Discovering Ongoing Ministry Through the Camino
January 27, 2025 | Noah Throw
Many people think of short-term trips as one-time experiences—serving for a short while, then returning home. But for Jesse Watson, his time serving with One Collective on the Camino de Santiago in Spain revealed that ministry is a journey that continues to unfold, not just for those being served but for the workers themselves.
Jesse first joined One Collective for a summer trip to Santiago de Compostela, working with Pilgrim House, a ministry that serves pilgrims at the end of their journey along the Camino. It was a time of deep personal growth for Jesse, filled with moments of solitude, prayer, and reflection.
“On my first trip, I spent a lot of time walking the Camino alone,” Jesse recalls. “It gave me space to pray and be in the Word, and that solitude really deepened my relationship with God. I realized how intentional I needed to be in seeking Him.”
A year later, Jesse returned to Spain—this time as a team leader guiding a group of students through their own short-term experience. “Coming back was amazing,” he shares. “It was cool to see that the ministry was still thriving and that the work I’d been a part of had lasting impact. But now, as a leader, I was growing in new ways—helping others experience what had been so special to me.”
Jesse’s time in Spain showed him that short-term work doesn’t end when the trip is over. “With short-term work, it can sometimes feel like you’re just there for a moment, and then you leave. But it was powerful to return and see how God continues working through what we’ve done, even after we’re gone.”
He hopes to return again—this time with his father—to walk the Camino once more. For Jesse, serving with One Collective has been about more than just one summer or one trip. It’s been a journey of seeing how God uses our gifts, big or small, to further His kingdom in ways we might not expect.
“God really showed me that the talents He gives us, like my love for storytelling, can be used for His glory. Even something as simple as sitting with a pilgrim and hearing their story is a way to serve,” Jesse reflects. “That’s a gift I can use every day, whether I’m in Spain or at home.”
Listen to the full interview with Jesse
Jesse’s experience with One Collective on the Camino de Santiago shows that short-term work is not just a one-time trip, but an ongoing journey of growth and transformation. Whether serving abroad or at home, God uses our unique gifts to impact His kingdom in lasting ways—are you ready to see how? Reach out to a Serving Coach to explore your serving opportunities with One Collective.
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