Committed to the Mission – Hartland Mission Report

May, 2025 Update from the President

Dear Friends,

In a missionary college, the best training always takes place when students share what they’ve learned with others! During our recent spring break, our farm manager and men’s dean, Tony Fuentes, led a team of 49 missionaries to two coastal locations in Mexico. Twenty-five Hartland students and staff were joined by 24 Adventist friends from different parts of the United States, including dentists, nurses, health coaches, builders, and evangelists

They had a packed schedule! God opened doors for the team to preach and hold mental health seminars at eight different Adventist churches in Playa del Carmen with a total of 500 in attendance. They also held a health expo in the city, with approximately 400 people participating.
After that, they conducted a series of seminars for young people at the Adventist Francisco May school. Topics included identity, addictions, life purpose, preventive health, lasting relationships, recreation, and devotional life. Approximately 300 adolescents between 12 and 17 years old listened attentively to these practical topics.

Our Mission

To equip missionaries to transform the world through Christ.

We are training missionaries to touch people’s lives with God’s love through a biblically based educational program that combines academics with practical service and outreach.

We Envision

Hartland alumni serving in every nation, supporting the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to prepare the world for Christ’s soon return.

Our Motto

Educating for Eternity, Serving Today!

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The missionaries then moved to the beautiful island of Cozumel and conducted similar seminars in another Adventist high school. Mental health seminars were conducted in six churches, and the team also ran three vacation Bible schools on the island.

Along the way, the group balanced their intense program with a little well-earned recreation, enjoying the gorgeous Mexican coast and warm weather.

The trip was a beautiful time of bonding with each other and having meaningful encounters with the church members, young people, and members of the public they ministered to. Not everyone spoke Spanish fluently, but their infectious enthusiasm and obvious love for Jesus certainly spoke to hearts. God abundantly blessed this mission trip, and the group returned refreshed by the joy of ministering to others.

Here are some of the participants’ experiences:

“Our recent mission trip to Mexico was a vibrant blend of service, learning, and spiritual growth. One of the most meaningful highlights for me personally was the opportunity to teach and connect with students at two Adventist high schools.
Teaching is my passion, and being able to share on the topic of life purpose with these students was both fulfilling and energizing. We explored deep questions, laughed, interacted, and built genuine connections. Their interest and attentiveness were inspiring, and I walked away from those sessions with a renewed sense of calling.” Jason Tshuma.

“I am so excited that I had the opportunity to go on the México Mission Trip with Mr. Tony and the Hartland students. I enjoyed our seminars at the schools. The topics were very relevant and the students seemed to be receiving the information well. I had the opportunity of translating for Dr. Stan who spoke about dental hygiene. Also, as we did the Health Expos, I was touched by the health needs and struggles that people are going through, and I was glad that we were able to provide some support and information for them. I am eager to be God’s hands and feet on the next mission trip.” Violeta Howard.

“My testimony is from the sermon that I preached on the first Sabbath. The fact that I didn’t feel well prepared, combined with the fact that this was my first time preaching caused me to feel very nervous. I decided to pray about the situation fervently, asking God to give me confidence to say whatever He wanted me to say. When it was time for me to preach, I wasn’t nervous at all! Though there were definitely things I could improve on, I felt confident. This was a first for me—a really big blessing. Overall I would say that this mission trip helped me get out of my comfort zone and taught me a lot about myself. I was extremely blessed!” Jadon Glover.

“The highlight of my experience was coordinating three health outreach events. It was my first time leading health expos, and I was honestly terrified of making mistakes that might hinder people from receiving a blessing. In the midst of my worries, the Lord reminded me that the work wasn’t mine to carry alone. He was the one leading, and I just needed to trust Him. Despite my mistakes and areas where I can improve, God still worked powerfully. By the end of the outreach, around 23 people expressed a desire to receive Bible studies and learn more about the Adventist faith. This trip was also a great opportunity for personal growth and for deepening my friendships with other students. I was able to have many meaningful conversations and build friendships that truly helped me grow closer to God.” Laura Zapata Castrillon.

“Learning how to serve is important, but going on a mission and experiencing it is amazing. My family and I decided to join this mission trip because it was in Mexico and in the mental health field, which is our main area of service as a family ministry.
Serving with your family in mission work within the SDA community and among young people is priceless. It is the real test of what you have taught your children and the principles you uphold at home. I gladly enjoyed preaching, seeing my wife serving, and my children experiencing the joy of selfless service.” Gerardo Payan.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers that make missions like this possible.

In His service,

Norbert Restrepo
President, Hartland College

Hartland Donor Relations | relations@hartland.edu
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