My Unforgettable Mission Trip to Mexico With Josh Campbell
In April of 2024 Ps Josh Campbell visited our Missions Churches in Mexico to provide support to the teams and see first-hand the incredible work happening through City Impact Church Mexico, read on to hear from Ps Josh about his experience.
When I first arrived in Mexico, I was immediately struck by how different the scenery was from New Zealand. The landscape was brown and dry, with cacti dotting the horizon and deep blue oceans providing a stark contrast. There was so little green! The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with busy people, energy, and the fast-paced rhythm of the Spanish language. It was both thrilling and overwhelming. Where our churches are located on the coast, I noticed a striking contrast between the touristy areas with big beachside resorts and the more impoverished regions just a street or two away, where dirt roads and shanty houses dominate. The heat, dust, and dryness were pervasive, adding to the sense of a place far removed from the lush, green landscapes of home.
What were some of the most memorable experiences or moments from your trip?
One of the highlights for me was always meeting the people and hearing about their lives. It was incredible to see how God and the local church had made a tangible impact on them. And of course, I have to mention the food—Mexican cuisine is no joke; it’s absolutely amazing!
What specific activities or projects did you engage in to support the local church in Mexico?
Our time was spent filming various locations and testimonies, checking in on the progress of ongoing projects at the three campuses we support, and preaching at church services and leadership meetings. We also participated in community outreaches and spent time connecting with the pastors, listening to their vision for reaching their towns and cities for Christ.
How did the local community and church members react to the support and assistance you provided?
They seemed to genuinely love having us there, connecting with us on a personal level. It felt like deepening those relationships made a real difference.
What did you learn about the Mexican culture and community life during your time there?
The Mexican people are incredibly passionate—about their culture, their food, and their faith. However, there are significant issues with poverty, corruption, and gang violence that many of the church members are connected to in some way. Their heart is to make a difference in their communities, and on a fundamental level, the struggles they face are similar to ours. People are searching for purpose, love, and acceptance, and looking for God if He’s real. It’s a universal need, and Jesus is the answer, no matter the culture or environment.
How did the mission trip impact you personally?
This trip made me realize how blessed we are to live in a beautiful, green nation with clean streets, fresh drinkable water, and relative safety. It also opened my eyes to the fact that God is at work across the nations in ways we may not always see. Despite the differences in culture and environment, all humans are searching for the same thing, and Jesus is the answer.
What do you wish that City Impact Church members in NZ knew/understood about the Missions work in Mexico?
I want our church members in New Zealand to understand that the money we give isn’t just going into a void. The seed we sow is making a real difference in the lives of down-to-earth, sold-out-for-Christ people in Mexico who are passionate about reaching their communities. There are countless lost and broken people who need to hear about a Savior. The need is infinite, and with more financial support, the churches there can do even more. We are so blessed to live where we live, and we have a responsibility to use that privilege to help those we can in Mexico. Even if we can’t journey there ourselves, we can send a seed that will result in real people meeting Jesus, finding freedom, and being rescued from truly tragic backgrounds.
