Washington Adventist University is the First North American Adventist University To Embark on a Humanitarian Mission Trip to Havana

Takoma Park, Md. (June 6, 2016) Washington Adventist University (WAU) is the first North American Adventist university to sponsor a humanitarian mission trip to Havana, Cuba. Eleven students and faculty recently traveled to Havana to help clean streets, paint houses, conduct a health screening clinic and teach English classes.

During the May 19-29 trip, 20 homes were painted by the WAU volunteers, 280 Cubans participated in the English classes that were taught, 186 people attended the health screening clinic, and 315 children participated in a Vacation Bible School. In addition, the missionaries distributed clothing, along with 156 pairs of eyeglasses, 120 tooth brushes and 110 jump ropes.

“Seeing our students serve like this brings joy to my heart,” said Baraka G. Muganda, EdD, Washington Adventist University’s Vice President for Ministry.

Recent graduate Adriana Mitchel said, “This mission trip has been a life-changing experience for me.”

While in Havana, the missionaries also conducted a spiritual Revival. Cubans attending the event numbered 2,027.

“I have learned a lot of lessons from the people of Cuba,” said Professor Alvin Fuentes who was one of the faculty members on the mission trip. “They are humble, loving and they worship God whole heartedly.”

WAU freshman Kaliah Copeland said, “I am glad I went to Cuba. The people changed the way I view life.”

Washington Adventist University’s motto is “Gateway to Service,” and the university sponsors mission trips to prepare students to serve beyond classroom boundaries. In the past five years, 19 mission trips have included destinations in Brazil, Costa Rica, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Mauritius, Philippines, Russia, St. Kitts, Tanzania, the United States and Zambia.