Southwestern Advantage is proud to highlight the impactful work of Metanoia Missions & Ministries. Employees, interns, and alumni of Southwestern Advantage have actively participated in these mission trips, dedicating their time and energy to meaningful service. Though Southwestern is not formally partnered with Metanoia, we love to see our team serving and helping others around the world while growing in their character and faith through these life-changing experiences.
The History and Mission of Metanoia
Metanoia Missions began in 2017, driven by a unique dual approach to short-term missions. By day, participants engage in service to others and the community. By night, there is a focused effort on personal and spiritual growth. This transformative experience is designed to challenge and uplift participants, who are often Southwestern team members, while providing valuable support to communities in need.
The foundation for Metanoia’s impactful work was laid well before its official founding. Starting in 2011, several cofounders of Metanoia Missions led numerous large-scale service projects involving 300-350 college students. These projects, taking place annually across Mexico and the Dominican Republic, included initiatives such as:
- Building community centers
- Adding additional floors to schools and safe shelters to increase the number of children who can be helped and educated
- Constructing houses for at-risk families
- Building a library wing for children and special-needs children
The team at Metanoia has an impressive track record, with over 94 combined short-term mission trips and large-scale service projects between them. Their dedication has created meaningful change for countless communities.
Recent Mission Trips
In December, Metanoia Missions & Ministries organized three incredible mission trips, each lasting one week. Here’s a brief overview:
- December 5-12: A group of seven Southwestern representatives traveled to Nicaragua to assist local communities and participate in service projects.
- December 8-16: A dozen Southwestern representatives went to the Dominican Republic to continue Metanoia’s mission of outreach and support.
- December 13-20: Another group of 13 Southwestern representatives returned to Nicaragua to conclude a month of dedicated service.
These trips exemplified the passion and dedication of Southwestern Advantage participants in contributing to global communities.
Memorable Moments from the Mission Trips
Mission trips are full of experiences that leave a lasting impact. For first time participant, Luis Nunez, Southwestern intern, sharing dinners with missionaries and local families stood out: “This experience gave me an appreciation of how people may have lost so much in their life but can still find love and hope through the Lord.” Elizabeth Mendoza, Southwestern Advantage Client Success Manager, reflected on a rainy day of playing baseball with local kids, calling it a moment of pure joy and connection despite the weather. As the leader of this trip—her first time in this role and her fifth mission trip overall—she cherished the opportunity to guide others through such transformative experiences.
Responsibilities and Projects that Help Others
Participants took on various roles to address the unique needs of the communities they served. In Nicaragua, teams worked on sustaining a local farm that supports school meal programs and a pineapple farm used for retreats. Luis Nunez explained, “The projects helped maintain programs like a local farm with an egg program to feed nearby schools.”
In the Dominican Republic, participants focused on manual labor and spiritual outreach. “We painted houses and churches, and we prayed in the streets for people,” shared first-time attendee and intern, Emory Ontko. These efforts illustrate the balance of physical work and emotional connection that defines Metanoia’s approach.
Community Impact Through Meaningful Change
The mission trips brought meaningful changes to the communities, both tangible and intangible. Nunez noted, “Of course, the work projects will help the community prosper, but being able to give the people support, knowing that others care about them, is something that can’t be replaced.”
By building connections and demonstrating values of truth and perseverance, the teams aim to leave behind not just physical improvements but a lasting sense of hope and inspiration. “I pray the seeds we planted will continue to grow,” Elizabeth Mendoza reflected.
Upcoming Mission Trips
The journey doesn’t end there. Metanoia has two additional mission trips planned for February. We’re excited to see how Southwestern Advantage alumni and participants will continue to make a difference in these upcoming trips.
About Metanoia Missions
Metanoia Missions & Ministries is an organization dedicated to transformative service and outreach. Their goal is to create meaningful change in communities worldwide by meeting the needs of those at risk and in need. It was founded by current and former Southwestern Advantage executives and sales leaders: Trey Campbell, Sara Mercier, Elizabeth Mendoza, and Olivia Benavidez. Other founders include Jon Key and Madison Campbell. To learn more about their mission and ongoing efforts, visit their website: Metanoia Missions & Ministries.
