DBU Student Kayla Norris Witnesses Lives Transformed Through the Gospel in Colombia

During the summer, hundreds of Dallas Baptist University students travel off campus to children's camps and mission trips, all with the purpose of serving the Lord and spreading the Gospel. DBU Patriot Kayla Norris spent her summer in Armenia, Colombia, where she saw God working in the lives of the people she encountered.

Growing up in a Christian family, Kayla's parents modeled what it looked like to be Christ-like. From her dad serving as the Chairman of the Deacons to her mom's role as the Assistant to the Children's Ministry Director, Kayla recalls Christ always being part of her life. Since accepting Jesus into her life at five years old, Kayla has grown in her relationship with the Lord.

As she decided which college to attend, DBU stood out to Kayla as a place where she could grow not just academically, but also in how she could apply the Gospel to real-world situations.

Entering her second year at DBU as a psychology major, Kayla has already seen how being on campus has strengthened her personal, spiritual, and professional life. She said, "I have seen growth thanks to my professors and peers who have shown me what it looks like to serve others well from a place of gentleness and selflessness."

When an opportunity presented itself for Kayla to go on a mission trip to Armenia, Colombia, for a second time, she jumped at the chance, bringing the knowledge, skills, and growth she had learned from DBU with her.

Kayla spent nine days in Armenia, traveling with e3 Partners Ministry, which her father had partnered with for eight years before her first mission trip with them in 2025. During her most recent trip, Kayla highlighted how she had numerous opportunities to share the Gospel and is grateful she once again had the chance to spread the love of Christ with this group of people.

Each day, as the missionary team would split into small groups composed of one church member, one translator, and one North American, Kayla shared that they would then be connected with a town for them to visit.

As Kayla's small group began traveling door-to-door daily in the towns designated for their group, the local church member would introduce them, and Kayla would pray with them over their needs or struggles. These prayers led to opportunities for her to share the Gospel, and Kayla was able to witness numerous people wanting to turn to the Lord. "There were men and women from all generations coming together and turning from their sins to be united in God our Father," Kayla expressed. "I also saw children who were eager to learn and share with their friends about who Jesus is."

At the end of each day, Kayla would meet with the rest of her missionary team, and the group would share any highlights and struggles they were facing.

Though Kayla experienced exhaustion at the beginning of the trip which made her feel unable to articulate her thoughts during times of prayer or sharing the Gospel, she was later encouraged, realizing that 14 out of the 18 houses her group visited had accepted Christ. "We were encouraged that even if we did not feel our best or feel equipped in certain moments, if we put our trust in God and are obedient to Him, then we could see how He could use a tired person to make Kingdom work possible," she said.

Continuing to be encouraged in how God was moving on the trip, Kayla noted one moment with a woman who greeted them outside. Immediately inviting them and asking for prayer for her daughter and grandson to be drawn to the Lord, the woman shared how she had been praying that God would send someone to her door to show her that He is still real and close beside her.

Along with sharing the Gospel with people in the community of Armenia, the missionary team got to engage in discipleship and evangelism with one another and with the translators and churches they partnered with.

As many of the translators came from local high schools and universities, the missionary group had the opportunity to share the Gospel with them as well as with the neighborhoods and cities they visited.

Reflecting on her time in Colombia, Kayla recognizes how her experiences as a student at DBU have played out during her mission trip. She has seen herself become more outspoken about her faith, and as a student worker in the DBU Library, she has also developed a deeper understanding of skills like teamwork, communication, and how to brighten someone's day.

Encouraging those who are considering a mission trip, Kayla emphasized that no matter how short the trip might be, it will change your life alongside the lives you are able to share the Gospel with. "A mission trip is not something you will regret," she shared. "Even if it did not go as you envisioned, I guarantee you will learn a lesson from God and see something that He is trying to reveal to you."

Traveling on mission trips over the past two years, Kayla has been learning not to rely on herself and to become more dependent on Christ's strength and guidance. She is grateful for the opportunities to continue to serve others on University Hill, in the DFW community, and in Colombia, and is hopeful the Lord will continue to use her for His glory and purpose.