It was the beginning of spring break. I'd been counting down the days since Christmas, and the Andrews University Office of Social Recreation diving trip had finally come! I was packed—with sunglasses in hand—and ready for a long week of sun and relaxation in Cozumel, Mexico.

We were a group of about 100, including Andrews University students, faculty and several of my own family members. Everyone was excited for a change of scenery and a break from the busy pace of work and school. Little did we know that God had much bigger plans for our vacation than we had.

Arriving at our hotel, an all-inclusive resort on the southwest coast of the island, we were greeted with a huge pool, a pier reaching out from the beach, volleyball and tennis courts, and several restaurants. Everyone was happy, satisfied and ready to have fun.

The vacation began and our group was having a great time. The divers told us about the barracudas and turtles they saw, while some lounged by the pool and got to know the friendly hotel staff.

Soon we became a well-known group to the other resort guests, talking with many of them about who we were and where we came from. I hoped our conversations were making a good impression on them and they saw Jesus through our actions.

The fun week came to a close all too fast. The night before our trip ended, Greg Morrow, the director of the Andrews University Aquatics Program, gave a worship talk about the impact we'd had on the people around us. He told us the dive masters were impressed with our manners and glad we didn't use bad language or drink.

I was blessed even more when I heard about Myoung Kwon's experience. Myoung, a graduate student, befriended a couple staying in a nearby room. They were Christians from Canada, and he quickly became good friends with the husband, Brian. Brian and Myoung shared very heartfelt conversations during the trip, and by the end of the week they exchanged e-mail addresses to keep in touch.

Myoung e-mailed Brian first, telling him that our group had made it "back to reality" and Michigan safely. He ended the message by saying, "Thank you for the conversations and the blessings they brought. It is just amazing how God can talk to you through His people."

Brian responded a few days later, writing, "After you and your group left, the resort seemed to be a darker place. Several groups moved in that enjoyed their drink, loud music and making general fools of themselves. The world needs our prayers. It was so good to have you and your group there."

Our experience in Cozumel reminds me of the verse in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." God is amazing! He uses His people (even when they're on vacation!) to reach the world.

Ashleigh Jardine is a freshman at Andrews University where she is studying pre-physical therapy. She is a member of the Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan.