When Pensacola Christian College Student Body officers launched the first Mission Project in 2013, a well-loved, annual fundraiser was born. PCC has raised over $500,000 for gospel missions since, uniting students in friendship as they give for Christ.
Building a Church
For the 2025 Mission Project, Student Body officers chose to raise funds for Igreja Batista Independente de Ouro Preto do Oeste (Independent Baptist Church of Ouro Preto do Oeste) in Rondônia, Brazil, to help buy land and construct a church. Since the church’s founding in 2012, Pastor John Kokenzie and his family have ministered to those who attend in rented buildings.
“That’s the heart of the ministry—to reach that community through the establishment of a permanent church building.”
Student Body Pianist Josiah Tyler (Sr., Brazil) calls Rondônia home, and he visited the growing church during Christmas. Josiah explained, “The need right now is for them to have a permanent location that they can advertise for and bring people to—they’re booming right now as far as growth and excitement. That’s the heart of the ministry—to reach that community through the establishment of a permanent church building in that city.”
While the Student Body officers prayerfully considered many ministries, they chose the Kokenzies because of their significant need. Rather than being limited by a rented space, having property allows a congregation to construct a building that fits its needs. Additionally, a church body with a permanent location gains stability, enabling members to focus more on ministry. Student Body Vice President Alyssa DeGarde (Jr., NC) shared, “As we looked at all these projects, this ministry in Brazil had the greatest need.”
Faithful Prayer
The Student Body officers were inspired by the faithful prayer of Igreja Batista Independente de Ouro Preto do Oeste. While visiting the church, Josiah saw that the believers had entrusted their future to God. They asked God to provide funds for land and construction, viewing any amount of money raised as a part of His answer. Josiah shared, “I was very influenced by how they’ve been praying. They took the first steps as far as saving, doing fundraising, just small amounts,” he explained. “The people, in faith, took those small steps not knowing how long it could take for them to raise the money.”
“For me, the biggest takeaway is that God really does listen to your prayers, and God’s going to answer in His timing.”
Like Josiah, Student Body President Jake Dudley (Jr., NC) was excited that God was going to use PCC’s Mission Project to answer prayer. “We have an opportunity to give them a once-in-a-lifetime kind of blessing,” Jake said. “For me, the biggest takeaway is that God really does listen to your prayers, and God’s going to answer in His timing.”
Additionally, the Student Body officers desired their passion for the Mission Project to reach all students and move them to participate. Josiah shared, “I want them to feel my heart for it and care. That’s what I want the student body to take away—this is very personal, and this is very real. Their contributions make a difference.”
When Jake presented the Mission Project in the Crowne Centre during the April Student Body meeting, students had an opportunity to pray. Josiah played the piano while classmates knelt together, lifting up the same request as the believers in Brazil. Freshman Joshua Olinger (PA) shared, “I really enjoyed the meeting and praying together for this ministry. The Mission Project unifies us as a student body and allows us to come together and support a worthy cause.”
United to Give
Through the month of April, students united to give to the Mission Project through fundraising events. Kicking off with the Flower Fund, friends could order carnations for each other. When the flowers were delivered, recipients had the option to donate a dollar to reveal the giver. Amie Gross (Jr., PA) shared, “I sent a flower to my friend, and she was overjoyed when receiving one. And that alone made me happy!”
“I sent a flower to my friend, and she was overjoyed when receiving one!”
Another way students gave was by purchasing and wearing matching Missions Run T-shirts. Created by graduate assistants Julianna Brumbaugh (IA) and Michael Mercadante (NJ), the shirt features a rural scene with a church. Julianna used the geography of Ouro Preto do Oeste—where the church will be built—as inspiration. “I added rolling hills, lush foliage, and a waterfall to capture the beauty of the landscape,” Julianna explained. “The church on the side symbolizes what’s to come, giving a glimpse of the future influence this project will have.”
On April 25, students gave unified support to the Mission Project by wearing their matching T-shirts to the Missions Run—a nighttime 5k to support the Mission Project. By 10 p.m., hundreds of students had gathered on Eagle Field. Participants could either walk or run, and the top three runners for men and women were awarded Mission Project medals.
Penny Avalos (Sr., IN) was one of the medal winners. She trained with friends all spring for the race, building lasting relationships. Her hard work paid off when she finished in third place for women. “My friends and I held each other accountable for the whole semester for the 5k,” Penny said. “The constant encouragement and training truly grew our friendship.”
Even though Penny brought home a medal, she kept her eyes on the real prize: giving for Christ. She observed, “As a competitive runner, running for races that advocate to spread the gospel is always a strong and humble reminder that all our accomplishments and work are His.”
“The most important thing you can do on this campus and in the world for the cause of Christ is to give.”
After lifting the Kokenzies up in prayer and collaborating for weeks of fundraising, PCC’s student body raised a grand total of $40,229.54, giving heartfelt support to the believers of Igreja Batista Independente de Ouro Preto do Oeste in Rondônia, Brazil.
When asked why he believed the Mission Project was important, freshman Sean O’Berry (PA) highlighted the power of Christians uniting with giving hearts. “The Mission Project brings everyone together. The shared vision brings people closer,” Sean explained. “The most important thing you can do on this campus and in the world for the cause of Christ is to give. Give the gospel, give support, give discipleship training: give, give, give,” he shared. “Only by pouring ourselves out to others can we be truly filled so that we can give again.”