May 23, 2025
Eleven students and faculty from East Texas Baptist University’s Teague School of Nursing have returned from a Global Study and Serve trip to Guatemala, where they provided medical care to underserved communities in and around Antigua. The trip, in partnership with International Medical Relief (IMR), offered nursing students the opportunity to fulfill course service hours for Nursing as a Ministry while embracing the call to serve others through the love of Christ.
Throughout the weeklong experience, students assisted with medical clinics in rural villages, providing preventative care, patient education, and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses. The team served over 450 patients across multiple locations, including San Pedro and Jocotenango, offering triage, basic hygiene education, prescription medications, and vision screenings.
“It was truly a joy to serve the people of San Pedro and spread the love of God through facilitating healing,” senior Elizabeth Watkins said. “I loved working alongside my classmates and being a blessing to those in need! It was an amazing trip that allowed us to serve others, deepening our friendships with each other and glorifying our Father.”
Each day began with early travel to new clinic locations, often greeted by long lines of patients eager to receive care. Students worked alongside translators, local leaders, and IMR volunteers to set up mobile clinics, serve meals, and administer medical care with compassion and excellence.
In addition to their clinical work, the team immersed themselves in Guatemalan culture. They hiked the Pacaya volcano, explored markets in Antigua, sampled local cuisine, and reflected daily on Scripture and their shared experiences. The highlight for many came during the final clinic day, where students dispensed medications in the pharmacy and witnessed firsthand the impact of health education on patients’ lives.
“It was truly such an impactful experience to serve the people of Guatemala,” senior Jessica Kuhlmann said. “Each day brought new experiences, memories, and challenges. We met so many people, formed incredible relationships, and watched the Lord graciously use us to meet physical and emotional needs. By the end of each day, we were exhausted, yet our hearts and minds were so full. As we set up each clinic in all the communities, we served with gratitude, embracing each opportunity to learn and grow as individuals. My heart is filled with joy, knowing that we helped 457 patients. I can’t express how thankful I am to have experienced such a week. This week has deepened my love for medical missions and has truly been a trip I will never forget.”
ETBU’s Global Study and Serve trips extend the University’s commitment to integrating faith and learning through transformative, Christ-centered experiences. The Teague School of Nursing continues to prepare graduates to be compassionate, competent caregivers at home in East Texas and around the world.