Concordia sends mission team to Guatemala

Published by Concordia University, Nebraska 10 years ago on Tue, Apr 2, 2013 7:06 PM
A group of 12 Concordia students traveled to Guatemala for a medical mission trip over spring break.

Over spring break, 12 Concordia students visited Zacapa, Guatemala, for a week-long medical mission trip in conjunction with the Central American Lutheran Mission Society.

Led by Dr. Jennifer Janousek, director of the Master of Public Health program at Concordia, the group of students traveled with a pediatrician, nurse and dentist to host medical and dental clinics. The team visited three villages: QueBrada de Aqua, Roblarcito and San Miguel. While on the trip, the team also taught children and adults about hygiene and nutrition, built latrines and stoves, and held Bible studies for children.

“In my opinion, there are no words to describe the experience we had in Guatemala. We are so very grateful for the time God blessed us with in this wonderful country,” said sophomore Morgan Vitosh in the team’s blog. The full blog as well as photos and a video can be found at http://cunetoguatemala.blogspot.com/.

Now back in Seward, the team members are readjusting to life in the United States.

“We can only pray that the relationships made with the Guatemalans and the assistance we offered has made an impact in their lives,” said sophomore Anna McDaniel. “We are Christ’s hands in this world.”

Student participants’ academic majors include pre-medicine, community health, exercise science, education and behavioral science. The Master of Public Health program at Concordia focuses on the fundamentals of public health, placing emphasis on practical experience through practicum work and mission trips. Based on Christian faith and values, the program prepares graduates to use their knowledge and experience to improve the state of public health around the world.

Mission team members:

Kendra Alberts, junior, St. Paul, Neb.

Kyleah Bowder, senior, Lincoln, Neb.

Jordan Donahue, junior, Manhatten, Kan.

Kale Hintz, sophomore, Hebron, Neb.

Jennifer Janousek, director of Master of Public Health program, Seward, Neb.

Sarah Matthias, team pediatrician, Lincoln, Neb.

Amy McDaniel, sophomore, Cypress, Calif.

Anna McDaniel, sophomore, Cypress, Calif.

Bryan Perrin, team registered nurse, Lincoln, Neb.

Alicia Smith, senior, Pleasant Dale, Neb.

Alex Stepanek, junior, St. Paul, Neb.

Joe Vanderveld, junior, Lake Ozark, Mo.

Morgan Vitosh, sophomore, Odell, Neb.

Two members of the mission team demonstrate proper hand hygeine for Guatemalan children.