A Mother-Daughter Mission Trip to England

By Sammy Mull, Shield Co-Editor-in-Chief

In the summer of 2026, first grade teacher Mrs. Nicole Foster and her daughter, Lia Foster, traveled to London on a mission trip with Bay Leaf Baptist Church. The goal was to lead Vacation Bible School for the children’s program at London Chinese Baptist Church.  

The Fosters’ love for working with children inspired them to serve overseas and share their faith with the community. For Lia, a senior, the trip was also an opportunity to create lasting memories with her mother.  

The weeklong trip took the Fosters to Orpington, England, a small town outside of London. Many of the students they worked with came from a Buddhist or Muslim background. In a community where many children have little exposure to Christianity, the program gave them a chance to learn about Jesus and what He has done for them.  

Lia said one of the biggest things she learned from the trip was how curious children are about the gospel. “So many of the kids just wanted to know so much, and they were not scared to ask questions. Having confusing backgrounds with parents who have different beliefs and to have a childlike faith, they just trusted us and wanted to hear more about what we said.”  

Throughout the program, the mission team showered the kids with small gifts like lights and stickers. Mrs. Foster recalled, “Any little thing we did for them, they were just so excited about.” The Fosters were there to encourage, excite, and express love towards them. This provided both them and the children with special moments.  

For Mrs. Foster and Lia, the trip was not only an opportunity to serve but also a chance to connect with the children and hear their stories. One encounter stayed with Mrs. Foster long after the trip ended. “There was one kid in particular whose dad was Muslim, and his mom was a Christian,” she said. “He shared his testimony one day, and it was just neat to see that he was open about that, but then it was kind of sad to see that when he goes home, he probably has to keep some of those feelings inside. Obviously, it is not what his dad believes, yet his mom brings him. I pray for him a lot because I know that’s got to be a lot of turmoil.”