Short-Term Trip, Long-Term Vision: Serving with One Collective in the UK
Episode 20 | 18 Minutes | May 2, 2025
In this episode, Brenna Carson sits down with Abby Noonan, a college student from Iowa, to talk about her unexpected journey to Oxford, England on a spring break service trip with One Collective. Abby shares how a simple reference form led her to an eye-opening experience in relational ministry, the power of cross-cultural community, and what it means to trust God with both the big and small moments of service.
In this Episode:
Abby Noonan shares how she unexpectedly joined a spring break service trip to Cowley, Oxford through a friend’s reference request.
She reflects on the difference between domestic and international missions—and the unique value of relational ministry.
Abby describes conducting community surveys at “the Jungle” and how those conversations revealed the impact of One Collective’s local work.
She talks about how the team's deep reliance on prayer and God’s guidance shaped her view of ministry and leadership.
The episode explores how cross-cultural experiences can deepen faith, shift perspectives, and inspire everyday spiritual growth.
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Abby Noonan is a fifth-year biology and secondary education student at Northwestern College in Iowa. Originally from Des Moines, she’s passionate about relational ministry, community-building, and education. Abby has participated in several service trips through her college, and most recently traveled to Cowley, Oxford, on a spring break partnership trip with One Collective. Her heart for intentional connection, prayerful leadership, and cross-cultural learning continues to shape her journey as she prepares to step into her role as an eighth-grade science teacher.
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Brenna Carson: Hi Abby. How are you?
Abby Noonan: I'm good. How are you?
Brenna Carson: I am good. Thanks for being here. It's great to meet you.
Abby Noonan: Yeah, it's a pleasure.
Brenna Carson: Abby, can you start by introducing yourself a little bit?
Abby Noonan: Yeah. My name's Abby Noonan. I'm from Des Moines, Iowa, in the United States, and I go to Northwestern College in northwest Iowa, a small town. I’m a fifth-year student studying biology and secondary education. I already have a job lined up—I’ll be an eighth-grade science teacher at a school in Des Moines.
Brenna Carson: Congrats!
Abby Noonan: Thank you.
Brenna Carson: So, Abby, how did you end up on this most recent spring break trip? You went to the UK, right?
Abby Noonan: Yep. Northwestern offers spring service partnerships during our break, and we had a connection to Cowley in Oxford, England. Some of our peers have gone there on summer trips through the school. I’d been on domestic trips before, but one of my friends was applying for this specific trip and used me as a reference. As I was filling it out, I thought, “This place sounds really cool. Why not apply myself?” I ended up getting on the trip—it really felt like a sweet gift to be able to go.
Brenna Carson: That’s such a cool story. Was this your first international service trip?
Abby Noonan: Yep, first one through the school. I went to Honduras in high school with my home church, but this was my first international trip in college.
Brenna Carson: Tell us about your experience. How did it differ from the domestic trips or what you expected?
Abby Noonan: I didn’t fully know what to expect. You can only learn so much about an organization online. We had a Zoom call with the team in Cowley to get more of a feel for what One Collective is doing at the Jungle. I realized it would be more relational—our goal was to partner with them and help conduct a community survey to evaluate how well they're serving the area. That kind of work is very different from the more hands-on, manual labor tasks of other trips. It was such a great experience to be part of something relational and holistic, even though we didn’t produce something tangible. It made me really grateful for the opportunity.
Brenna Carson: What were some of the logistics like on the ground? What did those surveys involve?
Abby Noonan: At the Jungle, they have story time in the mornings for kids under four and their caregivers—tea, toys, and a relaxed environment. Some of us made tea and coffee and just chatted with parents and caretakers. In the afternoons, there was tea time for elderly community members, so we’d sit and talk with them too. During those times, some of us were on “survey duty,” walking up with a computer and asking questions. Staff would introduce us, then we’d ask things like: What are your strengths? What are the needs in the community? How can you contribute? What's a time the Jungle made you smile? Recording those stories and experiences was really powerful—hearing how the Jungle is impacting lives.
Brenna Carson: That’s really cool. It definitely sounds different from more traditional spring break service trips, but equally meaningful. Did you experience God in a new or surprising way while you were there?
Abby Noonan: Yes. It was so encouraging to be reminded of how God works through all kinds of ministry. I’ve often wrestled with the value of short-term missions, but Northwestern does a good job of emphasizing that we’re partnering with long-term workers. We’re not the solution—we're there to support. Even though our role felt small, hearing from the staff how encouraged they were made a big impact. I remember one staff member saying, “You already got 20 interviews today—we thought we’d get 20 all week!” For them, that would’ve taken so much longer. By the end of the week, I think we completed nearly 60 surveys. It was such a clear reminder that even small acts can be used by God to make a big difference.
Brenna Carson: That’s amazing. Now that it’s been a few weeks since returning, are there lessons that have stayed with you?
Abby Noonan: Definitely. One of the biggest things was witnessing how surrendered and prayerful the Jungle staff were. Every morning started with worship and prayer—it was all centered on Christ. Their ministry is so relational, and it reminded me how easy it is to rely on my own plans instead of God's. I’ve been an RA at school, so I live alongside other women and try to build community, but I’ve often tried to do it my way. This trip reminded me of the importance of prayer, surrender, and trusting God’s timing. Now, as I look ahead to teaching and being in different communities, I want to take that same posture—prayerfully and humbly stepping into relationships and being open to God’s leading.
Brenna Carson: That’s a beautiful reflection—thank you. Last question: What would you say as an encouragement or challenge to someone considering a cross-cultural spring break service trip?
Abby Noonan: First of all, I’d say: do it! It’s incredible to see God working in another part of the world. It hit me deeply—realizing the same God I worship in Iowa is the same God being worshipped in the UK. It’s such a big-picture moment, seeing how God is Lord of all nations, yet still so personal. You don’t get that same perspective going to the next town or state over. Stepping into a different culture with an open mind is powerful. Different doesn’t mean better or worse—it just shows the beauty of the global body of Christ. There’s so much to learn, and it helps expand your worldview in meaningful ways.
Brenna Carson: Yes, I love that. And if you're asked to be a reference for someone going on a trip—and it sparks something in you—follow that prompting. Thank you, Abby. Thank you for your wisdom and for sharing your story. On behalf of One Collective, we’re so thankful for your participation and for your heart for relational ministry. We really appreciate it.