Hearts in Action in Campeche, Mexico

CAMPECHE, MEXICO – Students and staff from Houston Adventist Academy (HAA) in Cypress, Tex., and Scenic Hills Christian Academy (SHCA) in San Antonio, Tex., traveled to Mexico, March 9-16, to serve local Mayan families.

There, they led a Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, reaching and ministering to more than 700 children from the surrounding areas. They also listened to personal stories from the Mayan families, many of whom shared traditions and struggles that opened the students’ eyes to a different way of life. These moments helped the students see the true meaning of service: not just giving, but also receiving wisdom, kindness and connection. 

One of the most profound moments took place on the final day, when a respected local community organizer—who had openly identified as an atheist—addressed the group. With heartfelt sincerity, he expressed that he could no longer reject the idea of God. Throughout the week, he had witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of kindness, selflessness and unconditional love from the students, which profoundly affected him. His testimony served as a powerful reminder of the true purpose of mission work: to be the hands and feet of Jesus in every community we serve.

The name of Christ was glorified, and the students returned home changed, grateful, humbled and inspired to serve others. The mission trip was more than just a week of work; it was a powerful lesson in compassion, cultural appreciation and the importance of building bridges across communities in the name of Jesus Christ. 

For more information about HAA, visit their website at HouAA.org; for more information about SHCA, visit ScenicHillsSchool.org.

By Yefferson Mercado, Principal, Houston Adventist Academy and

Chris Perez, Principal, Scenic Hills Christian Academy

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