Faith Cross Country Mission Trip: Camino de Santiago Recap Pt. 2

Porto, Portugal - The Faith Cross Country teams recently traveled to Portugal and Spain to walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago in partnership with Seth Grotzke and Baptist Mid-Missions. During their ten days of walking, the team traversed more than 130 miles and spoke to people from 35 different nations. The team spent time sightseeing and learning about the culture while meeting other pilgrims and building relationships to share the gospel along the way. Read on to hear from two team-members as they share their overall takeaways from the trip.

Brandon Smith:

I learned so much on this trip. I got better at asking good questions to people, being more bold in sharing my faith, and I learned a lot about Roman Catholicism. It was a lot harder than I thought to go up to people I did not know on the trail and start conversations with them. The more I did it the easier it got. It was difficult to get into spiritual things with the other pilgrims, but when I did with a few of them I got to ask them questions that left them thinking about spiritual things. I'm thankful that I was able to leave them with something to chew on. 

While we were there we got to attend 2 different Catholic masses. These really opened my eyes to the great need of the Gospel in Spain and Portugal. These people were saying empty prayers to dead saints. There was no hope and no joy in those services. It made me very thankful for churches that follow God's pattern for New Testament worship. 

The physical side of the trip was a lot of fun. I loved walking long distances every day and seeing the culture. It was so cool to see how things are done differently over there and comparing it to life in the States. I loved the challenge of seeing how far my legs could take me. It was so rewarding to reach the end and praise God for giving me strength to make it there. The distance that I recorded on the trip is just over 130 miles.

I was challenged on the trip to be more intentional with unbelievers. Really the hardest part is just getting the conversation started. All I need to do is ask good questions to get it going. I want to take what I learned and put it into practice this summer as I work with unbelievers. 

The pilgrimage was cool, but it is only a picture of the real pilgrimage that we are all on. We are all pressing on towards the same finish line and we all have struggles along the way. It is hard, tiresome, and long, but it will all be worth it in the end when we get to rest at the feet of Jesus. Keep going strong! 

Carlie Blevins:

I cannot encourage doing the Camino de Santiago enough! It was such an incredible experience that I am so grateful to have been a part of.

As a group, we talked to people from over 30 different nations. This trip pushed me out of my comfort zone in talking to strangers, but it was the push I needed to realize the importance of striking up a conversation with people I see. The physical challenge was a draw for me. I loved being outside all day, walking and talking with others. There was pain, I won't deny that. Backs ached, feet blistered, and legs felt heavy, but it was all worth it when we reached Santiago.

What I remember most from the Camino is not the pain, I remember the people, scenery, and experience. I am so thankful for the Grotzke family that guided us along the way. They are an excellent example of servant hearted leaders, and their determination was contagious. I hope to faithfully serve the Lord as they do. Another highlight was all the coffee and delicious pastries. My favorite food I tried was Paella, a traditional Spanish dish with rice and various meats/seafood.

Add walking the Camino de Santiago to your bucket list!

To learn more about the pilgrimage, click >HERE< and listen as Carlie discusses the trip on a recent episode of the NCCAA King Chasing podcast.

Check back at fbbceagles.com throughout the summer to hear from more student-athletes as they serve in various missions opportunities.

To directly support our student-athletes on future trips, consider giving and designate to "Missions Trips".