From Fear to Faith: A Mother-Daughter Missional Discipleship Experience
Hannah Hammond thought the girls she leads in Mt. Bethel Church’s High School Ministry would leap at the chance to serve on a short-term mission trip to Romania. They were already accustomed to monthly Zoom calls with the residents of Missio Link International’s Deborah House, a home for survivors of human trafficking, abuse, and exploitation. And since Hannah often shared how her own trip there had shaped her life, she was surprised at the lack of response she received when announcing this year’s trip.
“Only one girl–Emma–gave me a yes,” Hannah recalled. “But I could tell Aila was interested.”
Aila McLean, then a high school senior, initially declined. “I was apprehensive about going because I’d never been out of the country,” she admitted. “And I thought I wouldn’t be able to go with my mom, which scared me even more.”
Sensing Aila’s hesitation, Hannah reached out to her mom, Jennifer. “I asked her, ‘What’s it going to take to get Aila to say yes?’” The answer: Jennifer needed to go, too.
Jennifer, an attorney, admitted that her work often exposes her to life’s harder realities, which made her uneasy about Aila traveling overseas. “I’d been to Europe but never to Romania,” she said. “For some reason, I pictured dirt roads and constant passport checkpoints—I wasn’t going to let her go without me.”
In early July, Jennifer and Aila traveled with Hannah and six others, including Emma Elmore and her mother Abby, from Mt. Bethel Church to Timișoara, where they served at Deborah House.
God at Work Across Language and Culture
Throughout the week, the Mt. Bethel team partnered with staff to share Christ’s love through simple but meaningful activities. “We did arts and crafts, played games, and led a Bible study about women in Scripture and how they found their identity in Christ no matter their past,” Aila said.
Language barriers posed challenges, but both mother and daughter saw God at work. “It didn’t take long to feel comfortable with each other,” Aila said. “Seeing them so joyful and receptive was clear evidence of the Lord at work.”
Jennifer was struck by the care residents receive. “I was blown away by how much love the House Moms and counselors give,” she said. “They care for the girls as if they were their own daughters.”
The Impact of Answering the Call
“Discipleship isn’t just a concept. When you show up, it makes such an impact,” Aila observed about her experience. “Being present changes you, too. I came home more grateful, and with a reminder that you can share Christ’s love every day.”
Serving together created special memories for mother and daughter.
“We don’t get a lot of time together, so this trip was special,” Aila said. “I saw my mom step out of her comfort zone, and it was cool to see a different side of her.”
Watching Aila lead Bible studies and pour into the girls left Jennifer deeply moved. “I was amazed at her courage,” Jennifer reflected. “She did things I never would’ve done at her age—standing up to teach, being vulnerable, building friendships. God gave her so much boldness, and it made me proud to see the fruit of her faith.”
Both returned home eager to encourage others. Jennifer, a self-described “worrier by nature,” now urges parents to let their kids go. “It was incredibly safe, so well-organized, and deeply meaningful. If you’re hesitant like I was, don’t be. Let them go—it’s worth it.”
Aila’s message to peers is simple: “I had all the same fears, but I’m so glad I said yes. The girls really want us there, and you can see how much it means to them. So, if you’re on the fence, just go. Say yes. It’s worth it.”
Learn more about Deborah House, Missio Link International, supporting Mt. Bethel Church's Missions Partners, and upcoming mission trips at mtbethel.org/missions.