A Summer Missions Serving Experience

The Nations Next Door

Request the 2026 info packet by completing the form below!

The Nations Next Door gives students an opportunity to learn about God’s heart for the nations and engage them—right here in Louisville!

Depending on the length of their stay, visiting groups have the opportunity to:

- hear the stories of refugees and immigrants that have come to Louisville;

- visit a local mosque, temple, or synagogue;

- conduct VBS/Backyard Bible Clubs in a refugee neighborhood or park;

- participate in a cultural “Amazing Race;”

- share a cookout and games with youth from other nations,

- and much more!

One-day, weekend, or weeklong packages are available.

Participant Testimonials

“The Nations Next Door was an amazing experience especially because we got a chance to learn about the story of others like when we got the chance to listen to amazing testimonies. My favorite experience was when we got to gather with the Congolese church and how kind and welcoming everyone was. It was a glimpse of heaven being there gathered with people different from us with different backgrounds but worshiping the same God. It was fun being able to help those around us by making the Love the Hungry packages and helping at Catholic Charities with the ESL classes. In conclusion it was a chance to learn more about the people and places that are around us and a chance to give back to the community.”

— Aime, Sophomore

“There are many things that I have learned during The Nations Next Door, but one that sticks out is to not be afraid to engage with people who are different from me. Whether that be they look different, wear different clothes, or speak a different language, they are still human beings made in the image of God. And some of my favorite moments from this trip came from just simply listening to, interacting with, or having a conversation with someone different than me.”

- Parker, Sophomore

“The Nations Next Door was such a gift to me as a youth pastor. I couldn't have imagined a better way for my students to be connected to the heart of God for the sojourner and alien among us, than through the ministry of Refuge in building relationships between the local church and refugee communities around Louisville. Every one of my students came back with hearts that were stirred in love for refugees in our city, and every one of them felt the loving challenge of the call of Jesus, as the one who welcomes in the outcast, to go and do likewise in their own schools and neighborhoods. Thank you Refuge!”