Global Engagement: Cayla Mathias ’27 Finds Her Calling in Jamaica

Led by Karen Rouggly ’05, DMin, and Andre Pulgar ’26, Mathias was inspired to sign up for the Jamaica Relief Trip with Praying Pelicans Missions after hearing testimonies at APU’s Global Engagement chapel service. “I wanted to go on a summer mission trip, but I missed the deadline,” said Mathias. “I listened to the Lord’s calling and signed up for Jamaica over spring break, and was thrilled to be accepted.” 

After signing up, Mathias attended bi-weekly meetings to prepare for the trip, which started in February. “We introduced ourselves and shared our reasons for wanting to serve in Jamaica,” said Mathias. “While many of us came without specific expectations, we felt a clear sense of God’s calling and were committed to following where He was leading.” 

Mathias and the rest of the team left for Montego Bay, Jamaica, on February 27. The team’s goal was to help relieve some of the damage done to the community by Hurricane Melissa and spread the Gospel. “We rebuilt the foundation of our leaders’ homes. I learned how to make concrete from scratch, which was very interesting,” said Mathias. “We also led a prayer walk where we handed out resources and food to locals and led a Vacation Bible School.” Although Mathias went to Jamaica not knowing what to expect, she was surprised at the joy of the community despite the destruction it had gone through from the hurricane. “When I’d ask if they wanted prayer, their eyes would light up with joy, and they’d immediately say ‘yes,’” said Mathias. “Some of them had needs for healing, but a majority of them asked for God’s prosperity in their lives. They have so much faith despite everything that they have been through in the past few months.” Along with the community’s strong faith, Mathias also noticed how welcoming and excited the kids were to connect. Their joy and energy made a lasting impression on the team. “We walked into the building, and they got out of their seats and ran to us, giving us hugs and compliments,” said Mathias. “Every leader had between 5-15 kids surrounding them at all times.” This experience left Mathias encouraged by how much joy and connection can come from simply showing up and being present.

 While Mathias served the community in Montego Bay, she also grew in her personal understanding of God.

There was a point where I felt unworthy of being on the trip because I’d never done anything like this before. I reflected on Psalm 139, which showed me that, just because I can’t hear the Lord, doesn’t mean He isn’t always there.

Through this spiritual experience, Mathias grew closer to the girls on the trip as they faced their unease. “We all experienced feelings of inadequacy, but the Lord met us in our doubt,” said Mathias. “We ended up talking for an hour and a half, bouncing ideas off each other and cracking jokes.” Her spiritual reflection continues to impact her daily life, even after she has returned home. 

Mathias’ experience was also shaped by how open the community was to receiving God. At a point in the trip, she and the team visited Powa, a community member, at his home. His brother had recently been in two back-to-back accidents and survived both of them. “The moment we stepped into his house, the entire team could feel the Holy Spirit moving,” said Mathias. “We laid hands on his family, and everyone prayed in their own ways. A weight was lifted, and I felt so much joy.” After that day, Mathias had a better understanding of how the Lord uses prayer to impact lives. Mathias was able to talk to Pawa afterwards, where he expressed how grateful he was. “He said, ‘I know this is our last day seeing you, but I thank you for everything you’ve done. I’ve enjoyed being around you and everyone who came. We won’t forget you.’” Mathias didn’t understand how greatly she had impacted the community until that moment. 

This was not the only moment that revealed the community’s openness to God. In another instance, Mathias encountered a little boy having a rough day. He had been having a hard time following instructions and had gotten into several arguments with others. “The little boy didn’t want to speak, but I pulled him in for a hug, and he did not let go,” said Mathias. “I was told that, at the end of the day, that little boy was a completely different person.” Like her time with Pawa’s family, this moment deepened Mathias’ understanding of how the Lord works through willing hearts. “I felt the Lord tell me that this is how He comforts me in my emotions,” said Mathias. “He picks me up and spins me around like I am His child.” The community in Jamaica also taught Mathias to slow down and enjoy everything life has to offer. “Everyone moves at their own pace,” said Mathias. “In America, we speed up everyday activities, but the community in Montego Bay had no rush to be anywhere.”

Mathias wishes she could have stayed in Jamaica for an even longer period of time. “If I were given the opportunity, I could have stayed here for another week or six months,” said Mathias. “I’ve been asking the Lord to use me and refine my heart so I can pour into others, and I really feel Him calling me into missions.” Mathias hopes for her next service trip to be to Romania. “I want to help out in the orphanage, but I am leaving it up to God’s plan,” she said.

Coming back home, Mathias looks forward to implementing everything she learned in Jamaica in her everyday life. Her experience reflects Azusa Pacific University’s commitment to equipping students to live out their faith beyond the classroom, responding to God’s calling with humility, courage, and compassion. As she continues to pursue opportunities to serve, Mathias embodies what it means to be a Christ-centered leader, one who is willing to go, to love, and to trust God’s plan. As she looks ahead, Mathias remains committed to following God’s calling and serving others wherever He leads.