a blessing. Each person brought something unique to the table, and I loved watching how God used all of our different strengths. Isaac and Meara led us with such wisdom and care. Whether it was teaching, leading small groups, or simply being present with the kids, every team member had a role that mattered. The unity that we experienced showed me the true beauty of the body of Christ in action.
Q: What cultural experiences stood out to you?
A: One of the most meaningful cultural moments was receiving my Empaako name. Mine was Amoti, which means queen. It is a tradition of the Rutooro tribe to give newcomers a name to bless and welcome them. This moment made me feel so honored and connected to the community. We also joined a Shabbat service and went on a prayer walk through a village called Yamirimi. These moments reminded me how big and diverse the global church is, while also demonstrating how deeply connected we are through Christ.
Q: Was there a specific moment that challenged you?
A: The hospital visit was very emotional. Seeing people’s needs up close was difficult, and I felt overwhelmed at times. It challenged me to trust God in situations that I could not fix myself and to remember that prayer has power, even when I don’t have the answers. Teaching at the Christian school also stretched me. I worried about the language barrier, but I learned that love, creativity, and presence can communicate more than words at times.
Q: How did this trip impact your personal relationship with God?
A: This trip deepened my faith in a real way. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and reminded me to rely on God daily. I saw firsthand the joy and resilience of believers in Uganda, and that inspired me to live with more gratitude and boldness in my own walk with Christ. I came home with a renewed perspective on prayer, service, and what it truly means to be part of the global church.
Q: What lasting impact do you hope this experience will have on your life?
A: I don’t want this trip to solely be a memory, but something that shapes how I live and finish my time at CCU. I want to keep seeing people the way God sees them, and to live out what I learned in Uganda: that the Gospel is powerful, community is vital, and God’s love knows no borders.
Does a Mission Trip Really Matter?
Have you ever wondered what going on a CCU mission trip would be like? The heart behind CCU2theWorld is more than outreach or service; it’s about encountering the vastness of God and sharing His love and Good News with the world. These trips invite students to step beyond the comforts of home and into a deeper understanding of God’s power and presence. When the comforts of home are left behind, students really begin to see the heart of God in a new way.
For Maggie Oertli, her trip to Uganda left a lasting imprint, not because of what the team accomplished, but because of how they experienced God in a real and personal way.
Maggie returned with a renewed perspective on prayer, service, and what it truly means to be part of the body of Christ. The heartbeat of CCU2theWorld is providing students with the opportunity to grow, to serve, and to witness the beauty of unity when a team is centered on the same mission. “The Gospel is powerful, Community is vital, and God’s love knows no borders.”
