Nursing Student Wambui Karanja Serves in Colombia

Wambui Karanja serves in Colombia (photo courtesy of Wambui Karanja).

John Nevins Andrews (1829–1833), a pioneering Adventist scholar and theologian who served as the denomination's first official missionary outside of North America, is the namesake for Andrews University. The service-first philosophy of J.N. Andrews is a guiding principle for university faculty, staff and students today.

Wambui Karanja, a senior nursing student at Andrews University, went on a mission trip in the summer of 2023 that blessed her in significant ways. The mission aimed to make a positive impact in Cartagena, Colombia, by holding nightly evangelistic services, conducting vision screenings, distributing eyeglasses and supporting local churches. Wambui and her mother, Akila Karanja, learned about this mission opportunity from their church, Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church, in South Bend, Indiana.

The church rolled out an initiative titled Project Reach, which it developed in collaboration with local leadership in Colombia, Unión Colombiana del Norte. The team served the community by distributing over 600 pairs of glasses and spreading the word of God.

Wambui’s mission journey felt like more than just an ordinary trip filled with volunteering. Rather, it showcased how the community she was volunteering in had an even bigger impact on her. Although this trip enhanced Wambui’s nursing skills and polished her Spanish-speaking abilities, it also provided Wambui with an opportunity for reflection on the concept of love. Wambui's introspective journey led her to consider love as a skill, an ever-evolving art that individuals practice throughout their lives. As she delved into her experiences in Colombia, Wambui shared moments of genuine human connection, highlighting the profound impact of fostering spaces for authentic encounters with others. Her reflections touched on the deeper human desire for connection and the mutual exchange of love.

As she reflected on the highlights of the mission trip, Wambui shared, “I often find that when people embark on mission trips, there's a prevailing mindset that they're going with the notion of, 'We're coming from America, and we have so much to offer,' but it goes beyond that. In my experience, it's somewhat cliché to say, but I genuinely feel I gained more than I contributed. Regardless of the country's context, the essence of human connection remains universal. When you approach it from the perspective of two individuals sharing a common humanity, you realize that both parties have the capacity to give and receive something meaningful."

Wambui's journey, both as a nursing student and a compassionate individual, exemplifies the transformative power of mission trips and the capacity for individuals to grow through authentic connections. As she navigates her senior year and prepares to graduate in May, Wambui Karanja continues to embody the spirit of Andrews University's commitment to seek knowledge, affirm faith and change the world.