SERVING AND LEARNING
For Moeller students, the trip to Salyersville, Kentucky, was about more than serving others. It was an opportunity to better understand the challenges facing the local community, build meaningful relationships, listen to personal stories and grow in faith.
The goal was not only to serve, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges of people in the community. Students spent time meeting residents, listening to their stories and gathering in prayer each evening to reflect on how God was calling them to serve.
For Randy Bruns ’27, returning to Salyersville was an opportunity to reconnect with a community that had already made a lasting impression on him.
“I went because I had so much fun sophomore year helping out, and I wanted to get back in touch with the wonderful community in Salyersville,” Bruns shared.
One of his favorite parts of the trip was sharing dinner with fellow Moeller students and residents. Whether cooking for the group or line dancing with local residents, Bruns found that some of the most meaningful moments came from simply being together.
The experience also challenged him to think differently about the things he often takes for granted.
Bruns reflected on how people in the community make the most of what they have, taking care of their belongings because replacements may not always be available. He returned home with a renewed sense of gratitude and a desire to place greater value on what he already has.
“I think it’s revealed that our materialism actually makes us care about the things we have less,” he said.
For Gavin Cornelius ’27, the retreat offered an opportunity for personal growth and reflection on how he approaches others. Through his interactions with residents, he recognized the importance of looking beyond first impressions and getting to know someone before making judgments.
"I learned a lot about myself and my judgments toward others. I learned that making judgments before knowing someone is very wrong, and it detracts from our ability to form a strong relationship," Cornelius shared.
The experience also deepened Cornelius’ appreciation for what he has and for the example set by those he met in Salyersville. He was struck by how many residents, despite having fewer material possessions, remained content and made a conscious effort to make the most of their circumstances.
"One important lesson I learned from the retreat was to be grateful for everything I have because there are many people that have a lot less and are still very happy," he said.
Inspired by the people he met, Cornelius returned home with a renewed commitment to gratitude and a greater willingness to look beyond material possessions when considering what makes a person happy.
Perhaps most importantly, the trip reminded students that genuine connections can develop between people whose backgrounds and life experiences are vastly different. Both Bruns and Cornelius came away with a deeper appreciation for the relationships they formed and the lessons they learned from the local community.
Through service, shared meals, conversations and prayer, Moeller students discovered that mission work is about more than what they can give. It is also about what they can learn from others and how those experiences can shape their faith and understanding of the world.
Bruns described the trip as a “phenomenal experience.” For both students, their time in Salyersville was a reminder that putting faith into action begins with listening, building relationships and recognizing the dignity of every person.