50 Wilmington high school students set to visit Central America for mission trip

"We sometimes forget how they impact us and change us. I'm excited to see how god works through us and them."

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY)–On Wednesday, a group of high school students from Coastal Christian High School will be heading to Costa Rica for a mission trip with a purpose. There are about 50 students from the Christian school who are excited as they prepare to travel more than 2,000 miles to Central America, helping families in need with homes and resources.

Inside Coastal Christian High School in New Hanover County, Junior Margaret Anne Noto is packing supplies to prepare for her trip, which may bring a life-altering experience.

“We sometimes forget how they impact us and change us. I’m excited to see how god works through us and them,” Noto said.

Also, going on this trip for the second time is Senior, Hailey Whitfield.

“God sent u to do this. We were a small part in his plan for those people, but we still got to make an impact,” Whitfield said.

For several months, these two and about 48 other students have been fundraising and preparing to spend a week in Costa Rica and El Salvador for their annual mission trip. Their goal is to complete the construction of a church and give back to the community.

There’s a lot of work in store for Notto and Whitfield. They say they’re going focus on the end goal, to help the community, to drive their motivation.

“I think we got to focus on we’re doing this for them, and we want this to happen so they can experience the joy,” Notto said.

The students aren’t just building homes- they’re also building connections.

“I love to see students who have a heart and a passion for other people,” Josh Lawerence, Dean of Students at Coastal Christian High School, said. “To love them well and to serve the Lord.”

For some, like Lawrence, the trip holds a deep personal significance.

“We serve a God who’s an ascending God. He sent Christ to save us and redeem us, and he calls those who love Jesus to go in and do the same,” Lawerence said.

With $12,000 the students raised, it gives them an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and truly make a difference.