Mongolia Task Force Helps Student Embrace God’s Call to Ministry

When Samuel Keller boarded a plane for Bethel University’s Summer 2026 Mongolia Task Force trip, he was stepping into the unknown. But the junior youth ministry major returned with a deeper understanding of cross-cultural ministry, a renewed trust in God and a growing sense that missions may be part of his future calling.

Although Keller had always felt nervous about participating in a mission trip, he sensed God calling him to take the next step.

“I knew that I had to get over that if I wanted to be used by God in the way He wanted to use me. Once I applied [for the trip], I felt a lot of peace,” says Keller.

During the two-week trip, the team partnered with local churches and ministry leaders, beginning their time in Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar before traveling nearly 10 hours into the countryside. Students served at an English Training Center, helping children build confidence in their English abilities, and worked alongside a local church youth group, assisting families as they relocated their traditional homes, known as gers.

Throughout the experience, Keller was struck by both the beauty of Mongolia and the hospitality of its people.

“The people welcomed us into their homes and fed us,” he says. “It felt like home.”

Working across language barriers challenged Keller to think differently about ministry and relationships. One interaction with a young girl at the English Training Center left a lasting impression.

“She was simply telling me about her cat, but I remember the joy she had,” Keller says. “It wasn’t necessarily a spiritual conversation, but God was still there and working through it.”

The trip also exposed Keller to the realities of serving in a country where only about 1% of the population identifies as Christian. Learning about the challenges believers face strengthened his faith and prompted him to consider a future in missions.

Along the way, Keller was encouraged by trip leaders Dr. Kent Eby, associate professor of missions, Jeremy Tice, World Partners missionary-in-residence, and Maryanne Ingle, resident director of Shupe Hall. Drawing from years of ministry and cross-cultural experience, the leaders created an environment where students felt encouraged, challenged and cared for.

Their guidance and commitment to prayer created an environment where students could grow in their faith while serving alongside local churches and communities.

Reflecting on the experience, Keller believes opportunities like Task Force prepare students for ministry and everyday life by helping them understand cultures beyond their own.

“It’s important to see what other cultures and communities are like because not everything is like how we’ve grown up,” he says. “Being able to partner with God is something you will never regret.”

Experiences like Task Force Trips provide Bethel students with opportunities to serve globally, deepen their faith and grow as leaders. By partnering with ministries around the world, students are equipped to make a lasting impact wherever God calls them.